ZIV FALL UPDATE

November 1, 2002

I. Introduction: Our Work in Israel This Past Summer

Though I have been to Israel nearly 40 times, including 27 consecutive summers working with the USY Israel Pilgrimage Tzedakah program, nothing approaches the uniqueness, intensity, and sense of purpose as this past summer. Through our up-close-and-personal front-line Mitzvah network, we spent considerable time working with many people who have been affected by the ongoing violence — soldiers and border guards who were wounded and their families, relatives of soldiers, border guards, and civilians who had been killed, and others touched by the horrors of Israel at war.

Indeed, a day and a half after I left, the bomb exploded at the Hebrew University cafeteria, taking the lives of many people and wounding dozens of others. One of those murdered was Marla Bennett, a student at Pardes and Hebrew University who had joined us in some of our Mitzvah work earlier in the summer. When Naomi and I left Israel this summer, we had looked to Marla for many productive months of creative, caring Tzedakah involvement working with Arnie Draiman, Ziv’s Agent in Israel. Arnie, Naomi, and I — and all those who knew her and knew the other victims of terror — have not recovered from this terrible loss. We dedicate this Tzedakah Update to Marla’s memory. May her memory be for a blessing.

One more note of sadness this summer: one of the Mitzvah heroes with whom we had worked for many, many years, Trudi Birger, founder of Dental Volunteers for Israel, passed away suddenly in July. Arnie and I were at the funeral, and noted that Trudi was laid to rest in a portion of a Jerusalem cemetery reserved for distinguished individuals in the Life of Israel, including Schvester Selma, pioneer nurse of Shaare Zedek Hospital; Naftali Herz Imber, composer of Hatikvah, Viscount Samuel, British High Commissioner in the days of the Mandate, and Gershon Agron, Mayor of Jerusalem and founder of The Palestine Post (forerunner of The Jerusalem Post.) Trudi’s family and friends fully intend to continue her work with the clinic, as well as her life-saving support of 50 poor families in Jerusalem’s Romema neighborhood. Their devotion to her life’s work gives true meaning to the verse in the Book of Proverbs (10:2), “Tzedakah is stronger than death.”

II. Contributions

As you will see from the contents of this update, Ziv’s Tzedakah needs have grown considerably in the past few months. Because of the significant specialized funding we are doing in Israel, many of the traditional projects that we support are not receiving sufficient money from Ziv. This situation is one that we hope we can reverse with the help of your generous donations in the coming months.

If you would like to allow us to continue with and expand our work, please send checks made out to “Ziv Tzedakah Fund” to:

Naomi Eisenberger, Managing Director

Ziv Tzedakah Fund

384 Wyoming Ave.

Millburn, NJ 07041

973-763-9396 (phone) • 973-275-0346 (fax)

E-mail: naomi@ziv.org

www.ziv.org

III. The Ziv Trip to Israel

Before describing in detail our work this summer, I wanted to make clear that our support of Israel takes many forms. Both Naomi and I have concluded that above and beyond everything else, it is our presence there — on short trips, long trips, a year or summer of study or touring or, indeed, any of the above — that is paramount.

Two years ago, Ziv conducted a HeroIsrael trip to Israel, nine full days designed to make the rounds of our Mitzvah heroes, observing them at their work, interacting with them, and learning from them. Last year, we did not have enough people to join us, though Naomi and I did go and carried on Ziv’s work from a Jerusalem base. This year the trip is being conducted in conjunction with Congregation B’nai Israel of Millburn, NJ, and we hope to have a sizable group. The dates: February 15-26, 2003. Contact Naomi for details: naomi@ziv.org, 973-763-9396. You simply cannot imagine (a) how different and exhilarating it is being there — unlike anything the media may lead us to believe — and (b) how very, very much our presence is appreciated by all Israelis.

We believe that Rabbi Neal Gold, a former Ziv intern, stated it beautifully in his Kol Nidray sermon:

When I was growing up, I always trusted my Hebrew school teachers. I trusted them, and I believed what they taught me. One thing I believed them about was what they told me about our relationship to Israel. They taught me that we loved Israel. They didn’t say we “feel good about Israel,” or that we “like the idea of Israel very much.” They said: We love Israel.

And the best way to love Israel at this time, I believe, is to be there with our sisters and brothers.

IV. Some Of Our Activities This Summer

We were given three kinds of money for our Mitzvah work: (a) our “regular” money to support our Mitzvah heroes and their projects, (b) Double Mitzvah money, which is money to buy items in local businesses that we could use for our Mitzvah work, thus supporting the Israeli economy and our projects at the same time, and (c) money specifically for victims of terror and their families.

A (very) partial list of some of our “beyond-the-normal” activities included: the purchase of air conditioners for the homes of burn victims, paying for day camp for siblings of victims of terror, subsidizing group therapy for the fiancées of IDF soldiers killed (the Israeli government provides therapy only for spouses and blood relatives), and subsidizing therapeutic horseback riding lessons for victims of homicide bombings.

In addition, a group of us discussed how we could do something for specific segments of the Israeli population particularly affected by the difficult times Israelis are presently experiencing. Some were gestures of “Todah Rabbah – Thank You,” some morale boosters, some just-nice things that made people feel good. For the overstressed social workers at Shaare Zedek Hospital, we paid for massage therapy sessions; we bought baskets of dried fruit and nuts and distributed them to the staff of the emergency rooms of the four major hospitals in Jerusalem; for the bus drivers — we went to the bus depots and distributed packets of nuts and sunflower seeds with a note saying how much we appreciate what they do, and, of course, for the soldiers — a couple of grand pizza parties, paid for by Stephanie, a young woman from Long Island who celebrated her Bat Mitzvah in this glorious fashion. Stephanie asked her guests to write personal notes to the soldiers, which we distributed to them along with the pizza, soda, cookies, candy — all the special treats that they don’t get with their army rations. It was simply wonderful, and something we are willing and able to facilitate for any future Bar or Bat Mitzvah.

And speaking of personal notes — we worked with and supported Dana Saroken, a Rabbinical student, who, with the help of her friends and e-mail, sent messages to everyone they knew around the world asking for cards, pictures, and posters of support and encouragement for Israel. She named her project, “Drishat Shalom – Dear Israel.” At last count, Dana received more than 15,000 of these fabulous cards, thousands of which were made into large posters and displayed in shop windows throughout Jerusalem. Just walking down the streets of downtown, along Emek Refaim in the German Colony or through other parts of town and seeing these notes of solidarity — it was a beautiful sight to behold.

All of this, all of it, on so many levels — relief of pain and sorrow, some fun experiences, the high of knowing someone cares — makes a difference. I repeat what I have said many times: though some of Ziv’s summer work was clearly Heaven-and-Earth-Moving, we learned once again that even the so-called minor gestures are in no way insignificant. There is no such thing as a small Mitzvah.

And of course, our thanks go to Arnie and Rena Draiman and their family for working side by side with us throughout the summer’s activities. They were a source of comfort and knowledge.

V. Opportunities For Direct Assistance in Israel as Summarized by Naomi

We have identified and are working closely with several individuals and groups that offer direct relief and support to Israeli citizens and soldiers during this latest round of violence. What follows is a brief description of the programs and their needs:

A. A Package From Home

We have been reporting about the work of Barbara Silverman and A Package From Home for nearly eighteen months. This grassroots organization is a perfect example of one person’s ability to effect change. Barbara, an American who made aliyah several years ago, knew that the soldiers fighting this latest war in Israel (particularly the chayalim bodedim, soldiers with no family in Israel) could use some extra attention. At the outbreak of the latest violence in September 2000, Barbara began A Package From Home. With encouragement and financial support from family and friends, she and many volunteers assemble gift boxes filled with some special items — snack food, a new pair of warm socks or a cap for the damp winter months, an extra toothbrush or other toiletry items and, perhaps most important, a personal note to say “Thank you” for defending this country. To date, more than 30,000 packages have been assembled and delivered to the front-lines. Today, school kids in Israel and the United States provide not only financial support for Barbara’s work, but they write many of the notes that are included in the boxes, and have also sent thousands of items for the boxes. This work is ongoing and the need is great. (Further information on this project including the support of entire troops, battalions, etc., can be found at the website www.apackagefromhome.org)

To give you a sense of the impact these boxes have on the soldiers —

“I had the pleasure of being one of the soldiers whom you managed to make happy by your package. Since we serve on the Syrian border outposts, our days revolve around guarding the borders. We walk along the fence at night even when it is cold, dark and rainy. At such a time, getting such a package including a letter expressing appreciation for the sacrifice each soldier is making strengthens their spirit and resolve. In their minds they think about Klal Israel and that every one of the Jewish people takes part in this package. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

Eliyahu

[A Package From Home/AACI, Barbara Silverman, Keren Kayemet 12, Jerusalem, Israel, 011-972-2-623-2548, emess@netvision.net.il, www.apackagefromhome.org.]

B. Israel National Therapeutic Riding Association (INTRA) and Victims of Terror

Over the years, Ziv has reported on the wonders and the miracles of therapeutic horseback riding. As the latest war has progressed we knew that it would only be a matter of time before Anita and Giora Shkedi would start to provide therapeutic riding sessions for individuals who have been injured in terrorist attacks or lost a family member(s) in such an attack. For some, National Insurance will provide this very special therapy. For others, a donation of $16 will underwrite each lesson. To date, twenty families have been referred to Anita’s program. Here is what Anita recently shared with us about this very special work:

…and then I learned about the horrible devastation at the Park Hotel in Netanya where so many innocent people were injured or killed. It was that particular attack that truly affected me and it was then that I came to a decision — I knew it was my duty to do what I could to help these “victims of terror.” I got in touch with Bituach Leumi (Israel’s National Insurance), and asked if I could help some of the local victims from Netanya and Hadera.

Suddenly my riding yard was full of families. Tonight, I interviewed two little girls who lost their mother 10 months ago in the shooting in Hadera. We talked and then drew pictures. Not once did they mention their mother’s name nor could they remember anything about her. I spoke to their father and he was in the same situation. The only thing he could tell me was that they had been married 15 years, and that his wife had grown up without a mother because the same thing had happened to her mother.

I now see orphans, children and adults without legs or arms, a child who cannot sleep or whose dreams are so bad that their life is one long nightmare. This is what the news means when it says “the injured.”

… I know that therapeutic riding will heal some of their wounds. It will not make all of their pain disappear, but it will help....

[INTRA-Israel National Therapeutic Riding Association-Mitzvah Horses, Anita and Giora Shkedi, Hadassah Neurim, Hadassah Village, 40298, Israel, Giora’s cellphone: 054-645-886, Anita’s cellphone: 067-205-886, the phone at Hadassah Center: 09-866-6305, fax: 09-796-7705, agshkedi@bezeqint.net, www.intra.org.il. Donations can be sent to Ziv for this special program.]

C. Person-To-Person Action Corps in Israel

Through the work of Laurie Goldberg, an American studying in Israel, a group of students has made several personal efforts to reach both soldiers at checkpoints and victims of terrorism hospitalized in Jerusalem hospitals. This group has delivered pizzas and other special treats to grateful soldiers, as well as much-needed underwear, snacks, toiletries and letters of encouragement from young Hebrew and day school students from around the world. While visiting the hospitals, they bring balloons, candy and other items to victims, many of whom have been hospitalized for extended periods. They also provide much-needed relief for family members who may not be able to maintain the continued visits at all times. These contacts also discover some very specific needs of these families, for which we are able to provide — immediately and with no red-tape. Funds are needed to continue this very important and personal contact.

What follows are just a few examples of the impact of this Mitzvah work:

Today I visited terrorism survivors in hospital, bringing chocolate bars and balloons. Some have been there already a month and have much longer to go. One teenager was bombed in Café Moment and her entire leg had bolts sticking out of it to hold it together. One young guy was shot by a terrorist in Neve Yaakov over a month ago, and he explained that his entire left side was riddled with bullets. Another guy was with him and he too is still in the hospital, hardly able to move his leg. Another young guy said he doesn’t ever sleep because he’s in so much pain. He was also in the Café Moment bombing. We talked to his mom too, who is having a hard time with the expense of getting to and from the hospital every single day, she lives all the way across the city. They all visit with each other, this young group of terrorism survivors, and that was so nice to see how they keep each other company. The entire visit had a strong emotional impact on me that I haven’t yet had time to process.

One of the most powerful moments came with our final visit, to an older woman who was in the Passover bombing in Netanya. Her spirits were very low and she kept talking about wanting to have peace and for the attacks to stop. We talked for several minutes before I noticed the tattoo on her forearm from the Holocaust.

I went again today with a group of Pardes students to visit the soldiers who are in Bethlehem. This group today just left Bethlehem and is going home on Friday, after a month of emergency reserve duty. They were taking a bunch of tanks and loading them on trucks to transport to their base to make repairs. Someone has a list from the internet of things the soldiers need, so we brought toothpaste, handi-wipes, energy bars, nuts, drinks and even underwear! We were going to bring pizza but the list didn’t suggest that. Well, when we asked the soldiers what they wanted…they said pizza!

They said that the warm food they’re supposed to get for meals is ice cold by the time it arrives to them and they get very hungry for normal, warm food. (though I must say they did seem very happy to eat the stuff we brought...)

Also, they showed us a big red box on the side of the street where they put leftovers that they don’t want that the next group of soldiers can take, so that eventually everything gets used/eaten within a day or so. They always share with each other, several times when I’ve gone there and held out a bag of sunflower seeds or something they’ll say, “give them to those guys over there, they just came out and we’ve already been out for a few hours already,” or “I’m going home tomorrow but these guys have a week left, give it to them,” something like that. They are very giving towards each other.

One soldier said a kindergarten teacher had just come by with letters that her class had written to the soldiers and he said that’s better than anything else. I told him about kids in America writing notes/pictures and he said, “That’s even better!” I guess they know that the Israeli population is supporting them, but to get notes from American Jews showing support, that’s extra-special. He said the notes warm his heart. As we were leaving I told a soldier nearby that next time we would bring pizza. And he said, “Just bring your smiles, that’s really what we need.” Another soldier wanted us to stay and visit longer but we had to get back to class.

Donations for Person-to-Person Action Corps can be sent directly to Ziv with an appropriate notation on your check.

D. The Non-Profit Organization [Amuta] for Emotional Support of Girlfriends of Fallen Soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces

Clearly one of the most emotional meetings we had this summer was with Phyllis Heimowitz and her daughter, Tamar. While the story they shared was heart-breaking, it also exemplified the power of the individual to change the world. In 1997, Phyllis’s daughter, Michal, was about to become engaged to a fine young man, Avi Booker. Only days before they were to announce their engagement, Avi was killed in Lebanon. The Heimowitz family was faced with a daughter devastated by this profound loss. It was that impetus that prompted Phyllis and her family to start this incredible program that runs support groups for girlfriends* and fiancées of soldiers who die during their service. The groups, run by a professional therapist trained in this area of counseling, offer significant support to these women who, though just as needy, are not eligible for the vast amount of help offered by the government to blood relatives and spouses of fallen soldiers. The ongoing war has, unfortunately, provided Phyllis with a steady supply of distraught women, and now some men as well, who have lost their girlfriends or fiancées to the war. The groups meet weekly for the first three months and then sessions taper down. The cost for a professional therapist is $140 per session, which includes up to 10 people. The cost for the first three months of a session is approximately $1,680. By the end of May, three new groups had formed due to the increased hostilities, and in early October Phyllis formed her tenth group.

Prior to the current war, the administrative costs of this organization were covered almost entirely by friends and family. Today’s needs have quickly outpaced their available resources.

*We are aware that in English the term “girlfriends” is no longer appropriate. In Hebrew, the term does not carry a negative connotation.

[The Non-Profit Organization [Amuta] for Emotional Support of Girlfriends of Fallen Soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces, Phyllis Heimowitz, 6 HaHavatzelet Street. Kir-On, Israel, 03-534-7860, heimw@netvision.net.il.]

E. Romema Project

For many of the very poor families of the Romema neighborhood in Jerusalem, Trudi Birger was a lifesaver. She accepted responsibility for assisting 50 families by providing them with food, clothes, school supplies, and money for medical care and education. When we last met Trudi before her death this summer, she shared that, over the years, more than 250 children from the Romema neighborhood had gone on to higher education because of her efforts. Anyone can consider “adopting” one of her families. For a relatively small sum of money each month, your “adopted” family can be supplied with many of these essentials...In some cases the need is for childcare, school supplies, medical expenses, occasional clothing needs or other incidentals.

[Zev Birger, 2 HaMeyasdim St., Jerusalem, 02-643-6628, birgert@netvision.net.il.]

F. Direct Support to Social Workers

As noted in another part of this report, there is no one in Israel at this time who is not a “victim of terror.” For those who have not been directly affected by the war, the pain of poverty, illness, and hunger still remain. The only difference is that there are fewer resources to meet those increased needs and it is the hospital and public social workers who are faced daily with unmet critical needs for their clients. In all instances, these are needs that are not covered by National Insurance or other resources. In some cases, small sums of money such as for transportation or childcare can make a huge difference in the lives of people living with illness and poverty. We have been working with some of these social workers and have provided critical support on several occasions.

Donations for this aspect of our work should be made directly to Ziv with the appropriate notation on the check.

G. Ongoing Giving

While we have supported the work of Dr. Eliezer Jaffe and the Israel Free Loan Association for many years, it is only now, during the current war, that we were made aware of just how important this special organization’s mission is. With the extreme economic downturn and general unrest in the country, the availability of free loans is even more critical. The fact that any funds donated actually “keep giving” over and over again makes this a very special form of Tzedakah. We have facilitated several gifts to IFLA on behalf of our donors.

[IFLA, c/o Dr. Eliezer Jaffe, 37 Azza St., Jerusalem, home phone: 02-563-7450, mselijaf@pluto.mscc.huji.ac.il, www.freeloan.org.il, www.givingwisely.com. IFLA: 64 Azza St., POB 4579, 02-563-0248, fax: 566-9504. ]

To conclude this section on our Israel activities, it would be good to recall the words of the Prophet Zechariah (8:4-5) —

Thus said the Lord of Hosts:

There shall yet be old men and women in the squares of Jerusalem,

Each with staff in hand because of their great age.

And the squares of the city shall be crowded with boys and girls

Playing in the squares.

VI. The Next Ziv Mitzvah Heroes Conference: Raleigh-Durham, NC, January 31-February 2, 2003

This is our 5th conference, and the second of two funded by a grant from the Covenant Foundation as part of our program to establish Mitzvah-Oriented Communities. It is a grand opportunity to meet many of our Mitzvah heroes and to learn from them as our best teachers of Tikkun Olam. We recently came across a statement made by a certain Alan Ashley-Pitt, which we believe best describes the impact of these conferences:

The person who follows the crowd will usually get no further than the crowd. The person who walks alone is likely to find himself in places no one has ever been.

We have witnessed this truth time and time again after each of these four conferences. Consider joining us. Contact Naomi for details.

VII. Ziv’s Worldwide Work

While anyone reading this Update may conclude that the bulk of Ziv’s work is carried out in Israel, long-time supporters of our efforts know that we have many, many programs both in the United States and in other countries around the world. Indeed, our last annual report described more than 100 such programs and we continue to work with them on a daily basis. Though the war in Israel has taken up much of our time, we must report that the economic downturn in this country has made it even harder for many of them to continue their important work. Over the past six months we have had an unprecedented number of “emergency” calls from many of our Mitzvah heroes who report that their funding is diminishing and they are in danger of ceasing operation. Since September 11, 2001, when the world as we knew it changed forever, philanthropy in this country has been altered in many ways. The devastating effects of that attack diverted funds to the ongoing recovery and needs of the victims. The continuing war and economic downturn in Israel has Jewish donors disbursing more funds to Israel, while at the same time limiting their gifts to American and other world-wide Jewish causes whose needs have also increased. Whether it be Jews in the Former Soviet Union, hungry people in cities and towns throughout this country, Shoah survivors living out their final days in poverty….the list goes on — the needs continue and we will endeavor to meet them in whatever ways possible.

VIII. Ziv’s Wish List:

A. Money for Salaries: I repeat from last year and previous years — Ziv has always had a policy of raising funds separately to pay for salaries. We feel very strongly about not using a percentage — however small — of donations to pay the people who work to make Ziv run so smoothly…and it appears likely that this year we will not have sufficient specially-dedicated funds to cover those salaries. Finding this money is a time-consuming and emotionally-draining struggle, and for me, personally, my greatest worry. Once again I mention that we are looking for a “Sugar Mommy” or “Sugar Daddy” to solve this problem. Please contact us if you can personally facilitate this or know someone who might want to make this happen.

B. Donating Air Tickets: Ziv has saved thousands of dollars in the past few years because individuals have donated air tickets. The tickets are used to bring our Mitzvah heroes to the conferences and to other important events. They will also be used to allow Naomi to participate in various programs around North America that she would otherwise not be able to attend. Contact Naomi for details on procedures for donating tickets to Ziv. Such donations are tax-deductible.

IX. Additional Important Updates

A. The Ziv Website – www.ziv.org — has many recent additions: (1) a section about supporting important programs in Israel, (2) Bar and Bat Mitzvah project suggestions, (3) some of my articles on Tzedakah – projects, texts, stories of Mitzvah heroes, as well as many other features. We hope to post photographs from our summer work in the near future.

B. The Power of Mitzvah Gifts: For the past two years we have reported on the very important and meaningful work of MayaWorks, a volunteer organization dedicated to improving the lives of Mayan women in very remote areas of Guatemala. Over the years the women in these villages have been crafting beautiful items for sale in the United States. It was the introduction of the kippah to their repertoire of handcrafted items that has truly transformed their lives.

As we travel around the country and display these beautiful creations, the response has always been immediate — “Where can I get one?” “I want these for my son’s Bar Mitzvah/daughter’s wedding!” “What beautiful colors!” In brief — they are an instant hit. So much so that last year Ziv and Ziv supporters were responsible for more than $10,000 worth of product. This is an astounding figure when you consider the poverty and economic distress of the region. Our purchases have transformed many, many lives. We remind you to be in touch if you want further information about bulk orders of these kippot. You can also read about the project at the following website: www.mayaworks.org. It is a beautiful story worth repeating at every opportunity.

X. A Personal Message From the Managing Director

Though I have not traveled to Israel quite as many times as Danny, I must admit that this, my 15th trip to the Holy Land, was unlike any other.

At first, it was difficult to identify just what it was that made it so different from previous trips. To a first-timer, the country probably looked remarkably “normal” for a place that has been battered by daily attacks or threat of attacks. People were out and about shopping, enjoying coffee at the local cafés that seem to spring up at every corner, kids went off to day camp and even the famous shuk, Machane Yehuda, appeared to be busy. But — to the veteran traveler it was indeed different. There was definitely something in the air that set a different tone. Perhaps it was the increased number of empty storefronts in downtown Jerusalem, or the fact that you could walk down Ben Yehuda Street on Friday afternoon without getting jostled by the crowds. More telling, if you were quick enough to notice them, were the new memorial plaques that have sprung up at the sites of past terrorist attacks — Café Moment, Sbarro’s, the shoe store on Jaffa Road, a bus stop in Gilo….Israel is once again in the “memorial mode.” If you spoke to any young couple, they would share that they no longer venture out to the movies together or even the supermarket. In their homes is a folder with important information about what is to be done if, God forbid, the parents were both struck down in a terror attack.

Thanks to the generosity of so many of our donors, it became our duty to help “victims of terror” in whatever ways we could. The first lesson we learned in this endeavor was that there is NO ONE who is not a “victim.” Whether you have sustained serious injury in an attack or not, everyone living in that country has been affected in some way — bus drivers and their families who pray every day that the bus they are driving will not be the target of an attack, the social workers whose jobs now run 24/7, wear a beeper at all times, and only wear flat shoes to work so that when the alarm is sounded that there has been an attack they can literally run to the emergency room and set up vital communications for family and friends of the injured and dead, mothers and fathers who must send their kids off to school on a public bus that may be targeted, the dishwashers and waiters at hotels and restaurants that now stand empty….everyone has become a victim to the ongoing violence and the subsequent economic devastation that now grips the country.

Once we recognized that the victims were all around us, it did not take very long to find ways both ordinary and creative to help. In some cases, we provided for very typical needs — clothes or toys for a family who had not only lost its mother and three siblings but also their home and all possessions in the fire that resulted from the attack, or an air conditioner for a young boy who had been badly burned in an attack. On the creative side, as mentioned above, we also put together huge baskets of dried fruit and nuts and delivered them to the emergency room staff at the four hospitals in Jerusalem — were they not also worthy of a kind gesture to recognize the terrible conditions in which they had to work? In this particular act of kindness, we were also able to employ what we came to call The Double Mitzvah Principle. If we bought the nuts and dried fruit at the stand near Jaffa Road we were also stimulating that merchant’s already greatly-diminished business. Time and time again, we pursued this special formula — in addition to giving the Rabbanit Kapach funds to help her clothe people who were in need, we went downtown to the shoe store on Jaffa Road and purchased gift certificates that she could hand out. We did the same thing with gift certificates from a downtown restaurant and supermarket. We also purchased gift certificates for business lunches at struggling downtown restaurants and handed them to soldiers and border patrolmen who were working in the area. In each of these cases and more, we were able to impact more than one person or family at the same time.

One further lesson we learned in carrying out our work is that giving away money is not easy if you wish to do it with due diligence and care. In many ways, the situation in Israel resembles what followed September 11 in this country. In addition to the many organizations that have stepped forward to raise funds for victims’ needs, there are also government insurance benefits to take into account, as well as very extensive benefits offered by the IDF to families of soldiers who have either been killed or injured. In all cases, we attempted to first identify what other sources were available and when we were satisfied that we would not be duplicating those funds, we offered help. Frequently, Ziv funds were used to cover initial expenses not immediately available from National Insurance. In some cases we underwrote the costs of items that National Insurance would not cover, such as daily cab expenses to the hospital for the mother of a young man injured in an attack. When there is limited income, daily cab rides can be a terrible strain on a budget.

One of the conversations that we had with a social worker at a Jerusalem hospital was particularly enlightening as we went about the business of “helping out.” Our usual query, “how can we help victims of terror?” was met with an interesting and poignant observation that represented the feelings of many of the Jerusalem hospitals’ social workers. Their concerns were similar to what has been previously stated about exactly who is a victim. If you have two 10-year-olds sharing a hospital room, one the victim of an attack and the other, say, hospitalized due to a road accident, how can you expect the 10-year-old injured in a road accident to understand the steady stream of flowers, balloons, visitors, or, perhaps, a laptop computer showered upon the youngster who survived the attack? Did the road accident victim ask for his injuries? Of course not! What makes him less worthy of this abundance of attention than his room-mate who was unfortunately at the site of a terror attack? It is a difficult situation and underscores the point we made earlier, “there is no one in Israel who is not a victim in this war.” It took a great deal of talk and discussion amongst ourselves as we attempted to sort through the issues I have described. We believe that we have acted in an appropriate and thoughtful manner.

There is no doubt in my mind that all that we accomplished was spectacular, awesome, life-saving, but — the fact that we were there, standing side by side with Israelis, was what was really most important and most appreciated.

XI. In Conclusion

Our ever-growing impact: More people read about our work, more and more people visit our website, more and more people send donations, and while we may not be the exclusive founders of certain projects, we have been largely responsible for spreading the word around the North American Jewish community in areas such as Bar and Bat Mitzvah Mitzvah projects, the centrality of Mitzvah heroes in the Tikkun Olam World View, cellphone donations, Mitzvah cribs, publicizing Dr. William Thomas’s Eden Alternative revolution in nursing homes, and so much more. We are heartened by the impact our work has had and owe it to you, our readers, who continue to spread the word of our work — telling others, replicating programs in your community, adopting your favorite Mitzvahs and catching the excitement of it all.

Since 1981, you have put at our disposal more than $5,000,000 to give away to Mitzvah heroes hard at work making grand Tikkun Olam. Yishar Kochachem, all the more strength to all of you. We are grateful that you are all a part of this work. ,May we have the privilege to continue performing the Mitzvah of Tzedakah together long into the future. Indeed, our good friend Laurie Goldberg, who has performed some of the most meaningful Mitzvah work in Jerusalem this past year, concludes her e-mails with a wonderful quote from Richard Bach, which we believe expresses it most appropriately:

Here is the test to find

whether your mission on earth is finished.

If you’re alive, it isn’t.

Lechaim-To Life!