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IsrAction Day breaks record as thousands donate food to the needy
More than 1000 people took part in the event on Sunday by donating food to help the homeless
December 18, 2017 12:43
More than 1000 people took part in the event on Sunday by donating food to help the homeless
December 18, 2017 12:43Communities across the UK and around the globe took part in IsrAction, the annual initiative which encourages people to buy Israeli food products and donate them to those in need.
More than 1000 people took part in the event on Sunday by donating food to help the homeless and beat the Israel boycott at the same time.
In the UK, grassroots Friends of Israel groups helped to turn local community centres and shuls into drop-off points and distribution centres for donated products.
People took park in North America, Europe, and the Far East, donating hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of groceries to charities.
Winston Pickett, of Sussex Friends of Israel, one of the organising groups, praised this year’s attempt.
He said: “With donations still coming in it’s too early to quantify exact amounts.
"North West Friends of Israel saw a record number of food donations in Manchester.”
Jonathan Arkush, president of the Board of Deputies took part by donating soup packets.
He said it was important to “do your bit” to support the homeless and Israel.
“Once again this year I was delighted to support IsrAction Day, which supports local causes while giving a clear message to the boycotters that they are failing.
"It is telling that where they propose a divisive, negative action, we respond with a unifying, positive one.”
Mr Pickett said the support of Mark Regev, Israel's ambassador to the UK, also helped to boost donations.
On Twitter Mr Regev wrote: “Many, many thanks to all those who have given up their free time to take part in #IsrActionDay & support food banks and homeless charities.”
Many, many thanks to all those who have given up their free time to take part in #IsrActionDay & support food banks and homeless charities today. https://t.co/sTUcopiELX
— Mark Regev (@MarkRegev) December 17, 2017
Mr Pickett added: "Globally our partners StandWithUs were able to stimulate donations from Jewish communities in Chicago to Thailand.
“All this guaranteed that unprecedented amounts of food reached the needy at this important time of year.
“We look forward to an even more successful effort in 2018."
