Project Spotlight: Operation Winter Warmth in Israel

The Fellowship | February 16, 2021

Winter Warmth package deliveries in Golan Heights, close up of elderly man standing in courtyard, black shirt, white hat, moustache, looking off camera, sad, lonely

While most people know that winters in the former Soviet Union are quite frigid, many are surprised to learn that Israel’s winters, especially at the higher elevations, can be quite bitter.

Particularly affected by the inclement winter weather is the elderly population, especially those who live in poverty and whose housing conditions are inadequate under the best circumstances. Based on these poor conditions, The Fellowship initiated Operation Winter Warmth in 2009, and each year provides needy elderly with heating grants and blankets.

The Fellowship blog already posted about our Winter Warmth efforts for the 4,000 elderly in our With Dignity and Fellowship program. We brought them a winter gift basket with a blanket, scarf, emergency flashlight, and treats to bring cheer and hope.

Now during our continued Winter Warmth efforts, Fellowship volunteers are delivering heating bill assistance, a blanket, and scarf to 10,000 elderly living in public housing. And 5,250 families will receive $200 gift cards, which is the average cost of an electricity bill per month.

We assist elderly like David, who sent us this meaningful thank-you note:

Just to say a very big thank you for the wonderful gift I received this week from The Fellowship, a wonderful blanket, which is ideal for sleeping in the winter. No gift could be more welcome for an old person like me.
Very sincere thanks and appreciation to The Fellowship for such a thoughtful and surprising gift. I hope you are all well and safe from the coronavirus.

This winter, your love will warm the heart of an impoverished Jewish person like David.