Rising Poverty in Israel in the Wake of October 7th .Partner in Migdal Ohr’s Chag Saveah – “Full Holiday” for the Children Campaign to Feed 25,000 Families in Need this Pesach

As Pesach approaches, the staff and volunteers of Migdal Ohr are out in full force, operating a major nationwide Chag Saveah – “Full Holiday” for the Children campaign. This bi-annual initiative was started by the teens of Migdal Ohr and is dedicated to distributing food baskets to families in need before Rosh Hashanah and Passover.

This major project is broadcast on Israeli TV and news stations and delivers nutritious foods to over 25,000 of the most vulnerable children and families struggling with food insecurity before the holidays. The organization has dedicated this year’s giving in loving memory of Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir Bibas z”l, and all the children and families lost on October 7th. We hope that the unity and generosity this campaign inspires will elevate their memories and serve as an eternal merit for their families.

Join us to ensure that tens of thousands of Israeli families can celebrate with dignity and joy:
👉 www.migdalohrusa.org/passover

Hundreds of Thousands of Israel’s Children Are Hungry This Pesach

With over 872,000 children in Israel living below the poverty line, the Chag Saveah campaign is a lifeline for families struggling to put food on the table during Pesach. Migdal Ohr’s students, together with hundreds of volunteers from youth movements, the IDF, and various companies, unite to ensure that no child is left behind during these meaningful times of the year.

A recent survey conducted by Menachem Lazar of the Lazar Research Institute for Migdal Ohr paints a bleak picture of poverty in Israel. A majority of survey participants (54%) reported that the October 7th war significantly impacted their economic situation—42% said it hurt them “quite a bit” and 12% said it hurt them “a lot.” Meanwhile, 40% reported no economic impact, and 6% were unsure.

A Local Campaign Sparked by Children, Now a Nationwide Effort

Chag Saveah for Children began in 2004 as a grassroots initiative led by students from Migdal Ohr’s educational institutions in Migdal HaEmek, in northern Israel.

Understanding the value of giving, these students—who themselves receive a values-based education and full support—felt compelled to pay it forward by assembling and distributing food packages to other children in need. What started with 500 food packages has grown into a nationwide movement touching tens of thousands of lives annually.

Rabbi Grossman, the founder of Migdal Ohr, recognized their vision and helped them grow it into a major nationwide initiative.

This Year’s Chag Saveah Distribution & Cash Assistance for Bereaved and Vulnerable Families

This year, multiple food assistance programs are being operated to meet the urgent need for holiday help.

When you contribute to Chag Saveah for Pesach, your gift sponsors matzot, nutritious holiday foods, and essentials for:

• Migdal Ohr’s dorm families

• Families of fallen soldiers

• Victims of October 7th

Distribution Highlights for 2024:

• Basic Holiday Food Packages – 8,000 families will receive essential foods to celebrate with dignity.

• Fresh Meat, Chicken, Fish & Eggs – Distribution points across Jerusalem and central Israel will provide nutritious holiday meals.

• Vouchers for Soldiers – 500 soldiers will receive $180 holiday vouchers.

• Vouchers for Families in Need – 1,100 families will receive $180 each to purchase holiday essentials.

• Extra Support for Large Families –

  • 500 families with 2 children: 1,000 NIS each

  • 260 large families (5+ children): 2,000 NIS each

• Direct Emergency Assistance – Funds for orphans and IDF widows impacted by recent tragedies.

By helping them set their Seder tables, you’re giving more than food. You’re offering hope, strength, and the will to carry on during incredibly difficult times.

Rabbi Grossman: “We Must Help Families Who Used to Be Our Donors”

For over 20 years, this campaign has united Israelis from all backgrounds—secular and Haredi, soldiers and students, celebrities and politicians—in a national movement of unity and compassion.

Under the leadership of Rabbi Yitzchak Dovid Grossman, Chag Saveah continues to embody the spirit of giving, ensuring every Jewish family can celebrate with dignity.

Rabbi Grossman recently told Maariv:

“Every year, we are forced to deal with a constant increase in demand for food aid
and are required to provide a solution to all those families who enter the circle of
distress for the first time in their lives. These are families who used to donate to the
campaign and who now need our help themselves.

Personally, I am struck by the gap when I see skyscrapers rising in Tel Aviv and
hear about high-tech companies getting rich, and the reality is, unfortunately, that
there are hundreds of thousands of children in Israel who live in poverty. Thanks to
our partners and many donors, we will achieve our mission of saving Israeli
society.”

Join Us – Help Feed Israel’s Vulnerable Families Before Pesach

This holiday season, you can make a tangible difference in the lives of Israeli children and families impacted by war and poverty.

Give securely online today 👉 www.migdalohrusa.org/passover

Together, let’s ensure that every family in Israel celebrates with happiness, dignity, and hope.