UK campaign raises £50,000 for 500 emergency boxes to support elderly Israelis

A matching campaign in the UK has raised £50,000 for 500 emergency supply boxes to be distributed to vulnerable elderly Israelis struggling with the effects of the coronavirus lockdown.

The JNF-UK initiative was instigated to help Israelis over the age of 75 living below the poverty line, the charity doubling all committed funds to support one of the largest civilian responses to the coronavirus pandemic in Israel.

“Better than knowing your donation could save a life is knowing that it could save two,” said JNF-UK chief executive Yonatan Galon.

“By matching all donations, we have been able to double the impact of this campaign, meaning twice as many vulnerable Israelis were given a lifeline during the recent lockdown.”

The charity said that while some elderly Israelis relied on family members or friends to avoid going out, others had no support network.

“For anyone in this category staying safe at home is yet another challenge they had to overcome.”