By Anessa V. Cohen
There are many Jewish organizations out there that do wonderful things to enhance the lives of people in our community as well as in Israel. Last night I had the pleasure of attending the dinner of one of these extraordinary organizations–One Israel Fund! The evening was a double pleasure since my daughter and son-in-law, Danit and Aaron Zerykier, were honorees.
One Israel Fund works tirelessly to prepare, assist, and maintain the security apparatus throughout the areas of Judea and Samaria (Yehuda and Shomron) in Israel. Through its multitude of security projects and in close cooperation with the security chiefs of the region as well as the IDF command, it is the goal of One Israel Fund to constantly stay ahead of the threat of terrorism to these communities by providing services such as perimeter surveillance camera systems, armored patrol vehicles, communication equipment, high-tech lighting systems, and other lifesaving necessities to protect the populations of these communities from terrorist threats.
At this time, one of the more immediate mandates that One Israel Fund is planning is the creation of more shelters to ensure the ready availability of these facilities to more people in the affected communities.
Today there are nearly 400,000 Jews making their homes in over 150 communities throughout Judea and Samaria, and this region boasts one of the highest growth rates in the country.
With the growth of these communities, One Israel Fund has provided funding for communal necessities such as synagogues, mikvaot, libraries, schools, youth centers, community centers, senior centers, and playgrounds. Each of these adds to the morale and wellbeing of those already living in a community of Judea or Samaria and also attracts new families.
They also provide synchronization with security and emergency medical personnel in case of emergency medical needs. This equipment ranges from simple first aid/burn kits to advanced lifesaving equipment, bulletproof and non-bulletproof ambulances, and the construction of medical and dental clinics and regional medical centers.
One Israel Fund’s dedication to humanitarian services in communities in Judea and Samaria provides chizuk and peace of mind and gives the people living in these communities the wherewithal to live their daily lives in safety and stability.
As a parent, it was definitely a delight to see my children receive this wonderful honor last night. But in addition, it was an opportunity to see and hear about the wonderful programs One Israel Fund has in progress and to take pride in its support of fragile Jewish communities.
Anyone interested in further information about One Israel Fund can contact the executive director, Scott Feltman, at 516-239-9202. v
Anessa Cohen lives in Cedarhurst and is a licensed real-estate broker and a licensed N.Y.S. mortgage originator with over 20 years of experience, offering full-service residential, commercial, and management real-estate services (Anessa V Cohen Realty) and mortgaging services (First Meridian Mortgage) in the Five Towns and throughout the tri-state area. She can be reached at 516-569-5007 or via her website, www.AVCrealty.com. Readers are encouraged to send questions or comments to anessa.cohen@AVCrealty.com.