Community Magazine September 2019

30 Community Magazine Every Shabbat, a Lurie sibling delivered the first bowl of hamin to another neighbor who was hungrier than they were. "I remember walking over the cobblestones of our courtyard in the Bukharian Quarter trying not to spill the bowl of hamin while smelling it," he said. Similarly, the young Aryeh often shared half of his sandwich with classmates who came to school empty-handed. These were significant lessons learned from his Iranian and Iraqi parents: Not having enough to eat or warm clothes to wear needs not break one's generosity of spirit. Rav Aryeh carried that awareness with him throughout his childhood and adolescence. Later, he and his Persian wife shared their earnings with the needy. They moved their large family into a smaller apartment and converted their house into a center to feed hungry children. Yad Ezra V’Shulamit is Born In 1988, when the house became too small to accommodate the numbers of the needy they supported, Rav Aryeh founded Yad Ezra V'Shulamit, which he named after his parents. Today, Yad Ezra V'Shulamit boasts a Children's Center in Jerusalem and in Bat Yam, where hundreds of children are fed every day. A third Children's Center in Zefat is scheduled to open this year. It will serve an additional 450 children daily who live below the poverty line. "The average person can't appreciate what poverty is," says supervisor Tefilla Buxbaum, who has been with the organization since 2007. "It means sending children to school with only the crusts of bread left behind from sandwiches they ate the day before, or with no food whatsoever." Tefilla recalls one little girl who kept asking for a plastic bag day after day. When asked why she wanted it, the child acknowledged that her sister was at home sick, and couldn't come to the Center for her midday meal. Therefore, every day she would bring part of her meal home for her sister, so she could have what to eat. The children not only lack food; they also are lacking the basic necessities. Tefilla recalls a little girl who arrived at the Center one rainy day in the dead of winter. She was wearing sandals and socks, and only had a sweater to keep her warm. She immediately received a brand-new coat and boots. "Do you know how a child feels who didn't have a coat and who gets a coat?" recalled Tefilla. Yad Ezra V'Shulamit now gives brand new winter clothing to thousands of children annually. It makes the children feel equal to their peers, and gives them the basics necessities so fundamental to growing up into accomplished adults. After eating a tasty warm lunch at the Center, usually chicken, vegetables, and a starch, counselors help the children with their homework. Those with learning disabilities or behavioral problems get remedial therapy, paid for by the Center. The Center is continuously abuzz with songs, games, and activities that keep the children engaged. They are provided with the same recreational opportunities afforded to children from wealthier families. "We take in children who would grow up with a void in their lives. For many, they have no food, and the mother isn't at home, and we provide themwith what they need to succeed in life. If not for this care, many would end up on the streets," Tefilla says. In addition to helping children, every week over 3,000 food baskets are delivered throughout the country. The hagim are particularly challenging. Last year 40,000 families received food baskets or food vouchers for a local grocery store. The sheer amount of food Yad Ezra V'Shulamit distributes throughout Israel is staggering. Zahava’s Success Story Zahava is one of the thousands of fortunate children rescued from a life of poverty by Yad Ezra V'Shulamit. Zahava vividly remembers all the kindness she received over the years from staff and volunteers, and now she wants to reciprocate. Zahava now donates tzedakah every month to the organization that provided her with a better childhood and adolescence than she ever would have had without their help. Rav Aryeh stated, "We feel blessed to have contributed to Zahava's success, and wish her all the best for the future. It is truly in the merit of our generous donors that lives can be turned around like this." To feed a child or give a family a food basket for the holidays, please go to www.yadezra.net/holidaybasket. “We take in children who would grow up with a void in their lives. For many, they have no food, and the mother isn't at home, and we provide them with what they need to succeed in life. If not for this care, many would end up on the streets." 3,000 food baskets are delivered weekly throughout Israel. Hundreds of underprivileged children receive a hot meal daily at Yad Ezra V’Shulamit.