Rabbi Rabbi MK Yisrael Eichler paid a special visit to Chasdei Naomi in order to gain first-hand knowledge of the challenges faced by the organization, particularly in light of the economic policiesrecently adopted by the Israeli government.
During the course of his visit, Rabbi Eichler noted that his presence was of great importance because as he regards himself as a champion of the disadvantaged sectors, and he stressed his desire to see for himself just how difficult the situation is.
His visit began at the Armonot Chen banquet hall complex where the organization’s founding President, Rabbi Yosef Cohen, noted the great service that the banquet halls provide to widows and orphans by enabling them to hold celebrations like other people, at cost, and without fear of embarrassment, inasmuch as guests cannot distinguish between celebrants who have paid full price and those who have received a subsidy from Chasdei Naomi. Rabbi Eichler went on to visit the Chessed Netto store located in the banquet hall complex, where he was impressed by the supply of suits and other clothes ready and waiting to be purchased or given away for free to those in need of them.
One could hardly have failed to discern the excitement on Rabbi Eichler’s face as he grasped the store’s display of genuine chessed (compassion) towards orphans and widows unable to purchase clothing suitable for celebratory events and holidays: it was with them in mind that Chessed Netto, which operates in the guise of a “regular” store, was founded.
From there Rabbi Eicher was taken, after refreshments, to one of Chasdei Naomi’s branch facilities, where he witnessed first-hand the hard work of the organization’s devoted volunteers as they packed fruits and vegetables for families unable to afford even basic food items. Rabbi Eichler warmly commended the volunteers and lauded their outstanding contribution to the Jewish people.
Rabbi Eichler’s memorable visit concluded at the organization offices, where CEO Moshe Cohen gave him an overview of Chasdei Naomi’s activity and of the difficulties and thorny dilemmas that it faces. He warmly thanked Rabbi Eichler for visiting the organization – noting that any visit of this kind “strengthens us and it means a lot to us to know that even in the Knesset there are those who see eye to eye with us with regard to helping needy families.”
Rabbi Eichler ended his visit with warm wishes for the coming year and a prayer that the year should witness a decline in the number of poor people; he noted, however, that should no such decline occur, Chasdei Naomi would be able to assist them thanks to the help that it receives from the public, which gives of its time and money so that the mission may be accomplished.
