Global Realities

Over the past year an a half, the dollar on the global financial market has dropped significantly against other currencies. For us as Americans, this doesn't have a significant day to day impact on our lives, except for imported goods costing a bit more than they did when we had a more valuable dollar; but for the humanitarian work we do, it has had significant implications. A weaker dollar means increased cost to operate our soup kitchens. Two years ago, we were able to feed elderly people in our soup kitchens for about 82 cents a meal; today, the same meal costs us two dollars. We need to raise two dollars to do the same work that cost us 82 cents two years ago. We are very grateful to all our friends who support us on a regular basis, but between the rising costs of food in the Former Soviet Union, the devaluation of the dollar, and the rising costs of gasoline to distribute food parcels, our resources have been wearing thinner and thinner. As we make headway in raising funds, we lose ground in costs. Your regular support means a great deal to us, and to the people we are seeking to help. As you sit around your tables this thanksgiving, we ask that as you thank God for your blessings, you remember our people, and make a prayer on their behalf.

The Orphans Project

This past July, I went to Israel to discuss the details of our participation with members of the Knesset's (Israeli Parliament), social welfare lobby, in their orphans' project. Before we become involved with any such undertaking, we check out all plans thoroughly. We met for several days, and found that what we were originally told was not the case at all.

Originally, we were informed that we were to assist in bringing Jewish orphans from Ukraine to Israel, where they would become Israeli citizens, and they would live in a "Boys Town" type, group home environment. When I went to Ukraine, they showed me orphans, so I assumed they had the orphans and they wanted our help in bringing them to Israel. During the meetings, they told us they didn't have any orphans, and expected us to go and find them. This would be a monumental task beyond our resources. Next, we discovered the Ukrainian government would NEVER allow orphans to just be taken out of their country. They are concerned that unscrupulous people would take children and sell their organs on the international black market. Such things happen in the Former Soviet Union. The most they would allow was for orphans to come to Israel on a two year study visa. We were informed that it would cost us $9000.00 per child to bring the children and provide for their needs. Thirty children to come for an education program would cost us $270,000.00. We realized right away that such a project was beyond our means, and might swallow up and destroy the work we are presently doing, so we declined the project. We spent the next several days in Israel, meeting with various people, and decided to do a project of our own. We are planning to open CHEVRA ISRAEL. We believe we need to expand our work in Israel, but doing our kind of projects. We do not work with high overheads. Our current plan is to help subsidize soup kitchens that are currently in operation in Israel. One in Tel Aviv operates three days a week. We will pay for it to operate two additional days. We want to help holocaust survivors in Israel, but giving them supplemental income. As we raise more funds, we will expand the work we do in Israel as well. As for the orphans in Ukraine, we will do what we can to help them where they are, through soup kitchens and food and clothing distribution.

In September, I attended an international Russian Speaking congregations summit in Berlin, Germany, as an observer. We made many good contacts, and found ways we can help one another.

If you would like to help us with our projects in the Former Soviet Union or in Israel, please let us hear from you. In any case, we are living in very exciting times, and we have a fantastic opportunity to do a lot of good for a lot of people. I am thankful and grateful for your standing with us and praying for us, and for your support enabling us to carry out our work.

Thank you again for your help.

We need your help and covet your prayers.

Dr. Michael Schiffman
Executive Director, Chevra USA