In the midst of a political storm that threatens to tear apart the State of Israel, Channel 14 reporter Hadas Ntanel reports on a moving story that unites the Jewish people – secular, national religious and Haredi.
Thousands of food packages were distributed to the needy this year in preparation for Passover by RIF Heritage, the umbrella organization of Shuva Israel, led by Rabbi Yosiah Pinto and his son, Rabbi Yoel Pinto.
In recent weeks, dozens of volunteers arrived at the Shuva Israel yeshiva compound in Ashdod, where two huge tents were set up with dozens of pallets filled with groceries and food. Volunteers parcel the food products into boxes and prepare them for distribution to distribution centers across the country.
In his recent talk, Rabbi Pinto touched upon the cost of living that is affecting the entire world. He mentioned that there are thousands of needy families in Israel who are unable to buy basic necessities for Passover. Rabbi Pinto said, “As long as those in need are full of sorrow, we will not back down.” “We will reach out to all the destitute and poor people and with God’s help give them a wonderful food package for the holiday.”
Rabbi Pinto has been leading the Shuva Israel Kingdom of Torah and Kindness for over 30 years and has about 100 yeshivots and branches all over the world. Each branch of Shuva Israel distributes food packages and aid to those in need throughout the year and especially on the eve of Passover.
This year, Rabbi Pinto decided to increase the number of food packages and upgrade them to include quality foods such as meat, fish and matzah. The total cost of the food package distribution project in Ashdod alone is approximately 23 million NIS, which as mentioned was donated entirely by RIF Heritage and Shuva Israel.
Behind the RIF Heritage empire of Torah and charity is Rabbi Pinto’s son and disciple, Rabbi Yoel Moshe Pinto, who is known for his profound mastery in all areas of Torah knowledge.
Rabbi Yoel Pinto is behind many initiatives involving thousands of people from around the world, such as the Daily Zohar Study Project. Ten thousand people are expected to finish the Book of Zohar on 25 Elul, the day of the world’s creation, in a massive event to be held at the Menorah Hall in Tel Aviv.
A reporter from Channel 14 accompanied the volunteers to see the impressive charity effort for themselves. See the full program.
This article was written in collaboration with Shuva Israel