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Delivering Food in the Midst of Lockdown

May 25, 2020

I have a deep appreciation for you for continuing to stand with Bridges for Peace and the people of Israel during this time of extreme crisis. Although Israel is starting to open back up after almost two months of lockdown, the economy has not even started to recover. A total of 26% of the workforce lost their employment and now only a small number of them are back at work. 

We had already decided that we would continue standing with the Israeli people—and continue delivering food—as long as we were able to do so. We made the decision by faith. With the COVID-19 virus impacting the whole world, we were all operating in an environment of uncertainty. We didn’t know what our income levels would be. 

We continued to work throughout the lockdown. We were able to do so because of favor with the Jerusalem and Karmiel municipalities. More than once the police stopped our team while they were out on deliveries, asking why they were out. Because our team was able to show the permits for essential workers, they were able to continue distributing food.

In addition to direct distribution of food, we work through many organizations and 18 municipalities. We continued to deliver to all these places throughout the lockdown.  One of the organizations we assist in Jerusalem called us saying not to bring their regular food order because they had no way of delivering it to the people. The staff members were in lockdown, as were the elderly immigrants from the former Soviet Union—many of them Holocaust survivors—whom they assist on a regular basis. Our team members were horrified. How could it be that 130 of the most at risk members of society would not receive food they were undoubtedly counting on? We called the organization back and told them we would deliver to each of the people if they would give us the contact details. Then we mobilized. One person was responsible to plan delivery routes. A team was responsible to prepare the food parcels. Then three two-person teams went in our vans from apartment to apartment delivering food.

This is the heart of the Bridges for Peace team. We find ways to fix problems. We put our whole heart into our work. We are not willing that even one person will go without their much-needed daily bread. 

Last month I wrote about the 1,200 Holocaust survivors in Karmiel for whom we were preparing food parcels. Subsequently we delivered 25 pallets of food to the city’s Social Welfare department for distribution. Just getting the food to them took a whole day. They were delighted and so excited to begin the distribution. 

A farmer who grows peonies for the European market was unable to ship his flowers. It looked like the entire crop would be lost. We decided to help him—at least in a small way. We delivered bouquets of peonies in addition to the regular food parcels to our dear Holocaust survivors. Some of them cried because they were so touched. 

Additionally, the more than 21,000 people who regularly receive food from us continued to have food throughout the lockdown.

This is what our work is about—love. We lovingly provide good, nutritious food—and sometimes we give flowers as well.

Your gifts are so thankfully received. We know that your community is in difficulty as well. That has made your gifts even more precious to us. With your help we have been able to continue the work of Bridges for Peace. While we know God is our source, we also know He uses people to accomplish His plans. Thank you for being used by Him to show love to Israel at this time. Your gift, whether small or large, will be invested in God’s Kingdom purposes. The needs are huge at this time, and we are calling out to the Lord for the funds to be able to continue feeding the people of Israel.

We are also committed to praying for you and your family on a daily basis. We believe God is blessing you because you choose to bless Israel and her people. Our prayer for you is found in 3 John 1:2, “Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.” We pray for your health, prosperity and spiritual well-being. 

Blessings from Israel,

Rebecca J. Brimmer

International President and CEO

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