About Yad Chazaka
Our Goal
To simplify the art of giving to organizations serving the needs of the citizens of Israel. It has always been the larger organizations with vast resources and public relations that have been successful receiving large contributions from abroad. Through the efforts of YAD CHAZAKA, we hope that smaller organizations will also receive the attention and recognition they need and deserve. We have discovered hundreds of smaller self-help and non-profit organizations in the fields of health, science, sports, education, religion and culture, which have been established to improve Israeli society via private projects. These non-profit organizations, range from the small, one-family, interest-free loan (gemilut chasadim) funds to the “name-brand” educational, religious and medical organizations. The quantity of non-profit, volunteer work which is going on in Israel today, has reached record-levels. This amount of volunteer activity in Israel seems to increase with hard times, almost as a natural Jewish response to hard times. YAD CHAZAKA will help you get involved and stay involved!
Program History
YAD CHAZAKA was conceived by Stuart Katz and Fred Wilkowski in an effort to encourage others, children and adults, to get involved and to give to Israel – not only in turbulent times but in happy times as well. The purpose is to further the awareness to, and remember, organizations of all sizes and of all purposes that assist the citizens of Israel. The YAD CHAZAKA donor lives according to the belief of “v’ahavta l’reecha kamocha” – love your neighbor as yourself – the principle of gracious giving that is read about each and every week in the Torah.
The Bracelet Program
The special collectable YAD CHAZAKA awareness bracelet has been made in honor of all the organizations in Israel and abroad that perform work on behalf of the Jewish Homeland. The blue bracelet can be worn by men, women, and children, and is inscribed with the words “YAD CHAZAKA”. 100% of the proceeds made from the sales of the bracelets will go to the participating organization to support their continuing work on behalf of, and for the good of, Israel.
Bar/Bat Mitzva Project
YAD CHAZAKA encourages children of Bar and Bat Mitzvah age to take on a tzedaka project by volunteering to work with YAD CHAZAKA or with any one of the participating organizations in Israel. If you are interested in a setting up a personal project please contact us, or any of the member organizations for ideas. Whatever you choose to do, just do it!
In Conclusion
In the spirit of V’shenantan L’vanecha, YAD CHAZAKA believes that this program will not only help teach our children the importance of giving Tzedaka, even if only $1.00 each week, but also teach them the importance of participating in acts of Chessed, by getting active in helping promote various causes in Israel. Involvement in YAD CHAZAKA will expose children and adults to the opportunity of working directly with the participating organizations in the future. As Hillel stated, “If I am not for my self who will be for me? And if I am only for myself what am I?” We hope, with Hashem’s help, to help make the next generation aware of their obligations to others. Thank you for your support.