The initiative was conceived by businesswoman and philanthropist Shari Arison, and is implemented through the Ruach Tova Association of the Arison Group.
The name of the initiative is: "Good Deeds Day.".
Through the 'Good Spirit' association from the Arison Group, on 'Good Deeds Day' which took place on April 5th (and has been running for 9 years), over 140,000 Israelis volunteered to do a good deed for others, and thousands more in the United States, Ukraine, Poland and England joined the initiative (Wikipedia).
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I was exposed to this special 'day' after working for the Meir Panim NGO, as the director of the Jerusalem branch of its soup kitchen (I hate that name, soup kitchen, because it conveys that despite 2000 years of exile upon us, poverty remains as before).
My email was known to some wonderful people, who always have a happy heart and an open pocket, eager to help with any charitable project - and so every year I receive an email inviting me to join.
Where have we come to?
It is difficult not to reflect on this important project, in light of the calls heard after the elections on social media, which have also reached the ultra-Orthodox sector, not to help those in need according to their vote and political affiliation.
I wonder how far the taint of discord has spread in our country and our people, who, as is known, are a clear sign of their sons?
I am not surprised by the cries heard from various philanthropists, whose entire affiliation with charity is a lever for publicity. I am surprised by the ordinary citizen, who volunteers to help a hungry child or a needy elderly person, for whose condition we as a society are responsible.
Will his heart grow cold and his ears not hear the cry coming from a region that does not vote for his party?
I am convinced that these cries are heard from people who have never truly helped or volunteered. People who do not know distress and have no feelings of compassion in their hearts.
Open your heart.
The Haredi sector is known for its social compassion that supports and assists in acts of kindness to everyone, regardless of their worldviews.
Thus, Yad Eliezer, Yad Sarah, Chasdei Naomi, Meir Panim - all are aid associations established by Haredim, and operated by volunteers from all parts of the nation, for the benefit of everyone in need.
All that remains for me is to thank the volunteers and initiators of Good Deeds Day, which I unfortunately did not assist this year, due to previous activities, and to remind all of us that in a week and a half, on Seder night, we will open our doors and hearts to all who are in need.
And most importantly, we are free from controversy and polarization.
Because the cause of exile and the delay in redemption is gratuitous hatred.
