In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic crisis followed, the Jewish community of Oporto in Portugal donated EUR15,000 to the largest food bank in Israel, "Leket Israel"

 In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic crisis followed, the Jewish community of Oporto in Portugal donated EUR15,000 to the largest food bank in Israel, "Leket Israel", which handles food pickup and distribution and feeds hundreds of thousands of people who rely on the organization throughout Israel. The contribution was granted today by the president of the Jewish community of Oporto, Dias Ben Zion, to Gidi Kroch, CEO of Leket Israel.

The donation is a result of ongoing collaboration between the Catholic and Jewish communities in Oporto, which released the movie The Light of Judah three months ago via streaming platforms. The movie portrays the historical relationship between Catholics and Jews in the middle ages. The two communities decided that all Israeli streaming proceeds would be granted to "Leket Israel" and that proceeds from streaming in Portugal, which also totaled at EUR15,000,  would be granted to the food bank in Oporto and three local Catholic charity organizations.

Production of the movie was made possible by ongoing religious, cultural and social collaboration between the Catholic and Jewish communities, which began in December 2019 with the goal of fighting antisemitism. The initiative has received financial backing from philanthropic Jewish families as well as B'nai B'rith International.

Dias Ben Zion, President of the Jewish Community of Oporto: "Our community is committed to the State of Israel, and we are excited that we have been able to fulfill our promise and donate the proceeding from the movie, especially after the Covid-19 pandemic has led to a significant increase in the demand for meals.  Leket Israel is leading an important mission and we are proud to be able to help”.  

Gidi Kroch, CEO of Leket Israel: "Leket Israel is truly grateful to receive support from Portugal of the Jewish community of Oporto and the Diocese of Oporto.   It is heartwarming to see Oporto’s Jewish and Catholic communities working together to feed Israel’s poor at this troubled time for us all.    We look forward to strengthening the bond between our communities and are honored that Mr. Dias Ben Zion, President of Comunidade Israelita Do Porto will be visiting with us to make the donation and see our activities firsthand."

Photo From left to right: Dias Ben Zion, President of the Jewish Community of Oporto and Gidi Kroch, CEO of Leket Israel.

Courtesy: Yossi Zeliger.