CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR FOUNDER & DIRECTOR, ARYEH LURIE

Global publication The Algemeiner announced the 2021 winners of its eighth annual J100 list, showcasing the top one hundred individuals who have positively influenced Jewish life. Yad Ezra V'Shulamit's founder & director, Aryeh Lurie, has won in the category of "Activist," alongside such luminaries as television personality Bill Maher, Conservative pundit Meghan McCain, statesman Benjamin Netanyahu, the 11th President of the State of Israel Isaac Herzog, and celebrated British playwright Sir Tom Stoppard.

Through his tireless work, Aryeh Lurie built one of Israel's largest non profit charities and enormously contributed to Israel and the Jewish people, fighting poverty from the ground up. Lurie built his NGO Yad Ezra V'Shulamit from his own house, naming the organization after his parents, who were his role models in giving to those less fortunate, despite themselves being destitute.

Now Lurie is the driving force behind the organization and helps nearly 200,000 needy families all over Israel overcome poverty. The organization's main focus is establishing food security through the distribution of 10,000 food baskets weekly and 50,000 food baskets during major holidays. Plus other necessities like baby formula and diapers.

Importantly, Lurie firmly believes in helping children from poor families in order to break the cycle of poverty. He has established dedicated Childrens Centers that feed, nurture, educate and support children daily and throughout the whole year. Ensuring children from poor families receive the care and food they need, plus warm clothes, school supplies and fun camps is Lurie's vision for a holistic approach to transforming poverty in Israel.

Along with core food-based projects Yad Ezra V'Shulamit is now operating two wedding-halls to help orphans start married life without debt.

Yad Ezra V'Shulamit staff, on behalf of all our generous donors and recipients, join in congratulating our founder and inspiration Aryeh Lurie, in being selected in this J100 list. Well deserved!