Israel’s Welfare and Social Services Ministry tapped the Eshel Jerusalem network of Colel Chabad soup kitchens for a 500,000 shekel distribution of food aid to the elderly in advance of Passover.

In a letter to Mendy Bloy, supervisor of Colel Chabad's three Jerusalem-based soup kitchens (-in the city center, next to the Western Wall and near the Machane Yehuda market), ministry director general Nachum Itzkovitz lauded the group as “the largest organization that distributes food to the needy and elderly.”

As part of the project, Colel Chabad received food vouchers to distribute to some 5,000 people.

"At this opportunity, I consider it my obligation to thank you and your staff for agreeing to turn this project into action," wrote Itzkovitz.

It will "bring the happiness of the holiday to the homes of many in Israel."

Founded by the first Chabad Rebbe, Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi, in 1788, Colel Chabad operates a network of soup kitchens and food banks throughout Israel, as well as other social programs for needy families and individuals. ...