As most people, I am supporting a variety of charities including Jewish causes.

The first time I met the people at Chamah was when I was sitting Shiva for my mother, Of Blessed Memory, at my brother’s home.  I did not know too much about this organization, only that as a family we had been supporting this worthy cause for nearly twenty years.

When I was first asked to learn more about Chamah, I was of course quite hesitant.  Nevertheless, our first meeting which took place at my home, convinced me that this organization is uniquely different, and.  what I learned about the humanitarian and the educational programs was extremely impressive.

When I was offered to be Chairman of the Annual Chamah Dinner & Concert, I accepted. Initially I felt that becoming involved in such an organizational effort would be an interesting “hobby.”  To be frank, I was excited that so many people responded positively to my call.

Many people say when you do a good deed you owe another one, so I therefore accepted to Chair the following year’s Dinner for Chamah.  Several months after the second Dinner event, I was offered to lead this international organization.  Not having the experience, I initially said “no”.  I also felt I did not know enough about this organization and their programs to say “yes”.  However, after a couple months of thinking it over and discussing it with my wife, I thought, ‘Let’s give it a try.’

I must admit I was wondering how such an organization would have its offices in one of the most expensive and prestigious locations in the Wall Street area.  My first visit impressed me.  There was no luxurious offices and no fancy furniture, just a good telephone and computer system.  

I later found out that their three-story office space is the courtesy of very generous and philanthropic people from New York to whom the work of Chamah is very dear.  During this first visit, in knew in my heart that I had to do whatever I could to help this organization grow.

In short, this is why my wife and I joined the delegates sent by the UJA Federation to visit the humanitarian and welfare programs in Russia.  I  told my wife “let’s go see it first-hand and take pride in the work of Chamah.”

Dear friend, our trip to the programs of Chamah was a once in a lifetime experience.  We visited four major projects of Chamah in Moscow and did not speak to the Management; but to the actual people being helped directly.  My wife Ada and myself were together with a delegation of over 20 people from UJA and Joint Distribution Committee.

We could not believe that from such humble beginnings, 50 years ago in the underground of the Soviet Union, Chamah would grow into such a major international humanitarian organization.  We didn’t believe that in a country such as Russia, where there are so many poverty stricken senior citizens,  the elderly and needy were sitting in brightly lit  rooms eating hot and  nutritious meals.  The elderly at the Day Care Center, the children at the Gan Chamah Day School enjoying a gym and indoor pool, the Jewish Center in Otradnoye, and many more left a very deep impression on us.

Our programs are not only in Russia, but in Israel and the United States as well. During these difficult times in Israel, we try to help the Magen David system of Kiryat Malachi.  We prepare and deliver food to over 700 children in the schools, as well as for many elderly in their homes, and many others in the vicinity of Kiryat Malachi where the Israeli headquarters of Chamah are located.

So my dear friend, I appeal to you.  If you would like to help a worthy Jewish cause, please join me at Chamah.