While visiting last week with Anne and David Silverman and Aida Miller, founders of The Forgotten People Fund in Israel we learned about the very important work this all-volunteer group does on behalf of Netanya’s large Ethiopian population. We even had a chance to see first-hand the incredible changes they made possible at the elementary school where a mostly Ethiopian student body studies. It was heartening to know that even though FPF is working with 50% less funding this year, they are still making an impact.

During lunch, we heard about the scholarship they had just provided to a young Ethiopian woman who is studying nursing at the nearby Laniado Hospital and thought that this could be a very meaningful place for some of our tzedakah money. When we learned that $1400 was what was needed to allow one student to complete a year of training we immediately committed funding and within a few days learned that a young woman whose family had arrived in Israel in 1996 would continue her studies. Ruthie, our young student, comes from a single parent family with a Mother who is too ill to work. She has raised her family on government assistance and now one of her children will become a professional nurse…breaking the cycle of poverty once and for all. An interesting comment shared at our lunch was that it is generally agreed that Ethiopian nurses are particularly compassionate and gentle, making this a fine profession for those who express interest. We were happy to be able to help.

Coincidentally, at the same time we learned about a second young Ethiopian woman, this one coming from a single parent family as well, but studying to become a teacher. While scholarships were providing for the actual education costs, "S", was having a difficult time staying in school since she had very limited funds for incidentals and other living expenses. When we heard that she was considering dropping out of school we committed three months of living expenses so that "S" could remain in school and achieve her goal to become a teacher.

We are excited about both of these tzedakah opportunities and how they might help young Ethiopians become self-sufficient, productive members of Israeli society.