The impact of one of Jerusalem’s most selfless men

For over twenty years now, JOIN Israel’s Jerusalem Soup Kitchen has provided a warm and welcoming space for Jerusalem residents in challenging situations. The soup kitchen distributes two thousand to three thousand dollars of food products every day, totalling almost a million dollars each year. The program primarily consists of the distribution of food packages to dozens of low-income families residing in Jerusalem, as well as the operation of the soup kitchen itself, which serves lunch and dinner daily. Additionally, every week approximately 1,000 NIS ($300) worth of food is donated to a local synagogue, where low-income families gather for a community Shabbat meal. 

The success of the Jerusalem Soup Kitchen is due to the dedication of Yaakov Ostrovsky, its co-founder and Project Coordinator. Formerly a professional pianist, Yaakov made aliyah from the USSR and, along with a partner, engaged in community building to support the influx of Russian immigrants in the 90s. His efforts attracted those in need of social welfare, and Yaakov extended his support to low-income families across the city. This led him to open the soup kitchen with JOIN Israel, which he began by establishing connections with food distributors for daily food donations. Yaakov takes no salary, viewing this work as a personal mission and calling to help those in need.

JOIN Israel’s donors have been crucial in supporting Yaakov’s efforts, funding the purchase of second-hand industrial equipment, covering rent and car expenses, and ensuring smooth operations. For instance, donors helped secure a replacement car when Yaakov’s old one broke down. Donors have also provided funds for new industrial equipment. This ongoing support allows Yaakov to focus on his mission without financial stress.

Yaakov’s dedication and passion for this cause is evident in his early morning routine, starting at 2:45 am, to collect surplus food from distributors that would otherwise go to waste. He retrieves products that are deemed less desirable for shoppers and therefore can’t be sold yet are still in perfectly acceptable condition, such as slightly older fruits and vegetables. If Yaakov doesn’t come by a certain time early in the morning, the food will be thrown out. His commitment ensures that this food will reach those who need it most. 

Yaakov then delivers the food to a drop-off point for distribution to low-income families, with ninety percent of the food going directly to these households. This distribution’s success relies on dedicated volunteers like Avi Genaur, who has been Yaakov’s neighbor for 35 years. Moved by Yaakov’s selflessness and commitment, Avi joined the project and now packs and sorts the food items each morning. He also raises funds and purchases additional products, such as fish, to address any gaps. Another neighbor, inspired by the mission, has also committed to volunteering daily in hopes that his service will bring good fortune and help fulfill his wish to expand his family.

Depending on the amount of food available, anywhere from forty to over a hundred families are invited to pick up food from a designated location. These families, often with multiple children, face significant financial hardship and daily challenges in meeting basic needs. For example, one family includes a very ill mother and a child with severe special needs, while the father earns a meager income. Families like these experience profound need and hunger. The distributions from the Jerusalem Soup Kitchen program are crucial for their survival.

The rest of the food is brought to the soup kitchen, where it is prepared by the kitchen’s volunteer staff, and served for lunch and dinner. Many of the guests that come for meals are senior citizens, often on social welfare, who for various reasons are incapable of taking care of themselves due to sickness or disability. Many don’t have families and are socially isolated, experiencing chronic loneliness. The soup kitchen is a space where people connect with one another over a nutritious hot meal, and participate in enrichment activities together. They have built a strong community over the years, finding companionship and belonging over the many meals they’ve shared. It’s a special place that guests have come to call home.