Project H.O.P.E.

B’nai B’rith’s Project H.O.P.E. (Help Our People Everywhere) volunteers make a Passover celebration possible for those who do not have access to, or who cannot afford, seder items or holiday treats traditionally enjoyed during this springtime festival of hope and renewal.

Based in Philadelphia, the Liberty Unit organized a massive effort in early April to fill 1,300 Passover food bags, delivered to area recipients under the supervision of program co-founder Samuel Domsky. Over 400 volunteers participated. In his proclamation honoring Project H.O.P.E., Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro paid tribute to the memory of B’nai B’rith member George Endrigian, who launched the initiative with Domsky 28 years ago.

A package recipient named Riva wrote: “I would like to give my heartfelt thanks for the two gift bags from B’nai B’rith Project H.O.P.E. It means a lot to me that you think of me on this special occasion, shortly after my 90th birthday. May God bless you.”

In New Haven, Conn., 25 volunteers of all ages filled and delivered 240 Passover bags for Project H.O.P.E., which was launched in 1976 by longtime B’nai B’rith leader Harold Miller.

As part of Project H.O.P.E. on April 7, the B’nai B’rith Connect young leadership group assembled holiday packages for distribution by Blue Card, a New York charity which supports Holocaust survivors. That night, Lillian Feintuch, who was born in Hungary, spoke about her experiences during the Shoah.

Garsek Lodge Hosts Passover Lunch

In Texas, a team from Isadore Garsek Lodge cooked and served a festive Passover lunch to seniors from Tarrant County on April 1 at Fort Worth’s Beth-El Synagogue, where Rabbi Brian Zimmerman led guests in prayers.