Modern Tzedoka

I like this innovative idea which has been introduced in Dnepropetrovsk, Ukraine. An "ATM" style machine which, in the words of the article on the FJC website:

...enables congregants and visitors to donate funds for charitable purposes by transferring funds from their credit or debit cards to the Jewish community of Dnepropetrovsk – a member of the Federation of Jewish Communities of Ukraine.

Rabbi Shmuel Kamenetzky (brother of Rabbi Mendel Kamenetzky of Melbourne) has introduced a number of innovations in his community and this one is certainly out there. I predict that it won't be too long before we see this type of machine in shuls and community centres all over the world.
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Another Aussie Making a Difference

This is not new news, in fact it is 13 years old, but an Australian woman in Crown Heights is making a big difference to many people's lives. Devorah Benjamin has established an organisation called Keren Simchas Choson Ve'Kallah which assists young couples getting married. I understand that she doesn't just help organise the chuppah and reception but ensures that the couple have the necessities to start their married life together.

I believe that this nine minute video was made earlier this year for a fundraising function. If you have any spare cash I would suggest making a donation to this worthy cause via their website here.

Update: I am told that she is not Australian but her husband is - close enough for me!
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Malki's Song

I was looking at the (new improved) Keren Malki website and noticed Malki's Song. This song was written by Malki Roth a few months before she was murdered by a terrorist at Sbarros in Jerusalem five years ago. Read about the song and hear it sung here. I find the words quite inspirational especially noting that Malki was 15 at the time she wrote it.

The Malki Foundation was established as a living memorial to Malki Roth by her parents Arnold and Frimmet Roth. From the website:

Keren Malki’s work is channeled into two active programs: one focused on providing specialized equipment in the home, and the other on home-based therapies. In both tracks, the goal is to empower families who want to give their seriously disabled child the best possible care at home.

I have previously written about Keren Malki here and again suggest that you check out the Keren Malki site and consider supporting their wonderful work.
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Support the Shluchim

I have just discovered new fund that has been formed to raise money for the Shluchim. Named in memory of Harav Yaakov Moshe Hakohen Friedman, father of (amongst others) Avremel Fried, Mannis Friedman and Yossi Friedman (who was a shliach in YG a number of years ago).

The purpose of this fund is to support Shluchim in a tangible way. Money is collected and distributed once a month to Shluchim who register on the site. The site is located here.
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Keren Malki Blog

The Keren Malki Foundation was formed by Arnold and Frimet Roth in memory of their daughter Malki who was killed by a Palestinian murderer in the Sbarro bombing of August 2001.
The Malki Foundation is "focused on giving practical assistance to families who have a child with serious disabilities" in Israel. This is it's main aim and the website shows all the good deeds that they are doing.

Arnold, who is originally from Melbourne, and his wife Frimet also lecture throughout the world and write articles exposing the double standard that applies to Israel. The Keren Malki website contains their writings and speeches and much related material on terrorism.

The newest addition to the website is a blog - This Ongoing War - which is a report of events in Israel which are "under-reported, unreported and simply misunderstood". The media, especially outside Israel, reports very few of the terrorist events that occur - especially if these events are foiled by Israel. This Ongoing War reports these events and is an eye-opener for those of us who do not read or have access to the Israeli press.
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