Forgotten People Fund on Righteous Crowd this Week!

Forgotten People Fund

Supporting the Ethiopian Community in Netanya

Next Tuesday evening, the 29th of the Hebrew month of Cheshvan, begins the Jewish Ethiopian holiday of Sigd. On Sigd, members of the Ethiopian Jewish community fast, recite psalms and celebrate the acceptance of the Torah. Sigd is exactly 50 days after Yom Kippur and according to Ethiopian Jewish tradition is also the date that God first revealed himself to Moses. In honor of this upcoming holiday, we are supporting an organization that provides needed assistance to Ethiopian families in Netanya, Israel. The Forgotten People Fund focuses on aiding Ethiopian students in academic advancement toward economic independence as well as offering emergency aid for families in need. 

Read our interview below with co-founder and chairperson of Forgotten People Fund, Anne Silverman. 

What is the mission of  Forgotten People Fund?
Forgotten People Fund provides support to Netanya’s significant Ethiopian population, a community facing many economic challenges.   We help those Ethiopian families living at or below the poverty line.   

What’s a story about Forgotten People Fund that is meaningful to you?
Some years ago we were called in to visit a family with 12 children, living in a 3 bedroom apartment with only one working shower and toilet. They did not have hot water as their boiler was broken, had insufficient beds to sleep on, no cupboards so all the clothes were left on the floor, and a gas hob in the kitchen that was so old and leaking. We made some phone calls and got everything sorted within a couple of days which included the installation of a working second shower and toilet in the parents room.

What's the best part of your job and why?
Realizing that however much effort I put into the organization, the joy and satisfaction I receive is far greater.

What has inspired you in the work that you are doing?
The feeling that everyone should have a fair chance in life, regardless of the color of their skin or background.

What are some non-monetary ways for others to get involved in your organization or cause?
If you are in Israel, you can volunteer by visiting families in order to assist in assessing their needs.

To learn more about Forgotten People Fund, click here