Vizhnitz Chassidic Center Raises Over $8 Million in Record Campaign

Despite a year of war, uncertainty, and economic challenges, Israelis demonstrated significant public willingness to support various causes in the Hebrew year 5786. Data from the resource-mobilization company Charidy reveals that donations through its platform increased globally by 5% to over 2 billion shekels, with 1.82 million donors participating worldwide.

In Israel, the donation landscape was particularly active. Campaigns in the country raised 340 million shekels from 509,793 donors, a nearly 10% increase in donor numbers compared to the previous year. The largest single campaign in Israel was conducted by the Vizhnitz Chassidic Center, which successfully raised 32,036,556 shekels.

The campaign that garnered the most individual donors was "Meitar Rose Wants to Live," which saw participation from 42,822 individuals. This campaign helped fund Meitar, an 8-year-old boy, receiving Israel's first treatment for Duchenne disease, a condition with one of the most expensive therapies globally.

Individual donations also reached notable sums. The largest single donation globally was 375,000 shekels to Yeshivat Shalom Rav. In Israel, the largest single donation was 108,000 shekels, given to a charity center.

Rabbi Shai Cernansky, CEO of Charidy, commented on the findings, stating, "The data from 5786 is an impressive testament to the power of mutual responsibility. Even in a year of war, uncertainty, and economic challenges, the public did not withdraw but continued to open their hearts and give." He highlighted that over half a million donors in Israel and millions globally chose to participate and assist, demonstrating that the desire to give remains strong even in complex times.