Yad Sarah CEO Details Organization's Funding Needs and Impact

Moshe Cohen, CEO of the Israeli non-profit Yad Sarah, discussed the organization's critical role in providing medical equipment and support to individuals and families, particularly during holiday seasons. In an interview with Yossi Sergovsky on 'Kikar HaShabbat', Cohen highlighted the urgent need for items like oxygen, hospital beds, and wheelchairs to enable patients to return home from hospitals.

Yad Sarah operates with approximately 8,000 volunteers across 127 branches nationwide, assisting around 1.5 million people annually. Cohen emphasized that the organization is not a substitute for health maintenance organizations (HMOs) and relies heavily on public donations to fund its operations and acquire necessary equipment. He stressed the immediate nature of many requests, stating, "When a person enters a branch and needs something, they need to receive it immediately."

The organization also facilitates accessibility for individuals with mobility issues, including transporting them to significant religious sites like the Western Wall. Furthermore, Yad Sarah offers home healthcare services, aiming to provide treatment at home when hospitalization is not essential. Cohen pointed out that these services, like equipment provision, require continuous funding.

Adding a unique dimension to fundraising, a special ruling from a rabbinical court (Beit Din Tzedek) has been issued. It addresses individuals who possess money that is not rightfully theirs but cannot return it to the owner, such as when the owner's identity is unknown. According to Jewish law, such funds should be used for the public good. A new "Repayment Fund" has been established in conjunction with Yad Sarah, where these funds will be directed towards purchasing new medical equipment for public use, under the court's supervision.

Cohen concluded by appealing to the public for donations, stating that even small contributions can make a significant difference in enabling individuals to return home and improve their quality of life. He noted that many Israeli families have benefited from Yad Sarah's services over the years, underscoring the widespread impact of the organization.