NEW YORK (Press Release)– EL AL, the national airline of Israel, and “Bears from Bergenfield” have reached a milestone in its effort to send 100,000 teddy bears to Israel as part of a six-year-long charity project.
Upon arrival in Israel, the 100,000 soft and cuddly teddy bears have been delivered to sick children in hospitals as well as to underprivileged children living in orphanages, day care and community centers, as well as shelters throughout the country.
EL AL has formed a strong partnership with “Bears from Bergenfield,” an organization based at Congregation Beth Israel in Bergenfield, New Jersey. Under the leadership of Claire Ginsburg Goldstein, the “teddies” were obtained through donations by friends, congregants, neighbors, and nearby communities.
EL AL has a history of providing humanitarian assistance to those in need, many of which have been lifesaving missions. In addition, the EL AL Matmid frequent flyer club partners with other charitable organizations so that passengers can donate points to worthy causes such as Make A Wish Israel which assists children with life threatening illnesses, the Chai Lifeline which offers help to family members with pediatric illnesses, the Friends of the Israel Defense Forces, and many more.
Additionally, passengers departing Israel on EL AL will hear an in-flight announcement advising that all unused “sheckels” (Israeli money) or any currency can be donated to two worthwhile causes called Aleh and Alut, which benefit children who have brain injuries and autism. Collection envelopes are located in the seat pocket in front of every passenger and are given to a flight attendant upon disembarking the aircraft.
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Preceding provided by El Al Airline