Despite the extensive generosity, there has been growing criticism in recent years of this phenomenon, mainly directed at public attitudes toward the food handouts. It appears that the hallowed Jewish principle of “matan beseter” — anonymous charitable giving in order to protect the recipients’ dignity — has been completely abolished.
Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon blasted this form of charitable giving when he served as welfare minister in 2012. “I oppose this method of throwing boxes [of food] at people, taking pictures of them, getting them to stand in line and soliciting donations at the expense of these unfortunate people. …The directors of these organizations make tens of thousands of shekels [in pay] at the expense of the poor,” Kahlon said at the time.
Read Full Article »