MAZON Statements

August 19, 2025 – As Israel continues to face strained resources in the nearly two years since the devastating attacks of October 7, 2023, MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger today announced over $600,000 in partnership grants to 18 organizations working to end hunger among Israelis of all faiths and backgrounds. These investments reflect MAZON’s continued commitment to advancing sustainable, systemic solutions to address hunger in Israel.

“Even during these deeply troubling times, the need to advocate for those facing hunger — especially the most vulnerable populations — is more urgent than ever,” said Mia Hubbard, Executive Vice President at MAZON. “We are incredibly proud to align with these incredible organizations that are working everyday to build coalitions, conduct research, cultivate new champions, educate and serve their communities, and counter government leaders who want to abdicate their responsibility to care for those facing hunger. Each of our partners brings a unique lens to this work, and despite the many challenges, together we have great power and potential.”

The grants come at a critical time as Israel and the wider region continue to face escalating challenges. The toll of war on the Israeli economy, food costs, and agricultural supply chains has intensified the need for both emergency aid and systemic solutions. Relatedly, the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza recently prompted MAZON and many of its partners to issue a joint outcry calling on the Israeli government, the international community, and others to take immediate action to ensure adequate aid for all those facing hunger. 

“We look for partners who not only recognize the urgency of hunger but are actively working to create meaningful, systemic change,” said Ishai Menuchin, MAZON’s Israel Director. “This group of organizations brings deep knowledge and commitment to some of the most pressing challenges in Israel and the region. Together we are advocating for equitable food systems, amplifying marginalized voices, and holding institutions accountable. MAZON’s role is to help strengthen and connect their efforts, because only together can we build a future where no one is left behind or goes hungry.”

Since its founding 40 years ago, MAZON has invested in organizations that meet urgent food needs, protect fragile food assistance programs, address inequities in food access, and advocate for lasting policy change. This year’s MAZON grantee partners are building more resilient food systems and tackling the root causes of hunger for some of Israel’s most vulnerable communities, including women, refugees, and Bedouins.

“MAZON’s generous support has been pivotal in promoting the inclusion of refugees and asylum seekers in Israel’s food security and poverty reduction policies,” said Tali Ehrenthal, CEO of ASSAF – the Aid Organization for Refugees. 

With MAZON’s support and partnership, ASSAF conducted and published a joint report with the Adva Center, mapping the depth of food insecurity and poverty among the refugee community — data that had not been updated since 2020.

“This critical evidence now serves as the backbone of our advocacy work, allowing us to speak with clarity and authority in meetings with policymakers, government ministries, and civil society partners,” Ehrenthal added. “MAZON’s support has also enabled us to raise public awareness, issue policy papers, and hold decision-makers accountable for the systematic exclusion of refugees. Importantly, participating in MAZON’s network has enabled ASSAF to connect and collaborate with a broad range of civil society organizations, enriching our holistic approach to advancing food security within refugee communities. In a time of growing hostility toward both refugees and the organizations that support them, MAZON’s partnership strengthens our ability to confront injustice, center the voices of marginalized communities, and advocate for a future in which no one in Israel goes hungry because of their legal status.”

This year MAZON marked its 40th anniversary, and building a path toward food security for Israelis of all faiths and backgrounds has always been a part of its mission. As a Jewish organization, MAZON’s work is rooted in the belief that all people are created b’tselem Elohim, in the image of God. Its leadership interprets this to clearly indicate that every person — regardless of ethnicity, background, religion, or circumstance — deserves to reach the fullness of their potential.

“Food security and combating poverty are the focus of our policy work” said Becky Keshet, Director of Social Justice at Rabbis for Human Rights. “This past year, MAZON support has helped us create Jewish programs for a week devoted to food insecurity as well as to take a leading part in the establishment of a state authority for combating poverty. MAZON’s support is critical financially as well as organizationally, helping us build cooperative ventures with other organizations.”

MAZON’s current partners in Israel are:

• Adva Center
• ASSAF – Aid Organization for Refugees
• Association for Civil Rights in Israel (ACRI)
• Itach-Ma’aki – Women Lawyers for Social Justice
• Latet
• Leket Israel
• Life & Environment (L&E)
• Negev Coexistence Forum (NCF)
• Nevet
• Rabbis for Human Rights
• Sidreh
• Sikkuy-Aufoq
• Solidarity (Solidariut L’omanut Activism V’zhuyot Adam)
• The Israeli Forum for Sustainable Nutrition
• The Jerusalem Food Rescuers (Muslala Art Trax)
• Tzedek Centers
• The Natural Step (TNS)
• 121 Engine for Social Change

To learn more about MAZON’s ongoing efforts in Israel, visit mazon.org/priorities/israel. 

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Inspired by Jewish values and ideals, MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger is a national advocacy organization working to end hunger among people of all faiths and backgrounds in the United States and Israel. For more information on MAZON, please visit mazon.org.