Israeli farmers are used to always being behind the scenes, working quietly and modestly. We at Leket Israel, think that the time has come to show them how much we appreciate them.
Leket Israel – the National Food Bank, works with, and honors the country’s farmers, who provide all Israelis with food security and national pride, every day of the year, and especially during this difficult time.
You are the land of Israel
Introducing the farmers:
Yossi Naim, 47
Pri Gan
Meet Yossi Naim, a farmer from Moshav Pri Gan in the Gaza Border Region.
Yossi grows leek, fennel, tomatoes and eggplant for over 20 years.
“Once I was asked how many hours I work in a day, and I responded asking if that includes dreaming about being a farmer as well.”
Ilan Amar, 56
Mivtahim
Meet Ilan Amar, a farmer from Moshav Mivtahim in the Gaza Border Region.
Ilan grows tomatoes, peppers, eggplant and more for over 30 years.
“I love being a farmer. I was born for this life.”
Michael Saidi, 26
Gan HaDarom
Meet Michael Saidi, a farmer from Gan HaDarom in Southern Israel.
Michael grows citrus fruit for over 15 years.
“Being a farmer isn’t a profession, it’s a way of life.”
The Pride of Israel: Leket Israel Salutes the Farmers
For the past 20 years, Israeli farmers have been the largest donors of fresh, nutritious food to Leket Israel, the National Food Bank, for the benefit of Israelis in need throughout the country.
In 2022, Israeli farmers donated 26,500 tons (58.4m lbs.) of fresh fruit and vegetables which were delivered to 234,000 Israelis in need each week.
Thanks to their contribution, Leket Israel was able to provide food security to vulnerable Israelis throughout the country.
Ronit Rosenai Even Har
Moshav Lachish
(Southern Israel)
At age 50, Ronit decided to leave the big city and move back to manage her family vineyard. Since then, she has lovingly donated her surplus quality grapes to Leket Israel each season, saving her produce from destruction and ensuring that it is received by those in need.
“We donate tons of grapes every year, it is a blessing and a joy to be able to give.”
Avshalom Cohen
Tel Adashim (Northern Israel)
Avshalom Cohen from Tel Adashim inherited his love for working the land from his grandfather. After finishing his IDF service at the age of 20, Avshalom became the manager of the family farm. Over the years, Avshalom introduced a number of advanced technologies and consulted with other agriculture professionals leading to the thriving farm of today. Avshalom regularly donates to Leket Israel, considering it an integral part of the day-to-day operations on the farm.
“I believe in giving charity and I’m grateful to be on the giving side.”
Eran Beck
Moshav Tzofit (Central Israel)
Eran, from Moshav Tzofit, is a third-generation farmer and the man behind the well-known “Pull the Carrot” self-picking farmer. Eran decided to donate several dozen tons of surplus vegetables each year to Leket Israel, ensuring that excess produce is distributed to those in need.
“Not only does donating bring me joy, but it also brings good luck.”
Asis Farm
Moshav Dor (Northern Israel)
A horse and cart, two cows and a few chickens – that’s how the Asis family’s farm started in the 1950s. For over 40 years, since taking over the farm, the Asis brothers have been managing the farm together. Having experienced hard times themselves, they donate their surplus produce each year.
“If it weren’t for Leket Israel, we would destroy all this produce, and in Israel there’s no shortage of people in need who can benefit from it.”
Naomi Magen
Kfar Yedidya (Central Israel)
Nelly Tagar, Leket Israel’s Presenter, through her comedic and moving series “What a Waste! Visiting Leket Israel’s Farmers” met with Naomi Magen a farmer from Kfar Yedidya, for a conversation on the agriculture industry in Israel, women in agriculture, and her decision to donate surplus produce to Leket Israel.
“I don’t throw away food. The solution of donating my surplus makes me happy.”
Tzahi
Ariel Farm, Moshav Kadima (Central Israel)
Nelly Tagar got on the tractor with Tzahi from the Ariel Farm for a conversation about multi-generational agriculture, the challenges they’ve faced along the way and the long-term partnership with Leket Israel.
“We believe in giving back and this is the purest way of giving back, donating our produce to those in need.”
Itai
Tel Yitzchak (Central Israel)
This time, Nelly visited Itai Vizer from Tel Yitzchak and learned about growing citrus fruits, multi-generational farming, choosing to donate to Leket Israel and even received a driving lesson for a golf cart! Enjoy!
“My father says we should do one good thing every day for those in need, and that’s what we do.”
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