In an act of solidarity and friendship, the southern coastal Israeli city of Ashkelon has sent 2,000 reusable face masks to Baltimore’s Jewish community.
The masks were recently delivered to The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore and its constituent agencies, such as the Jewish Community Center of Greater Baltimore and CHAI, or Comprehensive Housing Assistance, Inc.
The masks will be distributed to community members throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ashkelon has been Baltimore’s partner city in Israel since 2003, working on an array of collaborative and exchange efforts to enhance relations and fellowship between Charm City and the Jewish state.
Besides the masks, Ashkelon residents sent colorful and handmade cards and messages of support to Baltimoreans.
“As written on the masks, we are STRONGER TOGETHER, and we, in Ashkelon, stand with you, hoping and praying for better days,” said Yehuda Halfon, co-chair of the Baltimore-Ashkelon Partnership.
In a statement, Ashkelon Mayor Tomer Glam said, “This is the first time that the two communities are experiencing a crisis at the same time. This is an opportunity for the city of Ashkelon to send support and love to the Jewish community there, because together we are stronger and together we will win and overcome this crisis.”
For information about the Baltimore-Ashkelon Partnership, visit https://associated.org/what-we-do/israel-and-overseas/bap/ or https://www.facebook.com/BaltimoreAshkelon/.
With her documentary, local journalist Rona Kobell explores the environmental and social conditions of the Eastern Shore's Deal Island.
In Kenya, MSI is working with local organizations to help provide access to contraception so girls can continue their education and pursue their dreams.
Avi Jacobs and Avraham Zhu emerged victorious at JewQ, held recently in Stamford, Connecticut.
Former Baltimorean Mindy Sager Dickler, who made aliyah in 2021, writes about the experience of living in Israel over the past week.