November Share the Plate: My Brother’s Keeper International
My Brother’s Keeper International’s mission is to restore hope and create educational solutions for children and families living in poverty and conflict zones in Israel. MBKI has been on the cutting edge of community and school-based program development and delivery since 2005.
In recent weeks, MBKI has shifted its focus to humanitarian projects in Israel. MBKI is helping displaced families find shelter and gain access to basic resources such as food, clean water, and health care.
Pastoral note from Rev. Denise:
To say that the situation in Israel and Palestine is complex is entirely inadequate, and yet almost the only thing many of us can say with any confidence. That most human beings are united in wanting children and people of all ages, everywhere, to be safe, warm, and well-fed while they live lives with significant potential for growth and happiness is painful even to say in the face of the knowledge that we do not live in a world where that is true.
Some questions were raised last Sunday about the selection of a clearly Israeli-focused organization as our Share the Plate Partner for November. This foundation was nominated by a congregant who has been in conversation with one of its directors about our congregational values and commitment to humanitarian aid, and it was approved by our Social Justice Team, as is our practice for all STP partners.
It would be unfortunate to conclude that GNUUC is choosing to support Israeli people over and against other people being affected by the current violence in the region. Our generosity this month is being extended to children and families who need help in Israel, but I sincerely hope that one or more of us will work to identify other agencies or foundations doing similar work with other populations in the area currently experiencing harm so that we can partner with them in upcoming months.
If you know or discover such an organization, please nominate it by using the form found with the Share the Plate Nomination form..