TOMS RIVER, NJ — Congregation B’nai Israel has organized a donation drive, collecting essential supplies for Israeli soldiers. Under the stewardship of Penny Leifer, the congregation, alongside community partners, has gathered dozens of duffel bags and cartons of items ranging from bulletproof vests to nonperishable protein bars.
The synagogue, located at 1488 Old Freehold Road, saw contributions from various community organizations and individuals. Participants included Rose Valentine of the JCC of Long Beach Island, Melissa Segall of Jackson Orthodontics, Laurie Salka, the Holocaust Survivor Services Coordinator, and Jewish Family and Children’s Service. Numerous B’nai Israel congregants and anonymous community members also participated by leaving voice mail messages expressing their willingness to contribute.
Among the items collected were two bulletproof vests equipped with ceramic plates, sleeping bags, backpacks, tourniquets, first aid kits, knit caps, socks, phone cables, compression bandages, and nonperishable protein bars. These supplies are prepared for shipment to Israeli soldiers.
Penny Leifer, Membership VP and Social Action Chairwoman at B’nai Israel, commented on the success of the drive, saying, “Everyone dropped off their donation with a smile and a thank you. The donors made it grow. We are glad to be able to help our brothers and sisters on the front lines.”
Those interested in further information can contact Penny Leifer at pmleifer@aol.com.
