Menachem Bar-Shalom

Once a fundraiser for ZAKA, now collaborates with Israel Magen Fund to support Holocaust survivors in Ma'ale Adumim. Through his efforts, including providing essentials like a piano for a 90-year-old pianist, he showcases the transformative power of giving.

Menachem is another family friend. I first met him through his position as American Fund Raiser for ZAKA, an Israeli first responder group that works internationally. In any global crisis, you will see ZAKA's yellow jackets. We remained friends after his retirement. He called me one day regarding Holocaust Survivors in Ma’Ale Adumim, his community. There were 700 Survivors at the time, but About 150 -160 needed additional help. Menachem’s parents were survivors, and he considered it a mitzvah to honor his parents with assistance to these people. He became trusted friends with a Russian social service lady named Mariana. Menachem, Mariana, and I were able to help these mostly Russian and Ukrainian survivors with things the Israeli government did not provide. We gave funds for a couple of new air conditioners, a washer/dryer, deep freeze, supplemented rent payments, removed a tub and put in a shower for an elderly couple, several medical and therapy procedures, a computer, glasses, iPad, and even something a small as a bread maker, etc. However, my favorite was a piano for a 90-year-old former concert pianist. I struggled with this as it seemed extreme…Tehelia Gimpel helped me with this. What she said changed the way I look at giving. He is now working with David Rose and Israel Magen Fund, raising funds for security vehicles, cameras, drones, etc., for the Benyamin Region of Israel. Menachem has become one of my Jewish mentors, an all-around good friend, and a partner in helping the Holocaust Survivors in Ma'Ale Adumim.