From Ashkelon, With Love

August 19, 2020 Staff Report

Residents of the southern coastal Israeli city of Ashkelon sent 2,000 face masks to Baltimore Jewry in a demonstration of friendship and support during the pandemic. (Provided)

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.

Ashkelon residents also sent homemade letters of support to Baltimoreans. (Provided)

“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/.