| Dear friend and supporter, New data was released, and it reveals the growing strain on Israel’s economy. The country’s fiscal deficit has now climbed to 8.3% of GDP, 161 billion Shekels, as of the end of last month. This is the 17th consecutive month of rising deficits, driven largely by the costs of the ongoing war. Why is this deficit such a problem? A rising deficit means the government is spending far more than it’s earning. This limits its ability to fund critical services like healthcare, education, and welfare. As the country pours money into defense and emergency efforts, there’s less left for the people who need it most—especially the poor, elderly, and displaced families who are already struggling. The poor are hit hardest. They’re the first to feel the impact when government services are reduced or when prices rise because of inflation, which is often caused by high deficits. People who were already living paycheck to paycheck are now facing even more uncertainty. At Feed Israel, we’re working hard to fill in the gaps. Our volunteers continue to distribute emergency packages—containing food, water, hygiene products, and more—to bomb shelters and vulnerable families across Israel. But as the economic pressure increases, so does the demand for these supplies We need your help to continue delivering this critical aid. With the deficit growing and the war ongoing, your support can make a real difference for the people who need it most. | 