32 | APRIL 6 • 2023 

A

n endless line of cars 
filled with smiles 
and a deep sense of 
gratefulness filled the grounds 
of Yad Ezra from March 
26-27, as the Berkley-based 
food pantry held its annual 
distribution of food to clients 
for Passover. 
Looming large over this 
year’s distribution is the chal-

lenge of rising food costs, 
which has affected everyone 
— including both Yad Ezra 
and its clients. But just as they 
did during the pandemic, Yad 
Ezra has risen to the chal-
lenge. 
Due to those rising food 
costs, Yad Ezra is seeing 
record numbers of client fam-
ilies. They are currently serv-

ing 1,500 families a month, 
30% more than last year, as 
food costs have jumped to 
20% above last year. 
Between the two days, Yad 
Ezra distributed Passover 
boxes to about 1,000 client 
families, a record year of 
Passover food distribution.
Yad Ezra has also seen a 
new board and executive 

committee join the fold for 
2023. Executive Director 
Daniella Mechnikov says 
they’re all eager to make a 
real difference in the face of 
rising costs and record client 
numbers. 
“Thankfully, we are con-
fident we will be able to 
continue to meet the needs 
of this increase in our client 
population, but it will require 
redoubling our fundraising 
efforts and some new and cre-
ative leadership,” Mechnikov 
said in a release on March 
21. “Several new members 
have joined the board and are 
ready to roll up their sleeves 
and join in our fundraising 
and programming efforts. 
I look forward to working 
closely with our new executive 
committee and board.” 
About 150 volunteers 
helped out between the two 
days, Mechnikov says, with 
the volunteer base being a 
healthy mix of both young 
and old, new and veteran. 
The clients were beyond 
grateful and appreciative to 
receive these boxes, which 
included everything one 
needs for a Passover seder — 
and more. 
“It makes a real difference 
in their lives,” Mechnikov 
said. “This is a happy 
moment.” 
A regular Yad Ezra client 

Yad Ezra Continues to 
Rise to Challenges 

With another successful Passover distribution 
and a new board and executive committee, 
Yad Ezra continues to meet the growing need. 

DANNY SCHWARTZ STAFF WRITER

OUR COMMUNITY

PHOTOS BY JAMIE FELDMAN

