
—
In a heartfelt act of remembrance and generosity, the Rubin family gathered in Raanana for a meaningful day of service and dedication at the Logistics Center of Leket Israel, the leading food rescue organization in the country. What began as a morning of volunteerism filled with smiles, unity, and purpose culminated in the dedication of a new food transport truck in memory of Gitel Rubin, a woman whose life was a testament to compassion and the dignity of all people.
Joined by his sister, children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and extended family, David Rubin led the emotional dedication ceremony. The gathering was more than just a familial reunion; it was a continuation of a legacy of care, instilled by Gitel Rubin, whose values continue to inspire generations.
The new truck, now part of Leket Israel’s growing fleet, will play a critical role in delivering rescued fruits and vegetables to tens of thousands across the country. Each week, Leket Israel supports over 415,000 people with nutritious food that would otherwise go to waste. This initiative not only helps those in need but also addresses food waste, a challenge that intersects with both environmental responsibility and social equity.
For David Rubin and his family, this dedication was deeply personal. Gitel Rubin believed fervently that access to food is a fundamental human right, not a privilege. Her unwavering commitment to human dignity and nourishment found a perfect partner in Leket Israel, whose mission is to ensure that no food goes to waste while people go hungry. With this truck, her legacy now quite literally moves forward, transporting life-sustaining produce to the tables of those who need it most.
The morning began with hands-on volunteering. Family members of all ages rolled up their sleeves and got to work, sorting and packing fresh produce that will soon reach thousands of Israeli homes. It was an experience that not only united the Rubin family in action but also allowed the younger generations to connect with the values of giving and responsibility in a tangible, lasting way.
Following the volunteer work, the dedication ceremony unfolded in a touching moment of unity. The truck, prominently displaying a memorial to Gitel Rubin, stood as a powerful symbol of what can be achieved when compassion meets action. In honoring Gitel’s memory, the Rubin family extended her legacy into a living mission feeding the hungry, reducing waste, and demonstrating the profound impact one life can have on so many others.
This contribution aligns with Leket Israel’s broader strategy of engaging individuals and communities in meaningful acts of service and philanthropy. The organization rescues approximately 29,000 tons of food annually, gleaned from farms, packing houses, and catering facilities, and distributes it to a carefully managed network of nonprofit partners. Initiatives like the Rubin family’s truck dedication underscore the essential role that private families and donors play in advancing this mission.

In a world often dominated by headlines of division and scarcity, this story is a powerful reminder of what unity, remembrance, and shared purpose can achieve. Through a simple yet profound act, a truck gifted in loving memory, thousands of lives will be nourished, and the values of Gitel Rubin will be carried forward with every mile traveled.
To learn more about how you can support Leket Israel’s food rescue and hunger relief efforts, visit leket.org.
—
This content is brought to you by David Rubin
Photos provided by the author.
