Update from the Cantors Assembly about Food Relief in Uganda

On May 11, 2020, the Cantors Assembly, in partnership with Kulanu and numerous other organizations, working across multiple denominations, broadcast a virtual fundraiser to provide urgent food relief to the Abayudaya communities in Uganda and Kenya. The government-imposed lockdown had already brought millions of Ugandans to the brink of starvation, including the Abayudaya.

Over $50,000 was raised, thanks to the donations of hundreds of people who viewed the program live, and thousands of people since it debuted. The Cantors Assembly, working closely with trustworthy partners on the ground have since provided maize flour, beans and soap to over 3,000 people in 15 distinct communities in two separate distributions. Kulanu helped to recruit co-sponsors, publicize the event and provided much-needed advice and support to Cantors Assembly volunteers throughout the entire production and distribution periods.

Though direct food aid by the Cantors Assembly has now ended, they will continue to provide grants for long-term agricultural projects until their remaining funds have been exhausted. Hazzan Mike Weis wrote, “The Cantors Assembly owes a tremendous debt of gratitude to Kulanu for the success of this aid project.” The original broadcast, featuring members of the 2019 Cantors Assembly Mission to Uganda and leaders of the Abayudaya community can still be viewed here.