Today, El Al announced without notice that it is eliminating the special fee of $50 per bag for donated items for the war, and is reverting back to its normal fee of $130 for the first extra bag and $200 for each subsequent bag.
Nonprofits and other community groups have sent millions of dollars in goods via El Al until this point, mostly consisting of critical gear for the army and local security forces, but also much-needed donated items for displaced families. In the New York/New Jersey area alone, there is currently a million dollars’ worth of goods ready to be shipped.
El Al’s price increase to their normal rates for shipping will greatly hamper the ability to send goods to Israel going forward.
El Al just engaged in an advertising campaign that suggests that diaspora and Israeli Jews should choose to “fly with the flag.” Diaspora Jews are going to all lengths to support our brothers and
sisters in Israel. El Al should continue to support these efforts while Israel fights for its survival during this time.
Thank you for your consideration. I will follow up with a phone call as well.
