Unfortunately we can't be present at Leon's funeral, and having known him for the past 25 years, we have asked Aviva to be our spokesperson. Our thoughts and love accompany him on his last journey.
Modestly, Leon practiced every day literally what the prophet Isaiah said “…share your food with the hungry and provide shelter to the poor wanderer. When you see the naked clothe him and do not turn away from your own flesh and blood….” (Isaiah chapter 58, verse 7)
In real life :
In 1990, Leon established the first soup kitchen in Tel Aviv – “Lasova” Restaurant. Every day, 350 people eat there. There is also there a centre for second hand clothing for the needy.
In 1991, Leon established a shelter for the homeless – the first and only one in Tel Aviv – it has 50 beds.
Between 1998 and today, he established 5 youth hostels for needy children, accommodating 150 youths.
All the first financing for these projects came from Leon, and you know how important the first donation is. you can't do anything without it!
We offered him to mount a plaque of recognition – he refused!
But, when we did put up a sign in the restaurant thanking and recognising our Leon, he stipulated that should someone else donate a large sum, without hesitation the plaque should be changed to give them recognition.
NO LEON, WE WILL NOT CHANGE THE PLAQUE OF APPRECIATION!
350 Needy people who eat in your restaurant every day, all thank you for your generosity, without which, they would go hungry.
A month ago, we purchased with Leon's donations, a vehicle to collect food from functions and restaurants, for distribution to the needy.
On the vehicle, we put a sign that it was donated by “Leon Mow AO from Australia”,and we immediately sent him a photo of the vehicle.
We have no doubt that he was very proud of our new project.
We say ‘our' because we were partners.
Leon gave the money and trust and we organised the work.
Organisers are plenty, but generous people like Leon, there are not so many, and this is his greatness.
We always thought that Leon established the soup kitchen because he wanted to help Israel and the Jews, and we must admit that we couldn't understand why he helped only Israeli's and not the needy in Australia.
A year ago, we visited Leon and Pam in Melbourne, and requested to visit the local soup kitchen. We went to the St Vincent Soup Kitchen of the Catholic Church. To our surprise, we found out that Leon is amongst the main donors to the church's soup kitchen.
Now we understand everything. He loved man – wherever he was, and he gave to all. Go in peace Leibale, in a short while they will put a tombstone on your grave, but you left behind you in Israel and in Australia, a living and breathing legacy – charitable institutions that feed and help hundreds of hungry people daily.
Is there a better monument?
Your beloved
Sharona and Gil-Ad Harish |
