El Al, Israel’s national airline, has announced the end of a discount program for baggage containing donations that was established shortly after Oct. 7 during a period of widespread shortages of military and medical equipment.
The decision was made based on the resumption of other cargo transport options that were halted at the start of the war, as well as a decrease in the need for donations as the military has caught up with its purchasing.
Shira Kesselgross, El Al’s head of corporate communications, explained, “On Oct. 7, we recognized the national effort underway, and we were the only ones still providing service to the United States. Initially, there were many donations, but thankfully, the army has been able to meet its own needs. As demand significantly decreased, we reverted to our standard policy.”
Charities sending duffel bags to Israel will now be required to pay $200 per bag starting June 15, compared to the previous discounted rate of $50.
According to Kesselgross, El Al has delivered tens of thousands of bags through the program. The weight of the bags contributes to the flight’s fuel costs, and they take up space that could otherwise be sold to cargo customers.
“The $50 price was symbolic to cover some expenses,” she noted. “We were not profiting from this program.”
The decision to end the discount program aligns with the Israeli military’s official stance, stating that there are no equipment shortages.
However, some battlefield commanders and logistics officers argue that there are still soldiers lacking proper gear, such as helmets and rifle scopes.
Although charities in the United States and volunteers in Israel continue to receive numerous requests from soldiers, they acknowledge a decrease in donations over time, attributing it to a reduction in donations from Jews in the Diaspora.
An El Al plane in 2013. (Wikimedia Commons)
Bergen County Lev Echad, a charity based in New Jersey, has sent over 11,000 duffel bags to Israel since Oct. 7, as reported by Brian Nave, a volunteer with the organization.
While the group continues to send 20 to 30 bags weekly, representing a significant decrease from previous months, Nave mentioned that the items being sent, such as drones and electronics, are typically more costly.
Nave expressed disappointment in El Al’s decision but refrained from criticizing the airline, stating, “It will increase costs, but it is understandable. I don’t want to be upset with them — they have been our partners. However, it will result in higher expenses for the Jewish community.”
Despite a reduction in troop deployment, Israel remains in a state of war in Gaza, and tensions persist in the north of the country as Israel engages in conflicts with Hezbollah.
Kesselgross mentioned that El Al is monitoring the security situation and is prepared to reinstate a discount program in the event of military escalation.
“If there is a new military need due to a significant military campaign in any area, we are ready to reintroduce an emergency discount program,” she added.