Grants

With Your Help, Here’s What We Accomplished In 2023

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Dear friends,

It’s been a tumultuous year, to be sure. So much fear and so much suffering. But throughout it all, there are always lights of hope, people like you who care, who want to do something to make the world better, and who succeed. These individuals may not finish the task, but they most certainly move it along.

The Jonah Maccabee Foundation seeks out such folks and, in partnership with YOU, we award grants, financial assistance that won’t finish the task but will move things along.

With abundant gratitude for your support, here’s how we used your donations in 2023:

In Israel and Gaza …

  • IsraAID … partnering with local organizations and civil society initiatives in Israel’s south, focusing on psychosocial support, stress relief activities, and relief supplies as needed
  • American Near East Refugee Aid (Anera) … provides humanitarian and development aid to the Middle East, specifically the West Bank, the Gaza Strip, Lebanon and Jordan
  • Just One Chesed … providing Israeli soldiers and civilians with life-saving medical, tactical, and other essentials
  • Friends of IDF … works closely with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to provide for the well-being of its soldiers, veterans, and family members through educational, financial, spiritual, and cultural initiatives
  • Rabbis for Human Rights … an Israeli organization that works within the Occupied Territories to promote social and economic justice within Israel

In Ukraine …

  • Ukraine Children’s Action Project … works in Ukraine and Poland with a wide range of organizations and government agencies to help address the critical and growing needs of traumatized Ukrainian kids who are exposed to the unrelenting attacks of the Russian military
  • Shelter Friend – Ukraine … helping sick and injured stray animals in Dneproperovsk city, Ukraine, that have been caught in the crossfire of the armed conflict there
  • United 24 … the official fundraising platform of the nation of Ukraine, allows for the world to unite in protecting, supporting and rebuilding Ukraine during its battle to defend itself from Russian assault
  • IsraAID … throughout the conflict in Ukraine, IsraAID has provided essential services at the Moldovan border for fleeing refugees, established in Romania a supply chain for humanitarian aid into southern Ukraine, and has provided mental health and psychosocial support training in Ukraine itself for psychologists and social workers in Irpin and Bucha, cities in Kyiv region that saw the large-scale loss of civilian life

America’s ongoing immigration crisis …

  • Woodlands Community Temple (White Plains, NY) … with asylum seeking refugees that were bused to New York from Texas and Florida arriving to the Rivertowns (Ardsley, Irvington, Dobbs Ferry and more), families have been welcomed with open arms, The Jonah Maccabee Foundation providing grants to supplement meals, education and cultural events
  • Grannies Respond NYC … formed in response to the separation of families seeking asylum at the U.S. southern border in 2018, provides compassionate and respectful support for asylum seekers and immigrants who seek safety and security in the United States

In Turkey and Syria …

  • The White Helmets … benefitting from your donations to our Earthquake Relief campaign in February, The White Helmets are an all-volunteer relief organization on the ground in Syria, rescuing victims from the destruction there and then helping to rebuild lives in the earthquake’s aftermath
  • IsraAID … also benefitting from your donations to our Earthquake Relief campaign, volunteers from Israel have brought help to Syria, regardless of the ongoing discord between these two nations
  • Embrace Relief … receiving a grant from JMF on your behalf, this Turkish-American relief organization has partnered with other organizations and has sent their own volunteers to bring help to earthquake-ravaged Turkey
  • Bridge to Turkiye … , a Turkish-American relief organization that partners with other organizations to get the help to where it’s most needed
  • Oxfam America … this well-known super-hunger assistance organization works with partners to provide nearly two million survivors in the worst-affected areas of the earthquake in Turkey and Syria with clean water, food, shelter, blankets, and psychological support
  • Syrian American Medical Society Foundation … provides medical relief and healthcare to innocent civilians affected by the Syrian earthquake
  • World Central Kitchen … responded to the earthquake in Turkey in Syria by organizing teams of food first responders to get meals to the people who need them most

And so many other places that need your help …

  • Play Group Theatre … “preparing kids for every stage in life,” PGT understands that rather than the show what’s most important when kids do theatre is learning collaboration, sharpening listening skills, embracing creativity, and treating one another with honor
  • 6 Points Creative Arts Academy … a summer camp that strives to create holistic, meaningful experiences for young artists in a living laboratory for learning and performing
  • Judaism Alive … identifies, trains, promotes, and places young leaders in Jewish organizations throughout North America to keep the spirit of Judaism alive for future generations
  • Music to Life … finds and supports artists who are dedicated to helping people and the planet through their work on civil and human rights, climate change, poverty and health
  • Braver Angels … addressing the challenge of bringing together Americans who not only disagree on political issues but increasingly dislike each other
  • Mississippi River Network … disproportionately and unjustly impacted by pollution, public health disparities, and economic injustices, communities of color along the Mississippi River benefit from the efforts of the MRN which works for the well-being of the people, land, water, and wildlife of America’s largest watershed
  • Lifting Up Westchester Summer Camp and Youth Services … gives children who are experiencing homelessness in Westchester County, New York, a safe space filled with fun and games, plus literacy activities that help them retain the past year’s school lessons, preparing for success when the new school year begins, then stays with them to help ensure success throughout the entire year
  • Dream Street Foundation … provides camping programs for children and young adults with chronic and life threatening illnesses
  • Sing Unto God … works to elevate the practice of communal singing and meaningful worship for any person, congregation, or community wanting to learn about or experience the transformative power of uniting voices
  • Harmony Project … provides no-cost, high-quality music instruction and social support to underserved children in low-income communities, motivating them to cultivate their human potential
  • Food Bank for NYC … working to end food poverty in New York City’s five boroughs by helping low-income New Yorkers overcome their circumstances and achieve greater independence
  • National Diaper Network … provides basic necessities required to build the strong foundations all children, families, and individuals need to thrive and reach their full potential
  • The Tali Fund … in memory of Talia Faith Agler, supports Tali’s ongoing work and dreams, helping fund the Talia Agler Girls Shelter in Nairobi, Kenya
  • MindLeaps … creates educational paths for vulnerable children by engaging them in fun dance classes that are part of a carefully crafted curriculum to develop key cognitive and social-emotional skills vital to success in school and work
  • The Penguin Project … provides theatrical outlets across the country for young artists with developmental disabilities, joined onstage by children without disabilities who work side-by-side through rehearsals and performances
  • United Negro College Fund …awards more than 10,000 students scholarships annually, and provides financial support to 37 historically black colleges and universities
  • The PICO Union Project … distributes free, fresh produce, mentors high school students, plants gardens and trees, and provides art programs to lift the minds and spirits of the immigrant communities living in the El Pueblo district in Los Angeles
  • Lifting Up Westchester Summer Camp … gives children who are experiencing homelessness in Westchester County, New York, a safe space filled with fun and games, plus literacy activities that help them retain the past year’s school lessons, preparing for success when the new school year begins
  • Morningside Farm Sanctuary … an all-species animal sanctuary located in Veneta, Oregon, whose animals arrive through medical surrender or seizure, abandonment, feed lots, auction yards, hoarder cases and other conditions

We hope you feel as good about these grants as we do. Thank you so much for supporting us. We’re grateful to have you with us as we carry forward Jonah’s legacy — his zest for living and his passion for goodness — and, together, work to improve the lives of young people everywhere.

Wishing you every goodness,
Ellen, Billy, Katie and Aiden
The Jonah Maccabee Foundation

BillyWith Your Help, Here’s What We Accomplished In 2023
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With Your Help, Here’s What We’ve Accomplished So Far In 2023

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Dear friends,

We thought you might like to know how we spent the money you’ve donated to The Jonah Maccabee Foundation thus far in 2023 (with links to each recipient if you’d like to learn more):

In Ukraine …

  • Ukraine Children’s Action Project … works in Ukraine and Poland with a wide range of organizations and government agencies to help address the critical and growing needs of traumatized Ukrainian kids who are exposed to the unrelenting attacks of the Russian military
  • Shelter Friend – Ukraine … helping sick and injured stray animals in Dneproperovsk city, Ukraine, that have been caught in the crossfire of the armed conflict there
  • United 24 … the official fundraising platform of the nation of Ukraine, allows for the world to unite in protecting, supporting and rebuilding Ukraine during its battle to defend itself from Russian assault
  • IsraAID … throughout the conflict in Ukraine, IsraAID has provided essential services at the Moldovan border for fleeing refugees, established in Romania a supply chain for humanitarian aid into southern Ukraine, and has provided mental health and psychosocial support training in Ukraine itself for psychologists and social workers in Irpin and Bucha, cities in Kyiv region that saw the large-scale loss of civilian life
  • Grannies Respond NYC … formed in response to the separation of families seeking asylum at the U.S. southern border in 2018, provides compassionate and respectful support for asylum seekers and immigrants who seek safety and security in the United States

In Turkey and Syria …

  • The White Helmets … benefitting from your donations to our Earthquake Relief campaign in February, The White Helmets are an all-volunteer relief organization on the ground in Syria, rescuing victims from the destruction there and then helping to rebuild lives in the earthquake’s aftermath
  • IsraAID … also benefitting from your donations to our Earthquake Relief campaign, volunteers from Israel have brought help to Syria, regardless of the ongoing discord between these two nations
  • Embrace Relief … receiving a grant from JMF on your behalf, this Turkish-American relief organization has partnered with other organizations and has sent their own volunteers to bring help to earthquake-ravaged Turkey
  • Bridge to Turkiye … , a Turkish-American relief organization that partners with other organizations to get the help to where it’s most needed
  • Oxfam America … this well-known super-hunger assistance organization works with partners to provide nearly two million survivors in the worst-affected areas of the earthquake in Turkey and Syria with clean water, food, shelter, blankets, and psychological support
  • Syrian American Medical Society Foundation … provides medical relief and healthcare to innocent civilians affected by the Syrian earthquake
  • World Central Kitchen … responded to the earthquake in Turkey in Syria by organizing teams of food first responders to get meals to the people who need them most

And so many other places that need your help …

  • Play Group Theatre … “preparing kids for every stage in life,” PGT understands that rather than the show what’s most important when kids do theatre is learning collaboration, sharpening listening skills, embracing creativity, and treating one another with honor
  • 6 Points Creative Arts Academy … a summer camp that strives to create holistic, meaningful experiences for young artists in a living laboratory for learning and performing
  • Mississippi River Network … disproportionately and unjustly impacted by pollution, public health disparities, and economic injustices, communities of color along the Mississippi River benefit from the efforts of the MRN which works for the well-being of the people, land, water, and wildlife of America’s largest watershed
  • Lifting Up Westchester Summer Camp and Youth Services … gives children who are experiencing homelessness in Westchester County, New York, a safe space filled with fun and games, plus literacy activities that help them retain the past year’s school lessons, preparing for success when the new school year begins, then stays with them to help ensure success throughout the entire year
  • Sing Unto God … works to elevate the practice of communal singing and meaningful worship for any person, congregation, or community wanting to learn about or experience the transformative power of uniting voices
  • Harmony Project … provides no-cost, high-quality music instruction and social support to underserved children in low-income communities, motivating them to cultivate their human potential
  • Food Bank for NYC … working to end food poverty in New York City’s five boroughs by helping low-income New Yorkers overcome their circumstances and achieve greater independence
  • National Diaper Network … provides basic necessities required to build the strong foundations all children, families, and individuals need to thrive and reach their full potential
  • The Tali Fund … in memory of Talia Faith Agler, supports Tali’s ongoing work and dreams, helping fund the Talia Agler Girls Shelter in Nairobi, Kenya

We hope you feel as good about these grants as we do. Thank you so much for supporting us. We’re grateful to have you with us as we carry forward Jonah’s legacy — his zest for living and his passion for goodness — and, together, work to improve the lives of young people everywhere.

Wishing you every goodness,
Ellen, Billy, Katie and Aiden Dreskin
The Jonah Maccabee Foundation

BillyWith Your Help, Here’s What We’ve Accomplished So Far In 2023
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JMF Awards Grant to Mississippi River Network

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Communities all along the Mississippi River are disproportionately and unjustly impacted by pollution, public health disparities, and economic injustices, often communities of color.

The Mississippi River Network (MRN) works for the well-being of the people, land, water, and wildlife of America’s largest watershed.

MRN lovingly labors to protect, restore, enjoy, and sustainably develop, the MIssissippi River, the water that brings life to the region, the lands through which it flows, and the wildlife that shares it and relies on its well-being.

Environmental issues and racial issues are linked, as minority communities often suffer most from exploitation of the land and other resources. The Jonah Maccabee Foundation’s support for the Mississippi River Network reflects Jonah’s profound love for people and the giant blue marble that gave him life and all of us as well.

We’re honored to make this grant from our Fund for Racial Justice.

Learn more about the Mississippi River Network here.

As always, we simply could not do this without your support. Thank you for your donations that make our involvement possible.

BillyJMF Awards Grant to Mississippi River Network
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With Your Help, Here’s What We Accomplished In 2022

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Dear friends,

We thought you might like to know how we spent the money you donated to The Jonah Maccabee Foundation in 2022.

Here’s the rundown of the grants we made this year:

  • MindLeaps … creates educational paths for vulnerable children by engaging them in fun dance classes that are part of a carefully crafted curriculum to develop key cognitive and social-emotional skills vital to success in school and work.
  • American Indian College Fund … supports Native student access to higher education. With only 14% of American Indians earning college degrees (less than half the national average), AICF empowers 4000 American Indian students annually to start and stay in school, complete degrees and launch careers.
  • Yes We Can … provides full time bilingual education and safe spaces for migrant children at U.S.-Mexico border who have no permanent address to attend school.
  • League of Women Voters … working to protect and expand voting rights through advocacy, education and litigation at the local, state, and national levels.
  • IsraAid … supports Ukrainian refugees in Moldova and supplies humanitarian aid to southern Ukraine
  • Thompson Island Outward Bound Education Center … provides free outdoor educational programming to low-resourced communities in the Boston Public Schools
  • The Penguin Project … provides theatrical outlets across the country for young artists with developmental disabilities, joined onstage by children without disabilities who work side-by-side through rehearsals and performances
  • United Negro College Fund …awards more than 10,000 students scholarships annually, and provides financial support to 37 historically black colleges and universities
  • “Songleading: A Work of Art” … the Foundation has underwritten this important book that promotes the training of a new generation of capable, effective leaders of communal singing.
  • The PICO Union Project … distributes free, fresh produce, mentors high school students, plants gardens and trees, and provides art programs to lift the minds and spirits of the immigrant communities living in the El Pueblo district in Los Angeles
  • The Florence Immigrant & Refugee Rights Project … provides free legal services to men, women, and unaccompanied children in Arizona who face immigration removal proceedings, endeavoring to ensure each immigrant has access to counsel, understands their rights under the law, and is treated fairly and humanely
  • Harmony Project … provides no-cost, high-quality music instruction and social support to underserved children in low-income communities, motivating them to cultivate their human potential
  • The Reform Movement’s Racial Justice Campaign … combats voter suppression, addressing systemic racism by demanding policy change on both a state and federal level
  • Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights … advocates for the rights and best interests of immigrant children, from custody and release to the ultimate decision about whether the child will be allowed to remain in the U.S.
  • Play Group Theatre … “preparing kids for every stage in life,” PGT understands that the show isn’t what’s most important when kids do theatre. Learning collaboration, sharpening listening skills, embracing creativity, and treating one another with honor … these are what PGT is all about. We love that!
  • National Diaper Network … provides basic necessities required to build the strong foundations all children, families, and individuals need to thrive and reach their full potential
  • 6 Points Creative Arts Academy … a summer camp that strives to create holistic, meaningful experiences for young artists in a living laboratory for learning and performing
  • The Tali Fund … in memory of Talia Faith Agler, supports Tali’s ongoing work and dreams, helping fund the Talia Agler Girls Shelter in Nairobi, Kenya
  • 52nd Street Project … creates and produces new plays for, and often by, kids ages 9-18 who reside in the Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood of New York City
  • Lifting Up Westchester Summer Camp … gives children who are experiencing homelessness in Westchester County, New York, a safe space filled with fun and games, plus literacy activities that help them retain the past year’s school lessons, preparing for success when the new school year begins.

We hope you feel as good about these grants as we do. Thank you so much for supporting us. We’re grateful to have you with us as we carry forward Jonah’s legacy — his zest for living and his passion for goodness — and, together, work to improve the lives of young people everywhere.

Wishing you every goodness,
Ellen, Billy, Katie, Mark and Aiden
The Jonah Maccabee Foundation

BillyWith Your Help, Here’s What We Accomplished In 2022
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With Your Help, Here’s What We’ve Accomplished So Far In 2022

No comments

Dear friends,

We thought you might like to know how we’ve been spending the money you donated to The Jonah Maccabee Foundation.

Here’s the rundown of the grants we’ve made so far during 2022:

  • IsraAid … supports Ukrainian refugees in Moldova and supplies humanitarian aid to southern Ukraine
  • Thompson Island Outward Bound Education Center … provides free outdoor educational programming to low-resourced communities in the Boston Public Schools
  • The Penguin Project … provides theatrical outlets across the country for young artists with developmental disabilities, joined onstage by children without disabilities who work side-by-side through rehearsals and performances
  • United Negro College Fund …awards more than 10,000 students scholarships annually, and provides financial support to 37 historically black colleges and universities
  • “Songleading: A Work of Art” … the Foundation has underwritten this important book that promotes the training of a new generation of capable, effective leaders of communal singing.
  • The PICO Union Project … distributes free, fresh produce, mentors high school students, plants gardens and trees, and provides art programs to lift the minds and spirits of the immigrant communities living in the El Pueblo district in Los Angeles
  • The Florence Immigrant & Refugee Rights Project … provides free legal services to men, women, and unaccompanied children in Arizona who face immigration removal proceedings, endeavoring to ensure each immigrant has access to counsel, understands their rights under the law, and is treated fairly and humanely
  • Harmony Project … provides no-cost, high-quality music instruction and social support to underserved children in low-income communities, motivating them to cultivate their human potential
  • The Reform Movement’s Racial Justice Campaign … combats voter suppression, addressing systemic racism by demanding policy change on both a state and federal level
  • Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights … advocates for the rights and best interests of immigrant children, from custody and release to the ultimate decision about whether the child will be allowed to remain in the U.S.
  • Play Group Theatre … “preparing kids for every stage in life,” PGT understands that the show isn’t what’s most important when kids do theatre. Learning collaboration, sharpening listening skills, embracing creativity, and treating one another with honor … these are what PGT is all about. We love that!
  • National Diaper Network … provides basic necessities required to build the strong foundations all children, families, and individuals need to thrive and reach their full potential
  • 6 Points Creative Arts Academy … a summer camp that strives to create holistic, meaningful experiences for young artists in a living laboratory for learning and performing
  • The Tali Fund … in memory of Talia Faith Agler, supports Tali’s ongoing work and dreams, helping fund the Talia Agler Girls Shelter in Nairobi, Kenya
  • 52nd Street Project … creates and produces new plays for, and often by, kids ages 9-18 who reside in the Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood of New York City
  • Lifting Up Westchester Summer Camp … gives children who are experiencing homelessness in Westchester County, New York, a safe space filled with fun and games, plus literacy activities that help them retain the past year’s school lessons, preparing for success when the new school year begins.

We hope you feel as good about these grants as we do. Thank you so much for supporting us. We’re grateful to have you with us as we carry forward Jonah’s legacy — his zest for living and his passion for goodness — and, together, work to improve the lives of young people everywhere.

Wishing you every goodness,
Ellen, Billy, Katie, Mark and Aiden
The Jonah Maccabee Foundation

BillyWith Your Help, Here’s What We’ve Accomplished So Far In 2022
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“I am not Ukrainian, but I support you”

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We share in your outrage at Russia’s unwarranted invasion of Ukraine. Our hearts are breaking for the men, women and children living peacefully in the democratic nation who must now defend their land and their loved ones against the national thuggery advanced by Putin and those who enable him. The Ukrainians have earned our love and support many times over.

The Jonah Maccabee Foundation has awarded a significant grant to assist in helping refugees as they flee their homes in search of safety. IsraAID has a well-known track record for showing up where crisis occurs, bringing with them doctors and supplies and love from the Land of Israel. As a Jewish family, we are so proud of Israel each time they appear throughout the world bringing help and hope with them. We want the people of Ukraine to hear and to feel the Jewish people supporting them. Sending doctors and supplies from Israel seems like a great way to do that.

Thank you for your generous donations that make this grant possible. If it would be meaningful to you, click here to make your own donation to IsraAID.

We pray for survival, freedom and peace to the people of Ukraine. God bless them all.

Ellen, Billy, Aiden, Katie and Mark

Billy“I am not Ukrainian, but I support you”
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JMF Awards Grant to Youth Futures in Lod, Israel

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Youth Futures, Lod, IsraelWe’re honored to send our love and assistance to Youth Futures in the Ramat Eshkol neighborhood of Lod, Israel, which has seen far too much hate and violence in recent weeks.

Jonah never got to Israel, but was hoping to do so as soon as he could. He loved Jewish life, and he loved people … of all stripes and flavors. We think he would have wanted to help everyone — Arabs and Jews — in Lod.

BillyJMF Awards Grant to Youth Futures in Lod, Israel
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JMF Awards Grant to 6 Points Creative Arts Academy

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We’re honored to award a grant to 6 Points Creative Arts Academy, a summer camp program sponsored by the Union for Reform Judaism, which strives to create holistic, meaningful experiences for young artists in a living laboratory for learning and performing. The camp is housed at the Westtown School, a Quaker Boarding School on 600 acres located just 25 miles west of Philadelphia.

BillyJMF Awards Grant to 6 Points Creative Arts Academy
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JMF Awards Grant to “Harmony Project”

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We’re honored to award a grant to Harmony Project, an inspiring organization that provides high-quality music instruction and social support to children at no cost year ’round. Harmony Project motivates young people to cultivate their human potential — musically and otherwise — in California communities from Long Beach to Pasadena, and Inglewood to Boyle Heights.

Our friend Michael Skloff writes, “I’ve been on the board of this wonderful organization for a few years now. They are transforming the lives of underserved kids and their families all over Southern California and beyond!”

Harmony Project

In support of such a terrific and valuable program, and in honor of our friend Michael Skloff, The Jonah Maccabee Foundation is delighted to support Project Harmony with a grant from our Arts Fund. Learn more by visiting Harmony Project online.

Thank you for your donations that make our support possible.

BillyJMF Awards Grant to “Harmony Project”
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“Beat the Virus” Campaign a Lifesaving Success!

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You really came through for us. Well, not just for us. You came through for all of the organizations below to which we have forwarded grants that will help so many to make it through the pandemic.

Thank you.

What a privilege to join you in bringing a little more goodness into the world.

What a humbling honor to have you help us remember our Jonah, and to transform our loss into blessing.

Here are the 10 grants we’ve made. SO FAR. We’re going to keep sending money to communities across America. Transcending politics, we’re going to feed people wherever we can, for the only reason that they’re hungry.

Billy“Beat the Virus” Campaign a Lifesaving Success!
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