Joseph Gitler

In 2003, Joseph Gitler founded Leket Israel – The National Food Bank as a one-man volunteer operation to address the paradox of growing hunger and poverty in Israel on the one hand, and significant food waste on the other. Over two decades later, Joseph’s initiative has grown into Israel’s only food rescue and resource organization. Leket Israel now supplies surplus food and nutritional support to over 300 nonprofit organizations, serving more than 415,000 people in Israel every week.

As Founder and Chairman, Joseph has worked tirelessly to expand Leket Israel’s operations and capabilities. Today, the organization thrives with the assistance of 160 employees, 63 food rescue vehicles, and 95,000 volunteers. This success stands as a testament to Joseph’s vision and dedication.

Beyond his work with Leket Israel, Joseph has played an active role in other impactful initiatives. He is a founding member of Ten Gav, and serves as a board member for several organizations, including re-specs, The Meir Medical Center, Camp Moshava Canada, Dualis, Mercaz Panim, and Artists & Musicians for Israel. Additionally, he served as the Israeli representative for the Global FoodBanking Network.

Joseph’s leadership and contributions have earned him widespread recognition. He has received the prestigious Presidential Award for Volunteerism from former President Shimon Peres, the Ruppin Academic Center’s 2017 Honorary Fellowship, the 2018 Cohon Award, and the 2018 Man of the Year recognition by the Ra’anana Rotary. Other honors include the 2016 Yigal Alon Prize from Beit Hapalmach, the 2018 Compassion Award for Children and Youth at Risk, and the Inaugural 2014 Bonei Zion Prize. He has also been named one of the 50 most influential Jews in the world and selected as an esteemed Honorary Fellow of the Centre for Big Synergy in 2022. Joseph has delivered inspiring talks, including a 2017 JedX talk and a 2015 ELI talk.

Joseph holds a juris doctor degree from Fordham University and a bachelor’s degree from Yeshiva University. He resides in Ra’anana, Israel, with his wife and their five children.