About Us
Map: Some of the communities where Israel Benevolence Fund provides help.
Mission & Vision
Israel Benevolence Fund, Inc. exists to bring hope, healing, and practical support to the most vulnerable people in Israel — widows, orphans, at-risk children, and Holocaust survivors. For decades, we have partnered with trusted Israeli organizations that are on the front lines of humanitarian aid, education, and emotional care, ensuring that every dollar reaches those who need it most.
We focus on meeting both physical and emotional needs. Through our partnerships, we support programs such as:
- Soup kitchens and food distribution centers providing meals and groceries to families struggling to make ends meet
- Therapy programs for children and single parents recovering from trauma and abuse
- Dental clinics, foster homes, and orphanages, ensuring basic needs and safety for those with nowhere else to turn
- Educational and enrichment programs, including music, arts, and vocational training for at-risk youth
- Home reconstruction and support for Holocaust survivors, many of whom are elderly, frail, and alone
We hold our partners to the highest standards of accountability. Each organization provides quarterly reports, confirming that funds are used as intended, and our team makes annual trips to Israel to meet with leaders, visit programs, and witness the impact of our support firsthand. These visits are life-changing, allowing us to see the tangible difference your generosity makes in the lives of real people — people who have been through unimaginable hardship yet still cling to hope.
The need has never been greater. The population of Holocaust survivors is shrinking rapidly, leaving many elderly and vulnerable individuals without family or community support. At the same time, Israel’s orphan population is growing, and social workers are stretched thin, struggling to provide adequate care for their physical, emotional, and educational needs. These realities make our mission more urgent and more critical than ever.
Through your support, Israel Benevolence Fund, Inc. is able to bring light into dark places, offer dignity to those forgotten, and show God’s love in tangible ways. Your prayers, encouragement, and contributions help us partner with trustworthy organizations to deliver food, shelter, care, education, and hope to people who have no one else to turn to.
Together, we can continue to stand with Israel’s most vulnerable, offering not just material support, but a message of hope, love, and restoration that lasts a lifetime.
Board Members
Rabbi Ron Aaronson
President and Founder
Israel Benevolence Fund, Inc. got the attention of Ron Aaronson when the LORD spoke to him one morning while running. He heard “I want you to take care of widows, orphans, and Holocaust survivors in Israel and walk holy before me.” Ron responded to further leadings from God and that’s how Israel Benevolence Fund, Inc. was born.
Isaiah 58:6-12 tells us to help clothe, feed and encourage others. The Messiah tells us the same thing in Matthew 25:40. “To the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.”
The cries of Israel’s orphans/at-risk children, Holocaust survivors, and widows must be answered. Remember, it was the Apostle Paul in the New Testament who thanked the communities of Macedonia and Achaia because they were pleased to contribute for the poor among the people of Jerusalem. We have the honor and calling to do the same. Romans 15:25-27
Ron has always heard the cries and sighs of humanity and his heart for orphans is fueled by his upbringing. Raised in orphanages as a child and the victim of abuse for many years, providing help for the children especially triggers his heart.
A Wounded Warrior in Special Forces as a Pararescue, graduate of Northeastern College with an AA, valedictorian from William Carey College with a B.A. in biblical studies, MDiv from MidAmerica Theological Seminary, an author, speaker, and in ministry since 1965, evangelist, youth director, associate pastor, congregation planter, Rosh Yeshiva, and associate Rabbi from CBMHouston.org, Ron lives to help others.
Combined with extensive business experience, he owned several corporations nationwide and successfully developed improvements that others copied. He left the corporate world to follow the Lord and never looked back.
A faithful husband for 61 years to Dolly, until her death, also father of two daughters and several grandchildren, and mentor to many Ron ‘serves’ as his life’s calling.
Along with Ron, his wife Jill Kamp (Melton) Aaronson, married February 2024, works for IBF as a grant writer.
Michelle Aaronson-Starbuck
Vice President and Secretary
Michelle Aaronson-Starbuck is deeply committed to serving others and living out God’s love through action. She spent 20 years in education and curriculum development before stepping away in 2013 to care for her injured mother, a season that shaped her spiritually and prepared her for ministry.
In 2014, Michelle joined her father, Rabbi Ron Aaronson, to help lead the Israel Benevolence Fund into expanded impact. Through fundraising, travel to Israel, and strengthened partnerships, she serves widows, orphans, Holocaust survivors, and at-risk children, inspiring compassionate and meaningful action.
Chris Herndon
Treasurer
Chris Herndon is a Texas Christian University graduate with a career spanning over four decades in accounting, finance, private equity, and executive leadership. A former CPA and CFO, he has led and partnered in businesses across finance, real estate, healthcare, oil and gas, and technology, including serving as CEO of Mattress Firm through its sale to Bain Capital.
Currently CFO of Highlands College (retiring 3/2026), Chris serves on multiple nonprofit boards, including The Freedom Center Church, Kingdom Builders US, and Israel Benevolence Fund. He lives in Richmond, Texas, with his wife, Melissa, and is a devoted father and grandfather whose life and leadership are guided by his faith in Jesus Christ.
Michael Woods
Michael has been married to his wife, Dominique, for 28 years, and together they have two children, Joshua and Emma, who are his greatest source of pride and motivation.
He holds a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from the University of Texas at San Antonio and an Associate of Applied Science in Physical Therapy from Laredo Community College, where he graduated first in his class. Michael resides in Texas and remains active in professional development and community leadership, including his long-standing service on the board of the Israel Benevolence Fund.
Angela Westmoreland
Angie Westmoreland, BS in Business, CPA (ret.), MA in Theology, has served on the IBF Board since its inception, joyfully helping bring critical aid to Israel’s most vulnerable. Since her first visit to Israel in 1998, she has made many return trips, witnessing firsthand the life-changing impact of compassionate support. She believes deeply in IBF’s mission as a ministry for such a time as this.
Angie spent her career in oil and gas accounting and tax preparation, raised two children, and later volunteered with Unfolding Word’s Translation Core, supporting Bible translation through Hebrew and Greek research. Today, she and her husband enjoy traveling, exploring national parks, and spending time with their grandchildren.
Our Story
The Birth of Israel Benevolence Fund, Inc.
Israel Benevolence Fund, Inc. was born from a vision placed on the heart of Ron Aaronson — a divine calling that could not be ignored. One morning, while out for a run, Ron felt the Lord speak clearly to him:
"It is more important to feed hungry widows and orphans than it is to plant trees in Israel."
This message struck deeply, igniting a journey of obedience and faith. Ron sought the Lord for guidance, praying for direction and clarity. Step by step, following God’s leading, the vision began to take shape — and Israel Benevolence Fund, Inc. was born.
The call was not only personal; it was biblical. Isaiah 58:6-12 reminds us of God’s heart for justice and mercy — to clothe the naked, feed the hungry, and care for the oppressed. Matthew 25 echoes the same truth: when we serve the least of these — those who are hungry, thirsty, imprisoned, or in need — we are serving the Messiah Himself.
From the very beginning, Israel Benevolence Fund has been driven by this mandate. We can no longer turn away from Israel’s widows, orphans, at-risk children, and Holocaust survivors. Their cries demand action, and God calls us to respond with compassion, resources, and unwavering commitment.
Our mission also mirrors the example of the Apostle Paul, who thanked the churches of Macedonia and Achaia for their generosity in supporting the poor among the people of Jerusalem (Romans 15:25-27). Just as they rejoiced to provide for those in need, we are honored to carry forward the same calling today — to mobilize resources, love, and care for the most vulnerable in Israel.
Israel Benevolence Fund, Inc. is more than an organization; it is a movement of the heart, rooted in obedience to God, inspired by Scripture, and driven by a calling to feed, clothe, and encourage those whom the world has forgotten. From our earliest days, we have been committed to walking alongside widows, Holocaust survivors, orphans, and at-risk children, providing not only material support but also hope, dignity, and a tangible demonstration of God’s love.