Mr. Gitler, founder and Chairman of Leket Israel, recipient of The President’s Volunteer Medal, works hard to fulfill his vision – to deliver food to the needy through saving surplus food that would otherwise have been lost. Mr. Gitler, a native of the United States, is a graduate of Yeshiva University and the Faculty of Law at Fordham University. He immigrated to Israel in 2000, and soon discovered that poverty in Israel encompasses many populations that, although not defined as needy, suffer from food insecurity. After 3 years, during which he developed the family-owned software house as an international sales and development manager, he founded Leket Israel; this organization “rescues” surplus food and transfers it to the needy while maintaining its optimal conditions. Joseph Gitler is married to Lilach and they have five children. He is active in numerous organizations that promote welfare and health in Israel.