Fetterman Israel Trip: Nonprofit Funding Revealed
uncover the details of Sen.Fetterman’s recent trip to Israel, a journey funded by the mental health nonprofit, relief Resources. News Directory 3 brings you the full story, revealing that the all-expenses-paid trip, which cost over $36,000, included meetings with Israeli President Netanyahu. learn about the scrutiny surrounding Relief Resources, including past investigations into its funding and the questions raised about its impact.Furthermore, discover how Fetterman’s focus on Israel has drawn criticism from former staffers, painting a picture of shifting priorities. The primary_keyword, “Fetterman Israel trip,” sheds light on the senator’s activities, while the secondary_keyword, “mental health nonprofit,” highlights the funding source. Discover what’s next in this unfolding narrative,and explore the senator’s response to the criticism.
Fetterman’s Israel Trip Funded by mental Health Nonprofit
Updated May 29, 2025
Sen. John Fetterman’s recent activities have come under scrutiny, including his attendance record and engagement with Pennsylvania constituents.Records show that he missed 30 floor votes this year and canceled town halls.
During a state work period in March, instead of connecting with his constituents, Fetterman and his wife, Gisele, embarked on an all-expenses-paid trip to Israel. The trip was financed by Relief resources, a New York City-based nonprofit focused on mental health within the international Jewish community.
Travel disclosure documents reveal that Fetterman’s three-day trip, valued at over $36,000, included first-class flights and stays in luxury hotels in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. The itinerary included a meeting with Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss the mental health crisis following the oct. 7 terrorist attacks. during the meeting, Netanyahu presented Fetterman with a silver beeper, commemorating Israel’s attack in Lebanon, which the United Nations has previously condemned as a violation of international law.
While Fetterman has faced scrutiny regarding his mental health, he was honored at a Jerusalem gala for his “leadership in mental health awareness and legislative advocacy.”
Relief Resources describes itself as dedicated to supporting the international Jewish community in overcoming mental illness. The organization, with over $4.6 million in revenue last year, has faced investigations in the past. In 2013, New York’s Moreland Commission investigated Relief resources for allegedly misusing state funds. William Fitzpatrick, co-chair of the commission, questioned where the funds went, stating they “certainly didn’t go to improve the health of anybody in New York City.”
The commission’s report highlighted that much of Relief’s funding came from earmarks sponsored by state lawmakers, raising questions about the quality of services provided. While Relief disputed the allegations, a subsequent inquiry acknowledged the organization’s political connections but also recognized its legitimate services to the Orthodox Jewish community. The Moreland commission was abruptly shut down by then-Gov.Andrew cuomo in 2014.
Despite the scrutiny, Relief Resources received $500,000 from the New York State Office of Temporary & Disability Assistance in 2017.
Shiya Ostreicher, the founder of Relief Resources, is also linked to other charities, including Health Cubed Inc., Kochavim Behavioral Health, and Premium Health. Ostreicher and Babad, the director of Relief Resources, formerly worked with Agudath Israel, an organization that has lobbied for controversial education bills. Fetterman attended a luncheon held by Agudath in D.C. last year and met with the group again during their advocacy trip in April.
“It seems like he’s more the ambassador to Israel than the senator from Pennsylvania.”
Fetterman has accused the media of “weaponizing” his absenteeism and mental health. Former staffers suggest his focus on Israel has overshadowed his other responsibilities.
One former staffer said, “It truly seems like he’s more the ambassador to Israel than the senator from Pennsylvania.”