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Helping Children at Risk

February 1, 2012

At the end of December, the National Council for the Child presented its annual report to President Shimon Peres. Tragically, it indicates that one out of every three Israeli children is poor. The report also claims there is an increase in the number of children who have fallen victim to physical and sexual abuse. President Peres responded when he said, “We mustn’t give up on even one child. The State of Israel is committed to the welfare and education of its children, who will be the [backbone] of the country’s future.”

According to the report, by the end of 2010, some 2,519,000 children lived in Israel, constituting 32.7% of the general population. The number of children living below the poverty line in 2010 reached 889,500 (35.3% of the entire child population).

We Love to Help Children

Our hearts are heavy as we read the reports, which are not just dry statistics but made up of many hurting children and families. We have always had a desire to help the children of Israel, to give them an opportunity for a brighter future. More than 50% of the food we distribute goes to feed children. In fact, over 13,000 Israeli children receive food from Christians through Bridges for Peace each month.

We sponsor nearly 300 children through our Feed a Child Program, which matches Christian sponsors to a child in need. They receive a hot meal each day at school, and Bridges for Peace pays for all costs associated with school (books, outings, backpack, school supplies, uniforms, etc.) as well as a birthday gift. Many who want to bless children give undesignated one-time gifts to the Feed a Child Program that enables us to supply the schools with better equipment and meet special needs as they come to our attention.

Large Family Gives Thanks

Recently, we received a letter of thanks from a large family we assist in Jerusalem:

We are the Y family living in Bucharim, a neighborhood next to Meah Sharim [an Orthodox community] in Jerusalem. We live as a family of eight in a small apartment on the third floor overlooking a narrow ally in our neighborhood. We are very fortunate and blessed to be connected to Bridges for Peace who have become like our own family. God has shown us a lot of favor, and our Christian friends are always there for us.

My husband is a Torah [Gen.-Deut.] teacher to orphan immigrant children for many years now and earns a small salary. My family in Bridges for Peace came to my daughter’s wedding, all my sons’ b’rit millas [circumcision], and bar mitzvahs. Yosef Benisho [one of our delivery drivers] we have learned to love and appreciate because he not only represents Bridges for Peace well, but also brings the beautifully prepared and very much needed food sometimes just at a time when we are thinking, “Lord, what will we eat tonight?”I am a housewife and, according to our culture, I am expected to be at home and take care of my family’s needs. More than 75% of our neighbors are living under the poverty line. I cannot thank God enough for you, Christians through Bridges for Peace, who provide enough for us each week and that my children go to bed satisfied.

It once happened to us that we had no toilet paper. We prayed and God sent Yosef with toilet paper; a knock on the door, and there he was with what we have prayed for in his hand! You never forget our birthdays – thank you for bringing appropriate gifts – especially to my children! I remember one year, my youngest daughter wanted a doll of her very own, but I had no extra money to buy her one. Bridges for Peace volunteers brought her a doll and made her so very happy; she continues to play with it – a simple pleasure – but one gift we could not afford. Thank you for remembering our birthdays!

Over the years, God not only used you to provide food for us on our table and other essentials, but we now have a new dining room set, refrigerator, stove, and a bed and bedding – thank you, Bridges for Peace! Once Bridges for Peace volunteers came and painted our whole apartment! You have helped us change our mindset of what Christians really are! I thank God for this opportunity to express my love and thanks to you. Bridges for Peace, you really give us hope and my children a future.

Children Playing in Streets

The prophet Zechariah foretold the return of the Jews to Zion in chapter 8. In a delightful way, he paints a picture of blessing: “Old men and old women shall again sit in the streets of Jerusalem, each one with his staff in his hand because of great age. The streets of the city shall be full of boys and girls playing in its streets” (vv. 4-5). How often I have witnessed this exact picture.

One charming part of Jerusalem is Nachlaot. It is a cluster of neighborhoods with narrow, winding lanes and few streets for traffic. Children have always played there freely, running from home to home, enjoying their time after school with friends in the playgrounds. One of the things I have always appreciated about Israel is how much Israelis love their children. Everyone seems to look out for all the children, not just their own. Crimes against children have been rare. In fact, I have often commented on the fact that we don’t hear of missing children in Israel.

So imagine my horror as one of Nachlaot’s Orthodox rabbis sat in my office and told of the pain in the neighborhood since more than 100 children in the neighborhood have been targeted by what seems to be an organized crime ring that has not only abused children but has also allegedly used their images for child pornography. The city of Jerusalem is in shock; the families are grieving the lost innocence of their children; and the abused children are receiving counseling to overcome the damage.

In the meantime, until the entire criminal ring is contained, the rabbi and the neighborhood are turning their attention to protect all the children. The children have lost their freedom. The rabbi had tears in his eyes when he asked if we could help. They need funds to provide guards for playgrounds and to set up after-school activities to keep the children safe and occupied. Of course Bridges for Peace is eager to assist. Our unswerving love in the face of obstacles is a true mark of agape love. Nachlaot will know that Christians care about their pain.

You Can Help

You can help some of Israel’s at-risk children. Please consider sponsoring a child through our Feed a Child Program (one-year commitment). Or, you can give a one-time gift that will enable us to reach out to Nachlaot’s children and help schools and communities as they provide for the future of Israel. Show your love today. Yeshua (Jesus) wants to bless the children, and we can be part of the blessing.

Blessings from Israel,

Rebecca J. Brimmer
International President and CEO