Lifeline for Israel’s Needy

Another day at the Jerusalem Assistance Center, another day of deliveries. My co-workers and I loaded the van with two pallets of food and then were on the road, navigating the busy streets of Jerusalem. Our first stop is just around the corner from the Shuk Machane Yehuda, a very busy open-air market. Waiting for us is a group of elderly men and women who are with the Association for Radioactive Victims (Immigrants suffering from the effects of Chernobyl). We open up the back of the van to unload the bags of food, lining them up on a stone wall. We have a little time to interact with the recipients as their director checks off who is receiving the much-appreciated bags of food. We exchange smiles, handshakes, and a few hugs while hearing many “Spasibo,” or thank you, from those gathered. Then its back in the van to deliver a pallet of bulk food to a woman named Shoshanna. To look at her, she is very short, but you have to wonder at her giant heart. I met her in 2016, when I first volunteered with Bridges for a summer. At that time, she had already been serving her community for many years. She is a bit tired these days, but the love she has to serve others is still burning bright. Since we had a new volunteer with us, she invited us into her home to look at some pictures on the wall and to hear stories of some of her past projects. This remarkable woman has been very busy throughout the years. These are just two organizations and the type of people that Bridges partners with.  Just two of the many that I have the privilege to bless with deliveries of food. Just two that, in return, bless me with amazing stories and hugs that are even more amazing. Shoshanna has received food from Bridges for many years, and every time I help deliver the food, I am greeted with the same thankful heart and lots of hugs and kisses. The team and I always walk away with freshly baked cakes and herbs picked from her beautiful garden. Today it was Yemeni Basil. It is a blessing to have these amazing opportunities through the work of the Food Bank of Bridges for Peace.

This month we had a group from France who visited Bridges for Peace (BFP) and volunteered at the food bank to serve and pack as many bags as possible. They were active and full of life, love, and joy. In a wonderful coincidence, they came to volunteer the day before BFP supported with an air flight of 60 Jews from France who were making Aliyah. This year for the Feast of Trumpets–Rosh Hashanah, BFP is giving 1500 food bags to Holocaust survivors in Karmiel and Jerusalem.  The group of volunteers from France packed over 900 of these bags. This was an answer to prayer, as God knew we needed extra helping hands. After packing, we prayed over the food bags that they will bring hope and comfort to the Holocaust survivors and God's people. Recalling previous years, more than one beneficiary started crying when they received the food because they did not have enough for the holidays.  May BFP always have the privilege of packing and delivering much needed food in the communities and to give light and hope for a new and sweet year. Feedback from the group:   The French-Swiss volunteer group of 15 had the pleasure of serving with the BFP team for one day. The team packed 962 parcels for different groups in Jerusalem. It was a rich and intense day. What a blessing to support in a concrete and visible way that makes a difference in the lives of the men, women, and children who will receive these parcels. A quick note: This one day at Bridges for Peace was the first of our 10 days volunteering in Israel. We had the opportunity to make other packages during our trip, and we can say that Bridges for Peace trained us well.  We were equipped to be efficient and organized. Thank you for sharing Bridges for Peace's heartbeat.   Doris

Dear Bridges for Peace, In loving memory of my parents, I have founded this organization, Beit Oded and Mazal, to fulfill a personal mission: to bring care, nourishment, and companionship to those who need it most. We are a dedicated group of volunteers who provide support to the elderly individuals, people with disabilities, Holocaust survivors, and others living alone or in difficult circumstances. Our assistance includes delivering hot meals and essential groceries such as oil, sugar, rice, pasta, and other basic needs. In addition to providing food, we regularly visit the people we support, not only to ensure their well-being, but also to share time, conversation, and kindness. Human connection is just as important as a full fridge. The joy, comfort, and gratitude we see in the faces of those we help bring us true fulfillment and purpose. Knowing they are cared for and never forgotten is our greatest reward. Finally, thank you greatly for your support, generosity, and compassion. Your help enables us to continue this meaningful mission, and for that, we are truly grateful! With appreciation, Daniel Kohavi Director and founder Daniel is a very humble man. He and his wife always invite us to their house for lunch when we do deliveries. Always asking why we leave our countries and family to come volunteer in Israel. They so appreciate Bridges for Peace and Christians around the world standing with them.

Beit Gil is a day center for individuals with intellectual developmental disabilities, offering nursing care, therapeutic services, and rehabilitation for those who require moderate to extensive support in their daily activities. It is operated by AKIM in Karmiel and was inaugurated in September 2013. Beit Gil serves as a regional, multinational center for people over the age of 21 who are defined as having disabilities with a therapeutic/nursing orientation, some with behavioral complexities, and various levels of disabilities. The service is provided to residents of Karmiel and nearby communities five days a week from 08:00 to 18:00. We aim to create a welcoming environment for these adults and their families, offering various enriching social and recreational activities. Our main goal at Beit Gil is to enhance each person's personal and adaptive skills, helping them achieve greater functional efficiency in all aspects of their lives. We also strive to help them realize and fulfill their potential, recognizing the importance of improving their quality of life. Beit Gil hosts 63 people daily who enjoy programs aimed at their well-being, tailored to their needs and often to their wishes. The framework is managed by a director, social worker, health professionals (physiotherapist, occupational therapist, speech therapist, and nurse), and experienced, skilled, warm-hearted instructors. The main programs held daily include: Therapeutic employment, including ceramics and jobs in the art room (paper Mach, weaving, gardening, sports, carpentry, mosaics, dance, and more).  These workshops are accompanied by the professional staff. Each person at Beit Gil has one or more personal programs tailored to their needs, developed with them and their families. We cook 80 meals every day and transfer the dry food received from Bridges for Peace donations to CARMI Gil, a vocational center in Karmiel, also operated by AKIM, is intended for people with high-functioning individuals who engage in employment. Thanks to the support of Bridges for Peace, we provide fresh, hot, and quality lunches and ensures the nutrition of 180 people in Karmiel. Thank you very much for your help and generosity.     Ayelet Bartov, Beit Gil, Akim, Karmiel

This year in March, Bridges for Peace (BFP) distributed 3,210 parcels of matzah and grape juice in Karmiel and to several organizations throughout Israel. Over the course of several weeks, we prepared another 1,836 parcels of matzah and grape juice which were delivered to Jewish organizations, and to Holocaust survivors in partnership with the Jerusalem Holocaust Association.  In addition to the grape juice and matzah, BFP was also able to provide an additional 1,657 bags of non-perishable food items to Holocaust survivors. A large team of BFP long-term and short-term volunteers made sure that the thousands of parcels were bagged and delivered before the beginning Passover, blessing many Israelis as they prepared for God’s appointed time. Because they had so little, the recipients were overwhelmed with thankfulness and such happiness to receive these food parcels. It was such a privilege to be part of this project, to hear stories and to have fun together. Two groups of volunteers visiting from other countries, joined for the deliveries and one said, “No words can explain the amazing, heartfelt experience I had”  

Story from the House of Light: "He had scattered abroad, He gave to the poor; His righteousness remains forever” 2Cor 9:9 We at House of Light (HOL) give thanks to our Lord who gave you the calling, the obedience, the power, and the resources to do the very special, blessed ministry and has walked with you and is still walking before you all these days. The Bridges for Peace ministry fills many families with joy, satisfaction, and gratitude to “THE ONE” who gives food for the birds and who cares for all HIS creation. Jesus, who has chosen and appointed you for this mission to stand alongside these families and to give them hope. One of the many stories of people we work with at HOL is “E.”  “E” is a woman who was born with some disabilities and she could not work all her life.  Despite the advice she received from people who love her, she still insisted on getting married to her husband. She discovered how abusive he was and suffered a lot. It wasn’t until she had three children that she decided she couldn’t continue living this way any longer. Their daughter was already 15, and their sons were 13 and 10.  Now, after three years of being separated and the children living with their Mom, the middle son chose to abandon his mom and siblings and go live with his father, where he could live the way he liked with no control. Ever since, House of Light has been following up with E’s family, spiritually, physically, financially, and socially.  The family members are more than happy receiving the food you send to the HOL.  We distribute it every month, together with some meat, to 25 families. E’s family is feeling much better, having the food and being dependent on the Lord and on what He sends them. They are so grateful, and they love to say that they appreciate you and what you do for them, like so many in our area and everywhere all around Israel. One in HIS love and service,  House of Light

Grace and peace to you, I am Yeshiwas, 43 years old, Ethiopian Jewish living in Israel Jerusalem I made Aliyah from Ethiopia to Israel 20 years ago. I am married and a father of 4 children, we (me and my wife Tehila) have been doing Marriage counseling according to scriptures for our community. Most of the women in our community are single mothers. Most of the people are shy about having their picture taken, but everyone said thank you very much. The need is big, but Bridges for Peace is filling up the gap and we have no way to say thank you.

Kiryat Gat is named for Gath. In Hebrew, "Gat" means "wine press." The city hosts one of the world's most advancedsemiconductor fabrication plants, Intel's Fab 28 plant producing technology chips. Its residents are mostly Jewish immigrants from North Africa, and Ethiopia. Avraham came to Israel in 1991 via Operation Shlomo with his four Children and his wife.  From 1991 he lived in Kiryat Gat. He started to support elderly people and single parents with the help of Bridges for Peace. He was given the use of a bomb shelter from Kiryat Gat’s Municipality, and started using it for afternoon care of the community's children, hosting holiday events and programs for the elderly. This shelter also distributes 48 food parcels to families in need that Bridges for Peace delivers monthly. The roof of the bomb shelter was leaking and it looked terrible, so Bridges for Peace helped to renovate this bomb shelter and fix the leaks.  Now they have a clean, safe environment to work in and have community activities.

  Kashuela Farm is in Gush Etzion, Surrounded by enchanting eucalyptus and pine trees in the heart of the forest, an agricultural farm              Sheep-herding, bread-making and cheese-making workshops for families and groups.                 The farm is run by the Ben David Family. They live in a forest that the fire department says was the most torched forest in Israel.                     The Arab neighbors aren't keen on having Jews living there.                       The person that runs the farm, Yair Ben David was injured at the farm in a terror attack and relies heavily on volunteers.                       The food goes to the volunteers and soldiers who help protect that area.

All happened so quickly. Friday was quiet and peaceful, and the next day was war. We at Bridges for Peace had the privilege of assisting affected communities from the start by giving food and bags of supplies. Every day, Abba ensured we had enough hands and feet to do the work. I call it prayers answered that I did not even pray. I have many stories that I can share with you, but this one is near my heart  I received a request from a group that wanted to accompany us on deliveries to Holocaust deliveries in November, and I had food on my shelves that I wanted to hand out. So I prayed about it and Abba said to make special baskets for the group to deliver to the Holocaust survivors. We did not waste time and did it in the month of September. So in October when it was time to deliver food to the holocaust survivors, I decided to hand these special baskets out because I needed space for all the supplies for the war  The faces of these precious people were priceless. They were so thankful because they were so afraid and stayed in apartments, not going out to get anything because of this war. And to see Christians—young and old here in Israel—coming to visit them in a time like this really touched their hearts. I can only honor my Lord for having every detail in His hand, directing our feet and hands.  Maria, Food Bank manager.

Yesud HaMaala is a moshava and local council in Northern Israel. The moshava was the first modern Jewish community in the Hula Valley. The community, built in 1883, was one of a series of agricultural settlements established during the First Aliyah. Arik and Hani were part of this from the start and are looking after a community of elderly, widows, and everyone in need, with Bridges for Peace's contribution. Arik has also not been well for the last couple of years, but that does not stop them from doing good to their neighbors in need. Arik has a healthcare worker looking after him. The letter below is from their hearts. Dear Bridges For Peace family, A routine morning in Yesod HaMa’ala, in the Finger of Galilee. Preparing supplies for families in need. For many years, we have been carrying out this sacred work—day and night, summer and winter, in times of peace and war—under relentless rocket fire and during calmer periods. All in the name of your contribution to peace, unity, and mutual responsibility. We are your emissaries for every family in need, —say Amen. Hani & Arik Lubovsky Yesod HaMa’ala Upper Galilee

Kiryat Gat is named for Gath. In Hebrew, "Gat" means "wine press." The city hosts one of the world's most advanced semiconductor fabrication plants, Intel's Fab 28 plant producing technology chips. Its residents are mostly Jewish immigrants from North Africa, and Ethiopia. Avraham came to Israel in 1991 via Operation Shlomo with his four Children and his wife. From 1991 he lived in Kiryat Gat. He started to support elderly people and single parents with the help of Bridges for Peace. He was given the use of a bomb shelter from Kiryat Gat’s Municipality, and started using it for afternoon care of the community's children, hosting holiday events and programs for the elderly. This shelter also distributes 48 food parcels to families in need that Bridges for Peace delivers monthly. The roof of the bomb shelter was leaking and it looked terrible, so Bridges for Peace helped to renovate this bomb shelter and fix the leaks. Now they have a clean, safe environment to work in and have community activities. Thank you for your support.