Salvavidas para los Necesitados de Israel

Otro día en el Centro de Asistencia de Jerusalén, un día de entregas. Mis compañeros y yo cargamos la camioneta con dos palets de comida y nos ponemos en marcha, recorriendo las concurridas calles de Jerusalén. Nuestra primera parada está a la vuelta de la esquina del Shuk Mahane Yehuda, un mercado al aire libre muy visitado. Nos espera un grupo de hombres y mujeres mayores de la Asociación de Víctimas de la Radiactividad (inmigrantes que sufrieron los efectos de Chernóbil). Abrimos la parte trasera de la camioneta para descargar las bolsas de alimento, alineándolas en un muro de piedra. Tenemos un rato para interactuar con los destinatarios mientras su director indica quién recibe las tan apreciadas bolsas. Intercambiamos sonrisas, apretones de manos y algunos abrazos mientras escuchamos "spasiba" muchas veces (gracias en ruso). Luego, de vuelta en la camioneta para entregar un palet de alimento a una mujer llamada Shoshanna. Ella es muy bajita pero su enorme corazón es sorprendente. La conocí en 2016, cuando fui voluntaria por primera vez con Puentes para la Paz durante un verano. En aquel entonces, ya llevaba muchos años sirviendo a su comunidad. Ella se siente un poco cansada últimamente, pero su amor por servir a los demás sigue vivo. Conmigo estaba una nueva voluntaria, así que Shoshanna nos invitó a su casa para ver algunos cuadros en su pared y escuchar historias de sus proyectos anteriores. Esta extraordinaria mujer se ha mantenido muy ocupada a lo largo de los años. Éste, es el tipo de personas con las que Puentes para la Paz colabora. Éstas, son sólo dos de las muchas organizaciones a quienes tengo el privilegio de bendecir con entregas de comida. Solo dos que, a cambio, me regalan historias increíbles y abrazos cálidos. Shoshanna ha recibido alimento de Puentes durante muchos años, y cada vez que me toca entregárselo, me recibe con la misma gratitud, muchos abrazos y besos. Siempre nos consiente con pasteles recién horneados y nos regala hierbas recolectadas de su hermoso jardín. Hoy fue albahaca yemení. Es una bendición experimentar estas increíbles oportunidades a través del trabajo del Banco de Alimentos de Puentes para la Paz.

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

Gracia y paz para ustedes, Soy Yeshiwas, tengo 43 años, soy judío etíope y vivo en Jerusalén, Israel. Hice Aliyá desde Etiopía a Israel hace 20 años. Estoy casado y soy padre de 4 hijos. Mi esposa Tehila y yo hemos estado ofreciendo consejería matrimonial según las Escrituras para nuestra comunidad. La mayoría de las mujeres en nuestra comunidad son madres solteras. La mayoría de las personas son tímidas para tomarse fotos, pero todos dijeron muchas gracias. La necesidad es grande, pero Bridges for Peace está llenando ese vacío y no tenemos palabras para agradecerles.

Kiryat Gat lleva el nombre de Gat. En hebreo, "Gat" significa "prensa de vino". La ciudad alberga una de las plantas de fabricación de semiconductores más avanzadas del mundo, la planta Fab 28 de Intel que produce chips tecnológicos. Sus residentes son mayormente inmigrantes judíos del norte de África y Etiopía. Avraham llegó a Israel en 1991 a través de la Operación Shlomo con sus cuatro hijos y su esposa. Desde 1991 vivió en Kiryat Gat. Comenzó a apoyar a personas mayores y padres solteros con la ayuda de Bridges for Peace. La Municipalidad de Kiryat Gat le otorgó el uso de un refugio antiaéreo, que comenzó a utilizar para el cuidado vespertino de los niños de la comunidad, organizando eventos festivos y programas para los ancianos. Este refugio también distribuye 48 paquetes de alimentos a familias necesitadas que Bridges for Peace entrega mensualmente. El techo del refugio antiaéreo tenía goteras y estaba en mal estado, así que Bridges for Peace ayudó a renovar este refugio y a reparar las filtraciones. Ahora cuentan con un ambiente limpio y seguro para trabajar y realizar actividades comunitarias. Gracias por su apoyo.

  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 es una moshava y consejo local en el norte de Israel. La moshava fue la primera comunidad judía moderna en el Valle de Hula. La comunidad, fundada en 1883, fue una de una serie de asentamientos agrícolas establecidos durante la Primera Aliyá. Arik y Hani han sido parte de esto desde el principio y están cuidando a una comunidad de ancianos, viudas y todos los que necesitan, con la contribución de Puentes para la Paz. Arik también no ha estado bien durante los últimos años, pero eso no les impide hacer el bien a sus vecinos necesitados. Arik cuenta con un trabajador de salud que lo cuida. La carta a continuación es de su corazón. Querida familia de Puentes para la Paz: Una mañana rutinaria en Yesod HaMa’ala, en el Dedo de Galilea. Preparando suministros para familias necesitadas. Durante muchos años, hemos llevado a cabo esta labor sagrada —día y noche, verano e invierno, en tiempos de paz y guerra— bajo un fuego incesante de cohetes y durante períodos más tranquilos. Todo en nombre de su contribución a la paz, la unidad y la responsabilidad mutua. Somos sus emisarios para cada familia necesitada, amén. Hani y Arik Lubovsky Yesod HaMa’ala, Galilea Alta

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.