Home Repair

The Bridges for Peace Home Repair Team is completing working on an exciting project with an Ethiopian community here in Israel. In collaboration with the local leaders, we are bringing long-term sustainability to the community through agriculture and farming initiatives. Our team installed fencing and repurposed a shipping container to create a quail habitat. This space includes an incubator and an outdoor, fenced area for the quail to roam freely while being protected from predators. The quail will not only provide eggs for sale, but will also be raised for resale, creating an additional source of income for the community. We envision this project as a model for future sustainability efforts, one that can be replicated in other communities to empower and uplift them for the long term.

This month James and Jonah had the privilege and honor to paint an apartment for Dimitri Yakirevich, a holocaust survivor. Not only were we able to increase his quality of life with a fresh coat of paint, but James and Jonah were able to sit and have lunch, chicken wing soup, that was prepared by Dimitri himself. What a joy it is to be able to give practical help, hugs and laughter to those who have gone through so much. Well done James and Jonah for the care you have shown Dimitri. Matthew 25:37-40 –  “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?  When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

Will you join us? Let’s partner together to restore hope to communities that have had it stolen Zohar: We have transformed what was once a place people sought refuge from out of fear into a sanctuary for healing and hope. From fear to hope—that is the transformation we pray for. Our vision is to make this village a beacon of restoration, healing, and safety, where people can come together to rebuild their lives.  Thanks to the generous contribution of a donor to our crisis fund, our home repair team had the opportunity to partner with the village of Zohar, located 140 km south of Jerusalem, near Gaza and the Egyptian border. There, we converted a community bomb shelter into a vibrant community center for the youth of Zohar.  When I asked Efat, who oversees the community space and youth programs, what it meant to her that we were coming to support this project, she shared, “After October 7, we’ve been merely surviving. There’s no ‘extra.’ We’re only doing what we need to survive. For you to come and offer even a little help—just a little—makes it possible for us to do more than just survive. It allows us to live.”  One of the teenagers, when asked what this new space meant to her, said that for the past five years, there had been no place for young adults to gather or engage in programs. Having this space—a place to relax, have fun, and simply enjoy themselves—has restored their sense of hope. This is what Bridges for Peace is all about—bringing hope where it was taken, and replacing sorrow with joy. This is us. This is you.

This month, we were honored to serve the Cohen family by painting their mold-ridden apartment. The Cohens had called this place home for 30 years, but persistent moisture problems, mold growth, and resulting health concerns made it unsafe to stay. Compounding the issue were uncooperative neighbors and an unresponsive landlord, ultimately forcing the family to relocate. Our home repair team stepped in to assist during this difficult transition. We helped move their beloved plants and repainted the apartment they were leaving, allowing them to fulfill their lease obligations. We were grateful for the opportunity to support the Cohens and help bring a bit of peace and stability to a stressful situation.

Dear Bridges for Peace, I live in an older building in a neighborhood of Jerusalem that is rapidly gentrifying. That is why it was such a blessing that the Bridges for Peace team came to our apartment to fix some of these little issues that we have. This included a leaky roof in the bathroom, which caused me a lot of problems last winter, including mold that was probably responsible for some of us getting sick. I am so glad it got fixed before it started raining again this winter. I want to thank Bridges for Peace for sending the crew that did this work for me, and I encourage supporters of Bridges for Peace to continue donating to this project because there are many more families in Jerusalem who are in the same situation we are. Aaron

We were privileged to be able to provide maintenance to Sde Bar Ranch by trimming back all the thick weeds that grow in the pomegranate orchard, which was provided and planted by Bridge for Peace and its donors. Sde Bar Ranch is a home for boys at risk that helps them heal and grow. It is run by a non-profit organization (NGO). The ranch was started in 1998 and covers 25 acres. It offers a special kind of support that helps the boys feel safe again and learn to trust themselves and others, so they can become active and positive members of society. Besides therapy and schooling, the ranch also uses a peer-based system where the boys help make decisions together. They take part in hands-on activities like farming and horseback riding, and also enjoy music and sports. Unlike many other places, the ranch allows the boys to stay even after they turn 18. It is an honor and a blessing to partner with Sde Bar Ranch and the work they do with the at risk boys.