From Trauma to Celebration: A Special Day for Israeli Kids

Dear Friends,

Purim is a time of joy, celebration, and remembering God's faithfulness. It is a time when we recall how the Jewish people were saved from destruction, and how sorrow was turned into gladness. But for thousands of children in Israel today, joy feels like a distant dream.

Since 7 October 2023, about 20,000 children have become terror survivors—many suffering from deep trauma, both physical and emotional. 1,873 have been injured, 1,884 have lost parents or siblings, and 23 have been left completely orphaned. These precious children have had their sense of security shattered. Instead of worrying about school and friends, they are learning to cope with grief, fear, and unimaginable loss.

One of these children is Ido, an 11-year-old boy from Kibbutz Nachal Oz.

On the morning of 7 October, Ido and his family woke up to the sound of sirens. They hurried into their safe room, trying to understand what was happening. The sky filled with rockets, explosions shook the house, and soon, they heard shouting in Arabic. Within moments, terrorists had infiltrated their home.

Gunfire sprayed through their windows, the electricity was cut, and the family sat in complete darkness. Ido began to panic. His little sisters were thirsty, but there was no water. His parents whispered to each other, trying to figure out what to do. They realized this might be their last day alive.

At one point, Ido turned to his mother and whispered, "Tell me good things." A simple request, but one that speaks volumes. In the midst of unimaginable terror, this child just wanted to hear something good.

By God’s grace, Ido and his family survived. But the trauma of that day will never leave them. Like thousands of other children across Israel, he now lives with the emotional scars of war.

Here at Vision for Israel, we are committed to bringing hope and comfort to children like Ido.

That is why we are hosting a special Purim celebration for nearly 350 people: children and their families, survivors of terror attacks, at the Millennium Center. We desire to make these children laugh, play, and experience the joy of Purim. They will enjoy:

• Breakfast
• A rich lunch of barbecue and salads
• A specially designed program with theater, arts, music, and workshops
• A special gift for the children
• A chance to be surrounded by other children who understand their pain and great loss.

The cost of this event is nearly £21,500 ($27,000), including transportation, all activities, musicians, breakfast, and a freshly cooked lunch.

This is your opportunity to be involved, take part, and bless these families.

Purim is a time to remember how God turned sorrow into joy and despair into celebration. Will you be part of bringing that transformation to Israel’s most vulnerable children?

Your generous gift today will provide moments of happiness, relief, and healing for these children. Every donation helps us bring joy to kids who have endured unimaginable loss.

Please give generously to Vision for Israel’s Aid to the Poor fund and help make Purim a time of joy and restoration for children who need it most.

Happy Purim with heartfelt gratitude,

Barry & Batya