Israel was thrust into the war on 7 October 2023, and now, one year later, Israel is still at war. It has been a hard year for this nation, and yet you have enabled us to serve and come alongside the people of Israel through it all. It has been our joy to pour out God’s love in tangible ways by serving, loving, and providing for the needs of the Jewish people, especially during this last year of war. Let’s take a look at some of the ways VFI has served the people of Israel over these last few months.
Helping Fight Fires in the North
Northern Israel has been susceptible to fires due to the summer heat and daily rockets launched from Lebanon. These rockets have hit houses, forests, pastures, agricultural fields, and thousands of dunams, which have caused fires to spread and destroy so much.
With your generous donations, VFI donated life-saving protective equipment to Kibbutz Gonen valued at about £17,000 (NIS 83,000). The gear donated included tactical helmets, a generator, vests, ceramic plates, stretchers, first aid kits, fire extinguishers, hoses, a water cannon, and a fire hydrant. These items helped save and protect many lives.
Saving Lives through Shelters
As we mark the 30th anniversary of VFI, we are reminded of the profound impact your support has enabled us to achieve. Over the last 3 years, your generous contributions have made it possible to install close to 400 safety shelters across Israel. These shelters have protected and saved many lives.
On 22nd July, we placed 10 shelters in the north, including 3 in Majdal Shams. Tragically, just days later, a rocket attack killed 12 children there. Amid this heartbreaking news, we are relieved that one of our shelters saved the lives of 9 children!
Equipping the Emergency Squad in Kibbutz Amir
Since the beginning of the war, Kibbutz Amir, which is near the city of Kiryat Shmona, has been under constant attack from Lebanon. Being so close to the border, the members and the emergency response squad of the kibbutz are forced to defend themselves.
VFI donated £21,700 (107,000 NIS) worth of equipment including vests, tactical helmets, tactical gloves, dust goggles, ceramic plates, headlamps, first aid kits, a defibrillator, and a doctor’s first aid kit. We salute the brave emergency squad who is ready to sacrifice their lives for the safety of the residents.
A Musical Brunch for Holocaust Survivors
On 26th June, we hosted 32 Holocaust survivors at the Millennium Centre for a special brunch, musical performance, and ambulance dedication. Everyone enjoyed the brunch along with the colourful musical performance. We could see the joy on the survivors’ faces as they danced and sang along to the music.
We all gathered outside for the dedication of a GMC 4X4 ambulance that is designed to reach tough terrain, which was donated to MDA.
Municipal Police Vehicle for Sderot
The municipal policing team in Sderot fought hard on 7 October, to defend their people, and want to be better equipped for the future, especially during the war. They expressed their need for another municipal police vehicle, and within a short time, God provided the finances for a new vehicle!
On 3rd July, we dedicated the municipal police vehicle at a ceremony held with Sderot’s mayor, Alon Davidi. He thanked us for the support over the years, especially since 7th October, and expressed great gratitude and appreciation for the donors and supporters of VFI from all over the world!
Pack to School 2024
Providing Backpacks for Children in Need
For over 24 years, VFI has been donating schoolbags to children from families facing financial difficulties, and to date, we have reached over 285,000 children. This summer, we distributed hundreds of schoolbags across the country, including in cities such as Rosh Ha'ayin, Rishon LeZion, Ashdod, Jerusalem, Lod, Sderot, Netivot, Ofakim, and more. It was heartwarming to witness the gratitude of the parents, alongside the children joyfully running toward us to receive their new backpacks.
We remain committed to ensuring that many Israeli children can begin the school year with schoolbags and the necessary stationery, helping them feel equal in the classroom and giving them the tools to succeed in their studies.
During one of our distributions, a red alert siren went off, and we had to seek shelter. Another siren followed soon after—a reminder that life continues even in times of war.
Scholarships for Terror Survivors
VFI hosted a scholarship ceremony at the Millennium Centre for 60 students who are victims of hostilities. This year, the scholarship amount awarded to each student was increased. The goal of these scholarships is to encourage students to pursue professional careers, support their rehabilitation, invest in their future, and help them break free from the cycle of trauma. As each student received their scholarship, some shared their chosen profession, a bit about their life story, or spoke of family members affected by acts of violence. It was a deeply moving and special ceremony.
