"Let all who are hungry enter and eat; and all who are in want, come and celebrate the Passover!"
Passover Hagaddah
Dear Friends,
In the heart of our Passover preparations, as we reflect on the themes of deliverance and provision, we share with you the poignant story of Shalom, whose resilience and hope amidst the trials our community faces stands as a testimony of God’s faithfulness.
Shalom, a resident of Sderot, has been a part of our Vision for Israel family since 2015. His life took a tragic turn in 2004 when he was gravely injured in a rocket attack. Despite the challenges, Shalom and his wife, Bruria, have navigated their journey with grace. VFI has supported Shalom and his wife in providing essential aid, such as eyeglasses, a new laptop, and financial aid.
The recent conflict has cast a shadow over their lives once again. On October 7th, the tranquility of their Sabbath morning was shattered by a red alert, heralding a barrage of attacks on Sderot. The terror struck close to home as despicable acts of violence unfolded in their neighborhood, leading to the tragic loss of lives and leaving Shalom injured.
The couple's harrowing experience of seeking refuge in their Mamad (safety room) for hours, until rescued by the Israel Defense Forces, speaks volumes of their courage in the face of unimaginable fear. Their subsequent evacuation, amidst the chaos, left them without their personal belongings, even as Shalom's laptop fell and broke. They are now relying on the support provided by VFI and the local authorities while they're temporarily staying at a hotel by the Dead Sea.
Shalom's account sheds light on the depth of their suffering—sleepless nights haunted by nightmares, a constant state of anxiety, and overwhelming sadness. Yet, amidst this turmoil, Shalom's spirit, embodied in his poetic letters of gratitude to VFI, resonates with a profound sense of hope and thankfulness for the assistance they have received.
This Passover, as we remember the miracles of old, let us also be the miracle in someone's life today. Shalom and Bruria's story is but one among many, a stark reminder of the urgent need for compassion and action. By supporting Vision for Israel, you help provide not just physical nourishment but also a sense of dignity and hope to those like Shalom and his wife, enduring the aftermath of conflict.
In this season of deliverance, let your generosity be the manna for those walking through the desert of despair. Join us in our mission to uplift and support families in Israel, ensuring that this Passover, they too can celebrate with joy and gratitude.
This year, we've set a goal to support over 1600 families, providing them with the means to celebrate the holiday and their deliverance with dignity. Among them are the residents of Sderot, a city that has endured immense suffering, especially during the attacks on October 7th. The city's plea to aid 200 families with $110 each has touched our hearts deeply, and we are committed to meeting this request.
Please donate HERE and help bring a message of hope and renewal to those in need.
"Moreover, in the morning there was a layer of dew all around the camp. When the layer of dew was gone, on the surface of the desert was a thin, flake-like frost, as fine as the frost on the ground. When Bnei-Yisrael saw it, they said one to another, “What is it?” For they did not know what it was. Then Moses said to them, “It is the bread that Adonai has given you to eat.”
Exodus 16:13b-15 (TLV)
With heartfelt gratitude,
Barry & Batya Segal
