For thousands of years, the Jewish people lived in exile—suffering persecution, and longing to return home to Israel. And over that time, despite incredible odds, the people have managed to maintain their identity—even as they assimilated into life within the diaspora.
No matter who they were—ultra-orthodox to secular from all levels of society, and even many Christians—it has been understood that a return to the land is a birthright that belongs to the people, even before the state of Israel was officially reestablished in 1948.
Many people, including Batya’s parents who were Yemenite Jews, have endured the grueling months-long walk in the desert just to come home to Israel. Many others weren’t as fortunate and died along the way.
But why do they do it? For what reason would a people undergo such incredible hardship?
Faith, of course. Faith that the days of the Messiah have come—and they want to be there for it.
Since the modern state of Israel was re-established, some 1.8 million people have made Aliyah—originating from all over the world.
With the vast droves of humanity converging on the land, from all walks of life, it’s easy to see where difficulties can lie. Many of them do not speak Hebrew, as they have lived their entire lives (or even generations) away from Israel.
Other customs and formalities of life in Israel may strike them as hard to understand as well. Differing laws, tax structures, governmental controls, and even societal norms can make a formidable barrier for Jews of the diaspora making Aliyah.
It’s vital that we help these people find their way home.
That’s why we’ve been working for decades—together with you, our heroic partners—to provide direct aid to Jews from all over the world who take on the task of making a new home here in Israel.
Barry’s Aliyah Story
Barry received a call from a good friend and Bible teacher who invited him to Israel, to make it his home. It didn’t take too long for Barry to realize there are so many verses in the Bible referring to the return of the Jews from the diaspora. One particular verse spoke to his heart: “I will bring them from the East and from the west...”
Fear not, for I am with you; I will bring your descendants from the east, And gather you from the west
Isaiah 43:5
He left his career, and entire family behind. His father asked him to reconsider and stay in the USA.
But Barry had made up his mind, as he felt Israel is a home for the Jewish people. After the Holocaust, there was no doubt in his mind that it was the only safe place for the Jewish people.
He arrived with a suitcase, 20 cans of tuna, and $100 to his name. He studied Hebrew in Jerusalem, then went on to find a job, and start a business. Later, he married Batya, and established his current vocation of compassion, whereby so many people are blessed.
Together, we’ve provided aid to thousands of immigrants—from Russia to Ethiopia, and other countries—aimed at giving them a sense of home. Through educational programs for their children, special welcome baskets, assistance for new mothers with baby gift packs, clothing, toys, books, household items; we’ve opened our arms to accept these weary sojourners—and showed them the love of Yeshua (Jesus) firsthand.
Thank you for making this outreach possible, and for everything you do to support those seeking refuge in the name of God.
