As we continue to venture into what are certainly uncharted waters for many of us, we wanted to update you on the most recent developments in Israel, and what we at Vision for Israel are doing in response.
Our Continuing Passover Mission
Our efforts to distribute financial aid to needy families in time to purchase essential food and supplies for Passover are in full swing. We’re racing to deliver pre-paid debit cards to people all over Israel via registered post (for as long as the postal service remains in operation), and are stepping in to otherwise hand-deliver these important debit cards—family-by-family, house-by-house until everyone on our list has been served.
Around the Land
- Israelis are being encouraged not to leave their homes
- Parks, schools, beaches, libraries, museums, and all other nonessential public spaces are closed
- Testing tents are being set up throughout the country by the Emergency Medical Services
- Major hospitals are still ramping up preparation efforts
The Hope of Passover
As we gather (carefully) with our loved ones this Passover, let us remember a time when God’s people were asked to take shelter in their homes to avoid serious danger.
Take a bunch of hyssop, dip it into the blood in the basin and put some of the blood on the top and on both sides of the doorframe. None of you shall go out of the door of your house until morning.
Exodus 12:22
The God of Israel protected His people against plague, pestilence, and certain death—firstly by keeping them in their homes. Then, he parted the Red Sea to rescue them from their pursuers—and to give them the chance of a better life in the Promised Land.
We recall this beautiful story every year because it has never lost its meaning to us. It’s as true today as it was then—that God will provide.
Let us keep our faith, and let us keep our minds and our hearts open to what God asks of us, as we patiently wait for this global pandemic to pass over us.
What to Expect Next
As we mentioned, industry and businesses within Israel are almost at a stand-still. And over a hundred thousand Israelis are set to enter unemployment over the next 30 days. As always, we will be standing by to provide as much aid as possible to those who need it most.
Would you help us in this time of special need? Your contribution could mean the world to a struggling family in Israel, to a socially-isolated Holocaust survivor, or to a child already challenged by abuse or an unstable home. Your contribution of $100 could feed a family of 5 for a week.
We are also requesting your fervent prayers for our dedicated staff here at Vision for Israel—who are standing on the front lines of this fight, dutifully carrying out these vital aid missions.
Our Hope for You
Finally, we ask that you remember to be good to yourselves, and to each other. We must all take special precautions during this crisis—not only to protect our own health, but also to look after those with weakened immune systems, who are most at risk.
May the time that we all spend a little farther from each other give us the space to reflect on what is most important in life—and perhaps even bring us closer to God.
Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they?
Matthew 6:26
May the Lord bless you and keep you, always.
In His service,
Barry & Batya Segal
