Arazim School, in Jerusalem, is a special place for kids. It educates 76 boys from first grade up to sixth grade with special needs. 

Over the years, we’ve supported the school's home economics class. But now, due to Covid, the school can't hold these classes anymore. The school has decided to change the work outline in the science course, to adapt to the shifting demands of the pandemic.
So we pivoted with them—to support the science program instead. 

 The children there follow a program that focuses on science, independent research, and experiential learning—while immersed in the types of technology that will be relevant to them in their future careers.

 At Vision for Israel, we responded by donating science kits, which included 3 microscopes, 3 quality binoculars, an electric globe—as well as 2 research kits that will be used for science classes at the school so that children can experiment, explore, discover, and experience the world around them up close.

 Thank you for your support, and for making this investment in the youth of Jerusalem possible.

Are you willing to bless Israel, make a difference in the lives of people, and partner with God's plan for restoration of the land of Israel?

Arazim School, in Jerusalem, is a special place for kids. Vision for Israel recently donated science equipment to support the science program.

"I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten."

Dear Friends,

We want to share with you a story of a woman who touched our hearts deeply—one who reminds us all why we do what we do. Her name is Topaz*, and her life is a testament to the power of redemption, hope, and the incredible strength that can rise from the ashes of despair.

Our team met Topaz in Rishon LeTzion, at the welfare office where we were giving out magnetic gift cards for the high holidays to families in need. She shared her story with us—a story filled with pain, yet overflowing with courage and perseverance. Topaz, now 45, once lived a life controlled by addiction, trauma, and brokenness. 

At just 17, she began using hard drugs after suffering a horrific rape, and her life spiraled downward from there. Her service in the army was cut short, and things only worsened as she found herself working in a brothel, sleeping on the streets, and seeing death up close when a friend she was staying with passed away.

For years, Topaz's parents tried to help her, but each time she ran away from rehabilitation centers, too lost in her struggles to accept their help. In 2010, everything changed. After weeks of not eating or showering, a stranger convinced her to go to a rehabilitation center. She had reached rock bottom, and this time, something stirred within her—a glimmer of hope. For a month, she isolated herself from the world, staying in her room and refusing visitors. Sadly, her parents didn’t even come to visit her. They had given up hope, but God had not.

In 2011, her eldest daughter was born in a rehabilitation center, and from that moment on, Topaz knew she had to change—for her daughter, for herself. Slowly, she began rebuilding her life. She returned to Rishon LeTzion in 2012, found work, and rented an apartment. Her journey was far from easy, and she faced further challenges, including a painful diagnosis of fibromyalgia. In 2014 she conceived another daughter and although she decided to break up with her fiance at the time, she kept the baby. Topaz has worked for 13 years at an elderly care company, supporting her family as much as her health allows.

She is a proud mother of two daughters, and while her struggles continue, she is a woman transformed by her determination to rise above her past. Her eldest daughter is in boarding school, and Topaz remains deeply involved in her education, determined to break the cycle of pain and give her daughters the future they deserve.

When we spoke with Topaz, we saw not only a woman who had endured immense suffering, but a woman who had found the strength to heal, to fight, and to overcome. It was your generosity that helped provide her and her family with the gift card that brightened their holiday. Your support does so much more than meet physical needs—it restores dignity, hope, and a future for people like Topaz.

Even as the holidays are over now, we ask you to continue standing with us. Your donations help more families like Topaz’s—families who have faced unimaginable hardships but are filled with hope because of the support they receive.

Your generosity brings light to the darkest places. Please, consider donating today to help us continue reaching those in need across Israel. Together, we can offer a hand of hope to so many more who are waiting for their own story of redemption.


With blessings and gratitude,

The VFI Team

"Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom." 

*name has been changed to protect the identity of this person.

Topaz’s journey from addiction to hope is a testament to the power of your support. Help provide for more families like hers by donating today.

Triumph Over Addiction: Meet Topaz | Vision for Israel

"But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high." 

Dear Friends,

This January, Barry and I had the privilege of visiting the Eshkol region to support its emergency response teams. This visit came in the wake of the tragic events of October 7th, and I feel a deep connection to these teams, who faced unimaginable hardship yet persisted, guarding their communities with remarkable courage.

The tragic day took nine of these dedicated security personnel from us, leaving an indelible scar on the Eshkol region. However, their successors continue their legacy, standing as beacons of resilience to protect the lives of those in the settlements. It is thanks to your unwavering support and generosity that Vision for Israel was able to provide a donation of equipment valued at NIS 500,000, including defibrillators, radios, and scanning lights for 32 squads.

The event in Eshkol was moving, filled with both sorrow and resolve. As we spoke with the security officers and local leaders, their words resonated with a heavy sense of grief. The massacre of October 7th left a lasting scar, but their spirits are not broken. Their determination to safeguard their communities remains strong, fueled by love for their homes and families.

I felt compelled to share a message of faith and unity, reminding them of the support from Christians worldwide. I said, "We have many friends around the world who love us and know that the nation of Israel is alive, they are many and dear, Christians who love Israel, thanks to whom we can give you the donations today. They would come fight for us here if they could, and they mean what they say."

I was also reminded of Barry’s dedication over the past two and a half years, installing shelters across the South, including 155 shelters around the Gaza Envelope. This project, fueled by your donations, has saved hundreds of lives, shielding families from rocket fire and other attacks.

Your generosity makes a profound difference, supporting not only emergency response teams but the entire Eshkol region. Together, we are rebuilding and restoring the communities, offering hope and resilience in the face of adversity.

As we left, I felt a renewed sense of hope. The bravery and dedication of the security teams, the support of our partners and donors, and the love of our global community strengthen us all. Together, we will continue to restore and protect the Eshkol region.

Thank you for being a part of this journey and for your steadfast support. Donate Now

"The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me." 

Batya shares her impressions from a visit to the Eshkol region, where VFI donated equipment to emergency teams, supporting local security and defense efforts. 

A Lifesaving Donation | Blog | Vision for Israel

“Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.” 

No matter what we go through in life, we all need the faithful love of God that will never give up on us. Yossi’s story is one where we can see the love of God pursuing his heart through the ups and downs of his life.

Yossi, 42, lives in Sderot with his mother and brother. At a young age, Yossi became friends with a group of people who negatively influenced him into substance abuse. From that point on, Yossi began to drink and use drugs. 

Over years of excessive consumption of alcohol, Yossi began to experience significant physical and mental effects. It got so bad that he almost lost his liver. As a result of the damage to the liver, he received 100% disability from National Insurance. To this day, Yossi lives off of this disability.

Yossi received help at a rehab center for several years to help him with his addiction. He ended up recovering so well that he began to help others overcome their addictions. For 5 consecutive and dedicated years, he worked as an instructor in rehab helping many teenagers and adults with their rehabilitation. He was highly esteemed by his team and was able to advance to the position of instructor coordinator.

In 2021, Yossi lost his father in a fire that broke out in his house while he was sleeping. He also lost a mentor who had accompanied him for years through his journey of recovery. And on top of that, he separated from his partner. With all of these overwhelming and heartbreaking circumstances, Yossi fell hard back into the world of drugs and alcohol.

He moved in with his mother in Sderot and was broken, depressed, hopeless, and without any desire to live. Many made the effort to help him go back to rehab and recovery, but Yossi was so overwhelmed with sorrow, shame, and guilt that he couldn’t get out of his addictions. 

He hit rock bottom when he became a beggar at the central bus station in Tel Aviv. Even though Yossi had given up, his friends, mentors, and God never gave up on him. Many of his friends, who were former addicts, searched for him on the streets of Tel Aviv to encourage him and talk with him. But the final turning point was when Yossi got run over on the roads of Tel Aviv. He suffered serious injuries and almost lost his legs, but God spared his life and his legs. As soon as Yossi’s social worker and friends heard about his accident, they visited him at the hospital. They continued to faithfully visit him day after day during his long recovery at the hospital. 

When he was finally discharged from the hospital, he agreed to go directly to rehab. He went through rehab successfully and then moved to a therapeutic community for a year. From there he continued to a therapeutic hostel, where he began to thrive and help many others in their recovery process as well. When he finished the program and felt strong, he returned home.

Shortly after returning home, the horrific events of October 7th happened. At the time of the incident, Yossi was at his mother’s house, and his sister (divorced) with 6 children, was at her house which was close to the police station in Sderot. This police station was overrun by Hamas terrorists who ruthlessly killed 35 Israeli officers and civilians. 

When Yossi realized there was danger outside, he called his sister to try and rescue her and the kids. Heroically, Yossi drove towards his sister's house and bravely managed to rescue all of them by piling them into his car. As they drove towards his mother's house, bullets were flying all around them, however, they managed to arrive safely.

In the following days, they were relocated with thousands of other Israelis. For several months they were displaced from their homes, but Yossi and his mother have finally returned to her house. Today, Yossi still lives with his mother, but he realizes more and more that he needs his own space and privacy. Yossi had purchased an apartment during his "good" years but did not move into it because of the challenging situations he went through. He would like to return to his own apartment but needs financial assistance to continue to pay his mortgage and for the necessary appliances for his apartment.

Thankfully today, Yossi has rehabilitated his life and is still connected to his mentors and treatments, who help him maintain his recovery. He also plans to return to instructing and helping others recover from their addictions. 

If you would like to partner with VFI in supporting Yossi and many others in their recovery process, visit our website and donate here.

Yossi’s story is one of sorrow and shame, but also joy and victory. Through it all, God never gave up on him. Join VFI in supporting Yossi as he regains hope!

Love & Support That Never Gives Up | Vision for Israel

Stories

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Science Equipment for Special-Ed Kids

Tuesday, November 10, 2020

Are you willing to bless Israel, make a difference in the lives of people, and partner with God's plan for restoration of the land of Israel?

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