Shlomit’s Story: Light in the Darkness of Illness

Dear Friends,

In Rishon Letzion’s winding streets, we met Shlomit during one of our high holiday gift card distributions. At 48 years old, her body bears the visible scars of NF1 disease—a condition that causes painful tumors both inside and out. While these tumors ravage her body, Shlomit’s spirit shines with an unquenchable light.

Shlomit’s challenges are unimaginable. She’s endured multiple surgeries to remove malignant tumors, with more looming. Her husband, a hardworking renovator, has faced severe financial setbacks since the tragic events of October 7th, 2023. Together, they care for their two daughters, their love a beacon amid life’s storms.

But Shlomit’s journey is not only one of survival—it's one of incredible generosity. She recalls a time, 18 years ago, when she and her children from her first marriage were homeless, abandoned, and destitute. A kind stranger offered her shelter and hope, helping her rebuild her life, by giving Shlomit and her children a place to live until she could stand up on her own two feet. Today, Shlomit pays that kindness forward. She advocates for struggling families, collects food baskets, and even helped establish a Time Bank (a place where people “deposit“ their volunteer time and cash it when they need help) in Jerusalem to strengthen her community many years ago.

Her unwavering faith drives her to lift others, even as her own burdens grow heavier. “It makes me feel good,” she says of her efforts to help others. Her story reminds us of Yeshua’s call to care for the least among us, to show compassion and love even in our own trials.

Friends, we can be that source of hope for Shlomit and many others like her. Your support enables us to distribute essential aid, provide medical assistance, and sustain families facing insurmountable challenges. As we step into this new year, let us answer God’s call to stand with the brokenhearted.

Will you help families like Shlomit’s continue her fight and bring relief to her family? Your gift can provide critical care and ongoing support during their darkest hours.

Please give today and be the light Shlomit and others need. Together, we can transform lives through God’s love.


With heartfelt thanks,
Barry & Batya