“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”
Psalm 147:3
Dear Partner,
In these trying times, the land of Israel faces one of its most challenging periods, a testament to both the fragility and resilience of human life. Today, we reach out to you with stories of courage, loss, and the enduring spirit of our people.
Our hearts are heavy with the stories emerging from the recent conflict, especially the harrowing experience of families living near the Gaza border. Consider the story of this family from Kibbutz Nir Oz that faced unimaginable terror on what should have been a joyous occasion — a son's birthday. Instead, they found themselves huddled in a safe room, clinging to each other as the chaos of war raged outside. The mother, in a poignant moment of fear and hope, promised her eldest son that they would celebrate life, despite the looming shadow of death.
This family's ordeal is a stark reminder of the broader crisis facing our community. With one in every four kibbutz members either kidnapped or murdered, nearly no family from Nir Oz emerged unscathed from this tragedy. Their homes, once filled with laughter and love, now stand empty or destroyed, awaiting the return of their owners.
These events also bring into sharp focus the plight of Israel's reserve soldiers, some of whom are also small business owners. Drafted following the massacre, they have been serving our country for months, causing their businesses to suffer significant financial losses. The economic impact on their families is profound and multifaceted, adding to the burden of the ongoing conflict.
As we contemplate the "day after" — when families return to their homes — we are confronted with a sobering reality. The government is currently supporting 126,000 evacuees in hotels across Israel. However, the question of what happens upon their return to their homes looms large. Many of these families are unemployed, with no source of income, facing the daunting task of rebuilding their lives from the ground up.
While the government and insurance companies will take on the reconstruction of the physical structures, the responsibility of refurnishing homes rests on the families themselves. This is where VFI aims to make a significant impact. Our goal is ambitious but vital: to provide 200 families with $10,000 each, aiding them in refurnishing their homes. This support will not only provide them with essential household items but will also serve as a symbol of hope and solidarity in these challenging times.
Your contribution to this cause is more than just a donation; it is a lifeline to these families. It is a gesture of compassion that transcends boundaries, offering comfort and a chance to rebuild lives shattered by the horrifying massacre on October 7th. Your generosity can turn a house back into a home, a place of safety and peace amidst the turmoil.
We cannot achieve this alone. Your support is crucial in helping us bring aid and comfort to those who have suffered the most. Please consider extending your heartfelt kindness to these families who have given so much for their country and community.
As we stand in solidarity with these brave souls, we invite you to join us in this mission of hope and restoration. May the Lord bless you abundantly for your care and support.
To donate and help these families, please visit our website and dedicate your donation to “Building and Development”.
Please consider giving monthly. Your act of commitment will help us plan ahead and increase our distribution.
May the Lord bless you!
In His Love,
Barry & Batya
