“They say, ‘Come, let us wipe them out as a nation; let the name of Israel be remembered no more!’”
Psalms 83:4
Dear Friend,
The 10/7 terrorist attack by Hamas killed the largest number of Jews in a single day since the Holocaust. Over 1,300 were murdered, over 3,000 wounded, and at least 150 kidnapped and carried into Gaza as hostages.
And the horrific attacks on peaceful kibbutzim, sleepy villages – even a music festival dedicated to peace – were everywhere accompanied by atrocities and war crimes. Babies and toddlers were beheaded. Children were slaughtered while parents tried to shield them with their bodies. Terrorists picked up the phones of teenagers and live streamed on the victims' own social media accounts as the whole family was killed one after another. Young women were filmed being marched half-naked and bleeding into their shorts after repeated rapes. Families were burned alive, locked in their homes. A full three generations of one family were carried away at gunpoint. All ages, from grandmothers and Holocaust survivors to children as young as three years old, were taken as hostages and have not been seen since.
This had nothing to do with a 'Two State Solution,' Hamas does not believe in one. It wasn't about ending 'occupation,' Israel withdrew from Gaza in 2005. It was pure evil unleashed "...to steal, and kill, and destroy." (John 10:10)
Now, our beautiful nation is united in sorrow. We are weeping. We are mourning. But we are also resolved to defend our homeland and are strong because God is with us. "What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31)
As Israel goes through this terrible trial people all over the world are rallying to help. Please support this urgent effort by giving to VFI's Medical & Disaster Relief Fund.
We are so grateful for your continuing partnership; it has already saved lives. The 155 mobile bomb shelters given by VFI made it possible for some Israelis to reach cover during the massive surprise rocket bombardments that overwhelmed the Iron Dome defense system.
At this moment, VFI is helping care for survivors and refugees as they pour into central Israel after being forced to flee from their homes in the South near Gaza.
Together we are making a real difference. But there is much more to be done as Israel prepares for a long war. The city of Sderot and a first responders organization are looking for us to help with:
- PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT for First Responders, including bulletproof vests and helmets.
- LIVING SUPPLIES for survivors and refugee families. There is a desperate need for basic necessities: food, hygiene products, underwear, mattresses, blankets, towels, and more.
- DISASTER RELIEF items including mattresses, sleeping bags, toiletries, and hot meals.
With your help, Vision for Israel is getting supplies through to some of the areas hardest hit by Hamas. In just a few days we have managed to give out $149,531 worth of aid. Here is a snapshot:
- 200 emergency units combining food baskets and blankets for families in Southern cities and towns.
- 100 Medic Kits for first responders.
- 80 Sets of bulletproof vests and bulletproof helmets for disaster relief teams and medics.
- 25 sets of equipment for security forces protecting the city of Sderot.
- 1200 towels and emergency bags for use by soldiers in need of supplies.
Sadly, the needs are almost certainly going to increase exponentially. It is highly probable that another wave of refugees will be forced to evacuate the North as Hezbollah in Lebanon threatens a second front of attack upon Israel. And military experts anticipate a long and dangerous ground offensive into Gaza for IDF troops.
Hour by hour, we are doing all we can to increase our efforts and help meet the mounting needs. Please join us by contributing to VFI's Medical & Disaster Relief Fund by clicking HERE.
"Whenever Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed, and whenever he lowered his hand, Amalek prevailed. But Moses’ hands grew weary, so Aaron and Hur held up his hands...until the going down of the sun. And Joshua overwhelmed Amalek and his people with the sword." – Exodus 17:11-13
Shalom,
Barry & Batya
and the VFI Team
