8 cups (1 kg) flour
 1 tsp. active dry yeast
 3 tbsp. sugar
 1 tsp. salt
 4 ¼ cups (1 liter) warm water
 1 cup (200 g) soft butter

1. Sift flour into a large bowl and add yeast. Add salt and sugar.
2. Add water and mix into a soft, wet dough.
3. Allow dough to rise about 1 hour at room temperature until it doubles.
4. Knead again and let rise another hour.
5. Divide dough into 8 equal portions.
6. Butter the inside of an oven-proof pot.
7. Flatten each piece of dough, spread with butter, and fold into 4.
8. Arrange all pieces in the pot.
9. Cover the pot with a lid and bake at 350° F (180° C) for 20 minutes.
10. Serve with hard-boiled egg, grated tomato, and zchoog (Yemenite hot sauce).


Now you can experience the authentic flavours of Israel and the surrounding region with Batya Segal's personal favourite recipes. A long-time lover of fresh, delicious, and easy-to-execute meals, Batya's recipes will bring the aromas of Israel into your kitchen for the whole family to enjoy. Yours free as a thank you for supporting our life changing work in Israel.

By subscribing, I agree to the Terms of Use and the Privacy Policy.

Subscribe Now and Get Our Free Recipe E-Book!

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?

The Jewish-Yemeni bread kubaneh was traditionally cooked in the heat of the hearth on Friday night, low and slow, ready to be eaten on Shabbat morning.

Kubaneh (Batya's mom's recipe) | Blog | Vision for Israel

“And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, because you obey the voice of the Lord your God:” 

Dear friends,

Each and every one of us wants to be successful and prosperous in life. We all have different definitions of success and different starting points, but no matter what the status of each one of us is, we all strive to reach a life of blessing.

We all remember the piggy bank we had at home where we would put coins in every time we received a gift from our parents or relatives. Every so often we would open the piggy bank and count the coins. Then we would think about what we could buy with all the coins we saved. Now we are not counting coins we have saved, but blessings. Think of every coin you have received in your life as a blessing you have given to someone in your life. Now is the time to make use of these blessings. 

It doesn’t matter if you are rich or poor, you can still be full of blessings. Blessings do not come only in the form of economic wealth. Rather, blessings come in the form of joy, health, contentment, love, financial stability, well-being, satisfaction, appreciation, generosity, and gratitude for what we have.

The best thing we can do is make our very existence a blessing to others. If you always strive to be kind to those you meet, generous with your resources and help when you can, you create blessings in other peoples’ lives. When you bless others, the blessings will come back to you.

This is what VFI is all about. When you partner with us, you become part of the blessing, and in return, God pours His blessings on you.

Since the beginning, our goal has been to create a support and blessing system for people who have reached a state of difficulty or crisis. We offer support, funding, resources, and other small blessings for those who need it most: we feed the hungry, we provide for the poor, and we celebrate the lonely and forgotten in our world. In return, we have seen some of the most beautiful and honest acts of love from those around us. We are repeatedly reminded that the Lord's love is so great and His blessings are beyond our expectations or imagination. When we show up and give blessings to others, God shows up to bless us in return. 

Giving blessings to others does not detract or deprive us of anything. Blessings are not limited, they are limitless and there are enough of them to go around.

Each one of you is a blessing. Your prayers and financial support are greatly appreciated, and we want you to know how special you are. We feel your presence with us in every achievement and blessing we give and receive.

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
For they shall be filled.“ -- Matthew 5:6

We hope that God’s blessings never stop pouring into your life and that you always have the presence and peace to recognize them. Please continue to help us bless others by donating here. 

May the Lord Bless and Keep You,

Barry and Batya with the VFI team

“Blessed be Your glorious name, Which is exalted above all blessing and praise!״ 

When you bless others, God blesses you. The more goodness you put into the world, the more goodness you see. We aim to be a blessing for those who need it most. 

Blessings Shall Come Upon You | Blog | Vision for Israel

"When a man makes a vow to the Lord or takes an oath to obligate himself by a pledge, he must not break his word but must do everything he said." 

For this week's Torah portion, we will be reading Parashat Matot-Masei from Numbers 30:2-36:13, which means 'Tribes-Journeys'.

In this Parasha, we will explore the 40-year journey the tribes went through in the desert, the importance of our vows, following God's instructions, and making sure our words match our actions.

At this point, the people of Israel are nearing the end of their 40 years of wandering in the desert and have gone through many tests and trials.

God used their time of waiting to enter the promised land as the perfect opportunity to prepare them to face their enemies - but not before they learned to walk in another level of obedience and integrity.

Here are three examples in which God teaches the people of Israel how their words, obedience, and actions go hand in hand with consequences, for better or worse.

The parashah starts with Moses' instructions to the heads of the tribes, explaining to them the importance of treating their vows to the Lord in reverence, taking extra caution to be fully committed:

"When a man makes a vow to the Lord or takes an oath to obligate himself by a pledge, he must not break his word but must do everything he said." - Numbers 30:2

Often, words can be used casually and without much forethought of the potential consequences they might bring.

Moses was a mediator between God and the people, and God chose him as a mouthpiece to convey his will to the people — which is a great and powerful position to be in.

As a leader, he learned firsthand how important and influential his words were as he was not allowed to enter the promised land after rebuking the people at Meribah.

So it is no surprise that he teaches them one of the most important lessons: your words matter, whether that is an oath, correction, or guidance. If they are used carelessly, you risk making the holy and important things profane or even leading people astray.

Moses even gives examples of cases in which a person should be released from oaths and obligations. Thank God there is a solution even when we over-commit and bite off more than we can chew! 

God then commands the Israelites to go to war against the Midianites, who followed Balaam's advice and enticed the Israelites to be unfaithful to the Lord:

"So Moses said to the people, ‘Arm some of your men to go to war against the Midianites so that they may carry out the Lord's vengeance on them. Send into battle a thousand men from each of the tribes of Israel.’"  - Numbers 31:3-4

Although they won the battle, they disobeyed God's instructions by taking women unto themselves:

"The Israelites captured the Midianite women and children and took all the Midianite herds, flocks, and goods as plunder. They burned all the towns where the Midianites had settled, as well as all their camps."  - Numbers 31:9-11

Moses was angry since he gave them instructions, and they did not obey. He then instructed them to cleanse themselves after their disobedience. 

After some time, while dividing the plunder between the tribes, they understood their ways were not pleasing to the Lord and showed genuine remorse by collecting an offering to God:

"So we have brought as an offering to the Lord the gold articles each of us acquired—armlets, bracelets, signet rings, earrings and necklaces—to make atonement for ourselves before the Lord."  - Numbers 31:50

God wanted to give the promised land in its entirety to the people of Israel. This battle acted as preparation grounds to see whether or not they would heed his instructions when fighting against the gentile nations who possessed the land or if they would fall prey to disobedience.

The Reubenites and Gadites decided they did not want to cross the Jordan into the promised land with their people and livestock. This angered Moses, who thought they did not want to go to battle and didn't mind leaving the difficult job of conquering the land to the rest of the tribes.

As they assured him they would fight with their fellow Israelites until all the other tribes had received their inheritance, Moses reiterates just how critical it is that they follow through on their obligation before the Lord:

"Then Moses said to them, ‘If you will do this—if you will arm yourselves before the Lord for battle and if all of you who are armed cross over the Jordan before the Lord until he has driven his enemies out before him— then when the land is subdued before the Lord, you may return and be free from your obligation to the Lord and to Israel. And this land will be your possession before the Lord...but if you fail to do this, you will be sinning against the Lord; and you may be sure that your sin will find you out. Build cities for your women and children, and pens for your flocks, but do what you have promised.’"  - Numbers 32:20-27

Moses considered it a sin against the Lord if the Reubenites and Gadites did not fulfill their promises before God and urged them to take it seriously, reminding them that their own actions would hunt them down if they did not follow through.

Moses recorded all the places the people of Israel stopped along the way to the promised land and reminded them to continue serving him with reverence and obedience as he has taught them in the desert for 40 years:

"On the plains of Moab by the Jordan across from Jericho the Lord said to Moses, ‘Speak to the Israelites and say to them: When you cross the Jordan into Canaan, drive out all the inhabitants of the land before you. Destroy all their carved images and their cast idols, and demolish all their high places. Take possession of the land and settle in it, for I have given you the land to possess.’"  - Numbers 30:50-53

The common thread weaved through this parashah is just how important our words and actions are to the Lord and how when we choose to submit our ways to the Lord, He will bless our steps, but when we step out of His will, we are not able to reach the promised land, the inheritance God ordained for us.

The people of Israel are an example to us today of how to walk with integrity and not compromise, how to repent when we have gone astray and how to consider our steps carefully before we take them. We all act hastily sometimes and pay the consequences, but God is gracious to forgive us our sins as we repent and turn from our ways.

As we reflect on Parashat Matot-Masei, we thank God for teaching us how to walk with integrity in our words, actions, and commitments.

Let's pray together:
"God, please teach me how to use my words wisely and be intentional about my commitments and actions. Guide me in your ways so that I will walk in your will so I can serve you faithfully."

In Parashat Matot-Masei, the people of Israel are tested and tried in preparation to enter the promised land - but it is not without a price.

Parashat Matot-Masei | Blog | Vision for Israel

For several years, Vision for Israel has had the immense privilege of supporting and collaborating with the organization of victims of hostilities in a special scholarship project for students who are victims of hostilities.

Each year we gather to partner together to the point that this well-intended project, which started as a small endeavour, has become a tradition we refuse to miss.

Victims of hostilities suffer significant long-term trauma and can often feel isolated from the memories and loss they have suffered as a result.

As children and teenagers, they carry the heavy burden of trying to build a future for themselves through education, all while trying to solve complicated mental and emotional difficulties, either endured by their parents or themselves.

We believe that providing education for students who are victims of hostilities, will help ease their way back into a normative life cycle, realize their academic abilities, and complete their education according to their skills.

Education is of great importance in creating employment opportunities and contributes to improving their self-esteem and confidence. When they see that a whole system of adults believes in their well-being, taking care of their future, and cheering them on -- it shrinks the goliath-size difficulty they stand against.

Projects like this are critical and are contributing factors in rehabilitating terror survivors who attend higher education institutions.

This year, we were honoured to host the scholarship distribution ceremony at the Millennium Centre in a festive setting.

The students were accompanied by relatives and friends and were greeted with a colourful reception filled with light and rich refreshments, including quality sandwiches, savoury pastries, cookies, and cold and hot drinks. In the background, bringing much joy to the event was musician and singalong emcee Shalom Har-Even, which elevated the celebration with his upbeat music.

Each student then received a check and a certificate of appreciation in person, accompanied by a melody, and had the opportunity to share about themselves, and their course of study.

This year we were able to award 76 scholarships to students who were most in need of the blessed assistance.

It was an exciting and very empowering evening. Seeing the smiles on the faces of the children, knowing that we had a small hand in guaranteeing their success as successful members of society, was the highlight of the evening. 

We are grateful for the fruitful cooperation with the representative organization through which we have been able to touch more and more families in need of assistance and improve their quality of life.

We look forward to continue supporting survivors of hostilities and their children as they walk bravely into their destinies by dedicating our resources to better their life and education.

By providing grants for victims of hostilities we help ease their way back into life, realize their academic abilities, and complete their education.

Scholarship Ceremony for Victims of Hostilities Students


For You have been a shelter for me,
A strong tower from the enemy.
I will abide in Your tabernacle forever;
I will trust in the shelter of Your wings.

We are on the precipice of war. 

Southern Israel has been pummelled with over 20,000 incoming rockets of various strengths in the last 14 years. This does not include the northern border.

Recently, Iran has begun disconnecting almost all security monitoring cameras so the IAEA can no longer view Iran's nuclear facilities. Hezbollah, the proxy army of Iran, is known to have at least 150,000 rockets, stored all over Lebanon, to be used against Israel. Countless people could die or be wounded if they succeed.

We know that Iran has enriched uranium to nearly 90%, 18 times more than what was agreed upon, and is only days or weeks away from the necessary ingredients for nuclear bombs.

Because of the hostility from countries like Iran, Israel is now training and preparing for a multi-front war scenario. Every branch of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) just completed over one month of strategic training. This included Civil Defense, the emergency ambulance services, and hospitals. Training even took place on a nearby Mediterranean island and a simulated attack on Iran's nuclear facilities over the Mediterranean Sea.  This is an "all hands on deck" situation.

On June 13 and 14, we worked with the IDF to scout potential sites for placing another 40 mobile safety shelters which will complete a total of 100 safety mobile shelters. We looked for the public areas in the cities, moshavs, villages, and towns that are vulnerable to incoming rocket fire from terrorist groups such as Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

These mobile shelters are being provided and facilitated through the work and ministry of Vision for Israel.

"When crisis comes, it's too late to prepare.”

This is an urgent call to all our partners and friends to mobilize. The requests coming in are to place hundreds more bomb shelters, order more ambulances and emergency vehicles, and provide the necessary medical kits for doctors in the field. Let us all set a kingdom example as people of great faith. Thousands of people will potentially die if Iran succeeds with her plans for Israel’s destruction.

Your prayers and financial gifts are necessary to overcome our enemies. 

We need your help more than ever.  Please give freely here.


May the Lord bless you and keep you during this challenging time.

Your friends,
Barry, Batya, and the VFI Team


Do not keep silent, O God!
Do not hold Your peace,
And do not be still, O God!
For behold, Your enemies make a tumult;
And those who hate You have lifted up their head. 

The threat of Iran attacking Israel in the coming days and weeks is very probable. We need support to build and place bomb shelters for protection.

Iran Is Ready, We Must Be Too | Blog | Vision for Israel

If only you would listen to God’s voice this day, and not become hard-hearted like the people at Merivah, like that time at Massah – in the desert, when your ancestors tried Me; and tested Me, though they had seen what I wrought.

Sh’lach-Lecha (“Send away”) is the 37th weekly Torah portion in the annual Jewish cycle of Torah reading and covers Numbers 13:1-15:41. The title is taken from the first word of the imperative that appears at the beginning of the parashah in verse 2 when God says to Moses: “Sh’lach-lecha” / Send away.”

“And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, “Send men to spy out the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the children of Israel; from each tribe of their fathers you shall send a man, every one a leader among them.” — Numbers 13:1-2

Every so often, the content from the weekly Torah portion, as well as the liturgical contents of the synagogue service, not to mention the teachings of the New Testament intersect. Every Friday evening before sunset, synagogues conduct a special liturgical service to welcome the Sabbath called Kabbalat Shabbat, lit. the Welcoming of the Sabbath. The service is joyful and musical in nature, as the congregants progress through melodic renditions of Psalms 92-100 which begin with the introduction, “mizmor shir l’yom ha’Shabbat – A psalm, a song; for the Sabbath day” (Ps. 92:1).

The service actually begins with Psalm 95 before making its way back around to chapter 92 by the end of the service. Psalms 95:1 encapsulates the grandeur of the evening: “Come, let us sing joyously to the LORD, raise a shout for the rock of our salvation!” The prayer continues, and although it is sung with adulation, it concludes with a warning and reminder of the suffering that ensued for Israel in the wilderness:

For forty years I was troubled by that generation, and I said, “These are a people whose hearts have gone astray, they do not know My way,” so, in anger, I swore that they would not enter My rest. (Ps. 95:8-11)

The context of verses 10-11 is established in this week’s Torah portion, Parshat Sh’lach-Lecha. Numbers chapters 13-14 recount the story of the twelve spies who were sent by Moses to reconnoitre the Promised Land on behalf of the Israelites. According to the narrative, twelve of the truly great leaders of the nation, one from each tribe, went to survey the Land – and came back with a report that demoralized the people and caused them to lose faith in their ability to occupy their God-given inheritance. As a result, the entire generation was condemned to death in the Wilderness and Israel’s entry into the Land was delayed for almost forty years.

In synagogues around the world, as Jews gather to hear this story read publicly in the ceremonial reading of the Torah on Shabbat morning, they are also reminded of the harrowing consequences the incident of the Twelve Spies has played throughout Jewish history. According to Rabbinic tradition, the Israelite’s refusal to enter the Promised Land occurred on Tisha b’Av, a day on the biblical calendar that would later become the anniversary of the destruction of both the First and Second Temple, as well as later tragedies that would befall the Jewish community until the present day.

In Psalm 95, the psalmist describes the people’s failure to enter the land metaphorically as their refusal to enter God’s “rest.” This description presents many questions, among them: What was Israel’s true destination in the Wilderness? And from where did the psalmist derive his parallel association of the Holy Land and rest?

In Numbers 10:33, we read that at the start of their departure from Mount Sinai, the Ark of the LORD went before the people on a three-day journey to “seek for them a resting place.” When we read this passage in context, we find that perhaps the most incredible aspect of the wilderness journey was that God was already traveling ahead of the people seeking menucha (a resting place). The word menucha, “rest” more accurately means comfort. In fact, in Jewish tradition one of the names of the Messiah to come is Menachem, which means ‘comforter’ – ‘the provider of rest.’

Psalm 95 describes the pinnacle of the journey from God’s perspective in the first person, “menuchati – My rest.” When we consider the narrative of the Twelve Spies in light of the journey’s beginning in Numbers 10, we begin to understand the people’s folly. The Hebrew word for searching is latur (to search/tour). Ironically, both the description of God going before the nation to find rest and the spies’ reconnaissance of the Promised Land are classified by the same word (Num. 10:33 to Num. 13:17). In essence, God was already “touring” ahead of the people to find the resting place so that He could gather and comfort His people quickly. Ultimately, the grievous sin in Parshat Shelach stems from a lack of faith i.e., trust in God. The people did not trust in the work that God had already done for them, and in determining to ‘latur’ for themselves, they became overwhelmed by what they saw with their own eyes (Num. 13:33).

At the beginning of Numbers 14, we read that the people lamented all that night over the spies’ report and plotted ways to subvert Moses and return to Egypt. Sadly, the next day when the people realized that they had made a mistake, they wanted to re-enter the Promised Land and fight the Amalekites and the Canaanites. But it was too late. God did not go with them. And many Israelite men fell at the sword. Hence, in the parallel account of Psalm 95, the psalmist urges his audience, “hayom, im b’kolo tishma'u – Today, if you hear God’s voice...”.

The dichotomy between these two parallel accounts is emphasized in the words ‘day’ and ‘night’. Just as the Torah says that the people cried all that night, they did so because they refused to hear the voice of God when He was present in the day. The details of this subtle contrast are not to be overlooked. In Jewish thought, day and night are prophetic illustrations of redemption and exile. Night represents the darkness Israel suffers in severance from God while day represents the light enjoyed by being in proximity to God’s countenance. When the story of the Twelve Spies is taken as the catalyst of Jewish exile – the forerunner of the many disasters that befell Israel on Tisha b’Av, the poetic contrast makes sense: The ultimate redemption that finally sees Israel and humanity reconciled to God can be described altogether as Day!

In the New Testament, the writer of Hebrews makes an object lesson of this parallel and quotes the passage in Psalm 95 to expound on the lessons found in Parashat Shelach. In his rich midrashic interpretation, the apostle manages to tie all these elements together to illustrate the idea of God’s redemptive work through the theme of Shabbat:

God again set a certain day, calling it “Today.” This he did when a long time later he spoke through David, as in the passage already quoted:

For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken later about another day.

There remains [then] a Sabbath rest for God’s people; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will perish by following their example of disobedience. (Hebrews 4:7-11)

For the sake of brevity, we have only included these verses to illustrate the topic. But please take the time to investigate the entirety of Hebrews chapters 3-4 for the full effect. For example, in Hebrews 3:12-19, the author admonishes his audience to avoid the sin of an unbelieving heart, referring to the generation that perished in the wilderness. Furthermore, he frequently quotes Psalm 95 directly as the source text for his argument and makes use of the psalm’s imagery in saying, “So long as it is called Today [hayom], encourage one another every day so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness (v. 13).” The apostle’s argument is masterful and brilliant and enunciates the fact that Shabbat is not merely a weekly occurrence, but a foretaste of something much greater.

In Hebrews chapter 3, The writer compares entering the Promised land to entering faith in Messiah. We could say that both Messiah and the entrance into the land came as the culmination of the covenant promises. Both Messiah and the entrance into the Promised Land require faith and obedience. Thus, the writer begins his discourse by pointing out that the first and most obvious lesson in Parshat Shelach is that falling short of God’s rest is the result of unbelief (Hebrews 3:19). Furthermore, the rest to which Hebrews refers to is the same rest described in Numbers 10 and Psalm 95. With that in mind, the author presents a profound observation of God’s work at creation:
Now we who have believed enter that rest, just as God has declared, “So I declared on oath in my anger, ‘They shall never enter my rest.'”And yet his works have been finished since the creation of the world! (Hebrews 4:3)


Just as Numbers 10 describes the Ark of God going before the nation to find a resting place, the writer of Hebrews describes God’s work as having been finished since the creation. This can be a puzzling statement if little thought is given, but it comes to life when we consider the source text forming the crux of his argument.


When the psalmist alludes to God’s rest, there is only one ‘rest’ belonging to God mentioned in Scripture – His rest at Creation. Thus, the apostle recounts the Creation narrative and points out that according to the simple meaning of the text - the rest that the people were supposed to enter - really began on the first Sabbath after the six days of God creating the Universe; and since God did not resume creating after His rest on the eighth day, His eternal Shabbat is still waiting for all those who choose to listen to His voice, so long as it is called ‘today.’


In a similar vein, the Prophet Isaiah says: 

“Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon". (Isa. 55:6-7)

This Friday evening, as our people sing the words of Psalm 95 in synagogues around the world, let us also join them in considering the lessons of this week’s Torah portion, determining to remove the barriers in our own hearts that prevent us from truly and fully entering God’s comfort.

Shabbat Shalom

Parashat Shelach is not just a story of fear and its dire consequences to the people of Israel but of how choosing to trust brings about God's promises.

Parashat Sh׳lach Lecha | Blog | Vision for Israel

Parashat Sh׳lach Lecha: Choosing the Good Report 

If there is anything that we at Vision for Israel love to do, it's to use our gift of hospitality to welcome people from all walks of life to enjoy special events at the Millennium Centre.

We believe that part of our calling is to open our doors to the public and ensure that all who enter through them receive the best VIP treatment one could imagine.

As we reflect on our many visitors, we can't think of many more worthy of serving than the Holocaust survivors of Israel.

Recently, we had the honour of hosting an exciting event for 50 Hebrew and Russian-speaking Holocaust survivors who are members of the Café Europa social club from the city of Arad.

We wanted our time with them to be as full of joy as possible - so we decided that the group would enjoy a fun and relaxing musical morning.

We opened the morning with public singing and dancing, hosted by three talented musicians who combined musical instruments and gypsy music. They even switched it up and entertained everyone as they sang in five different languages -- Greek, English, Hebrew, Spanish, and Yiddish.

As all enjoyed the musical melodies with smiles spread wide across their faces, they snacked on savoury pastries, and dips, and enjoyed hot and cold drinks. 

Barry and Batya were privileged to meet the Holocaust survivors face to face and greet them; they also had the opportunity to share with the group a little bit about themselves and how Vision for Israel will continue to support the thousands of Holocaust survivors still living in Israel today.

It's always important for us to connect with the people we are serving, as oftentimes, they find themselves on the sidelines of society -- invisible and ignored. Shaking their hands and looking into their eyes as they greet us are moments that will stay with them (and us) long after they leave.

The group was then seated around tables for a delicious and filling lunch of stuffed vegetables, meat skewers, chicken and salmon, green salad, green beans, beet carpaccio, and individual desserts.

After that, one of the Holocaust survivors came up to sing, which encouraged the rest of the group to join in the singing as well. They even got up to dance as the room filled with laughter and joy!

It is no surprise that everyone enjoyed the musical morning as much as they did, as part of the group are members of the Desert Sounds ensemble, a famous and popular musical group that performs around Israel.

Later, we discovered through the coordinator of the south branch that this was the first event the survivors attended since the Covid pandemic started and that they were very excited and happy to be there.

Knowing we provided them with their first outing after a long and challenging period warmed our hearts to the core. We will always make it a priority to bless the remaining Holocaust survivors in Israel and remind them, through events such as this, just how grateful we are for their bravery and courage. 

Since the pandemic began, many Holocaust survivors haven’t socialized. We hosted 50 survivors to enjoy a musical morning full of joy, dancing and laughter.

Musical Breakfast & Lunch for Holocaust Survivors From Arad | Blog | Vision for Israel

Musical Breakfast & Lunch for Holocaust Survivors From Arad

Woman's day is the perfect opportunity to shine the limelight on the world's brave, strong, and loving women. 

Unfortunately, many people, living normal lives find themselves stricken by a sudden and unexpected terror that forever changes their lives.

The journey to recovery is long and arduous, and many times the victims are left without defence or support.

We at Vision for Israel have not forgotten such women.

In honour of Women's Day, we were privileged to sponsor 200 women, members of the Organization of Victims of Hostilities, for an empowering day of pampering dedicated solely to them.

Upon arrival, the women enjoyed a wide variety of light refreshments, and then, without further ado, the pampering began!

The women sat back and relaxed as professional make-up artists, hair stylists, and pedicurists made them feel brand new. Then they allowed their bodies some much-needed rest as we spoiled them some more with a relaxing shiatsu session and reflexology treatments.

For many, it takes months to make the time for one hair appointment, let alone all the pampering treatments Vision for Israel was honoured to provide. 

After being greeted by Barry and representatives from the Organization of Victims of Hostilities, Shira Isakov took centre stage as she shared her heroic story of survival.

Shira's ex-husband violently attacked her in an attempt to murder her right in front of their young son.  Although Shira was severely injured, she miraculously survived to tell her story.

Understandably, many women affected by domestic violence never share their stories of survival, but Shira mustered up the courage and publicized her case. Since then, she has become a strong symbol and inspiring role model in the fight to prevent violence against women.

As a public figure, she uses her influence to work with women affected by violence and continues to encourage many to leave abusive situations and seek help.

The women then enjoyed a rich meal together, and to top it off, all laughed to their heart's content as they watched a live comedy show by the talented comedian Tzipi Shavit. The memories that often plague survivors of terror can leave them weary, afraid and lonely, but the comedy show provided pockets of joy and liberation from the burdens they carry.

At the end of the self-care day, each woman received a special surprise from us -- a gift basket packed with skin care creams.

Following the self-care day, the Organization of Victims of Hostilities received heart warming responses from the women.

They wrote to us, saying: “The event was successful and impressive. The women of the organization waited through the COVID period for such an event. Especially these days, when a wave of terror strikes us again, such an event is extremely vital. We received a lot of positive and encouraging responses.“

We honour the brave women who, despite terrible crimes of violence, rise up to live another day with dignity. 

Vision for Israel stands in support of all women who are victims of hostilities and pray we can remind them how worthy they are through our words and actions.

In honor of Women's Day, VFI sponsored 200 women, of the Organization of Victims of Hostilities, for an empowering day of pampering dedicated solely to them.

A Pampering and Empowering Women’s Day Event for Victims of Hostilities | Blog | Vision for Israel

A Pampering and Empowering Women’s Day Event for Victims of Hostilities

“But when you hear of wars and rumours of wars, do not be troubled; for such things must happen, but the end is not yet.”  

Dear friends,

Terror and violence are happening in Israel right now. So many innocent people are being terrorized and killed for things that are not their fault. Many of us feel helpless in the face of such tragedy, but it’s important for us to try to help anyway. What are we doing if we do not defend the souls of innocent people? 

Terrorist attempts take place in Israel almost every day. Even though most of them fail, it is not published in the news and most of us live in a constant state of fear. We are at war for our very existence and survival as a people. Because of this, what happened in Elad recently was not a surprise, though we are devastated at what occurred.

In a ruthless, bloody terrorist attack in Elad, Yonatan, the father of five children, Oren, father of six children, and Boaz father of five children died. Sixteen children became orphans that night. None of them deserve to go through this life without parents, but it’s a reality that they must face now.

This war is not the children’s fight. It is happening because of extreme Islamic groups such as Hamas. Hamas leader in Gaza, Yahya Sinwar, called for attacks with firearms or an axe, saying, "Our people in the Negev, the Triangle, the Galilee, Haifa, Jaffa, Acre, Jaffa, and Lod - everyone will make their own rifle. And whoever does not have a rifle - will make a knife or an axe. This is a religious war.” We are once again fighting for the freedom to serve God and live our lives safely and openly.

These last few months, Israel has been preparing to defend herself from enemies in the north and south. Thousands of rockets are ready to be launched by hostile countries. Their only goal is to hit as many civilians in Israel as possible.

For many of us, our instinct is to pray like never before, and we should. However, we should react practically as well. Vision for Israel is uniquely positioned to do that. We plan to prepare for emergencies for the citizens of Israel, without distinction of religion. To date, close to 100 mobile shelters have been installed throughout the southern region. These will provide protection for innocent civilians living in conflict zones and allow them to reach a protected place on short notice.

We all have the responsibility to do whatever we can to help save the lives of people in case of war, terror, and devastation. Please help us save the lives of innocent children and civilians by donating here. Time is of the essence; people are dying every day from this violence.

We will continue to do God’s work, even when evil surrounds us.


May the Lord bless and keep you during this time,

Barry, Batya, and the VFI team

“Violence shall no longer be heard in your land, neither wasting nor destruction within your borders; But you shall call your walls Salvation, And your gates Praise.” 

Violence has been constant in Israel, and we are working hard to protect civilians and innocent children. We need your help to provide shelters.

Israel is Under Attack | Blog | Vision for Israel

We care a lot for Holocaust survivors. As the 'invisible' people of society, we know how important it is to go the extra mile and show them how appreciative we are of them -- not just in words, but in actions!

On a beautiful spring morning, in the midst of two national holidays (Jerusalem Day and Shavuot), 45 Holocaust survivors traveled from Be'er Sheva to the Millennium Center in Modi'in for a day of fun and appreciation.

As they came off the bus and entered the Millennium Center, we made sure to give them a grand entrance for royalty!

The tunes of happy and upbeat rhythmic Hebrew songs, led by Shalom Har-Even, played in the background, as they were met with a feast for the eyes and the taste buds.

The tables were filled with delicious refreshments: fresh bread, savory dips, healthy vegetables, crispy and sweet pastries, soft drinks, and hot drinks. As they enjoyed these treats, they socialized together as many of them, being elderly, are often alone and without company.

As the party went on, Shalom, the host, sang and played Hebrew songs on the accordion and even dedicated a special song in honor of Jerusalem Day.

With such great joy in the atmosphere, the survivors got up from their tables and broke out in a youthful dance session. They even formed a conga line and danced all around the lobby, with Barry and Batya sharing in this precious moment.

Our hearts swelled at the sight of the joy, smiles, and laughter in the eyes of the survivors, who still suffer from poverty as they do not receive the financial aid that allow them to live in dignity in their remaining years. For them, every opportunity to join a social gathering outside of their house is like a breath of life to a difficult and harsh reality.

At Vision for Israel, we make sure we do not neglect the elderly, especially those who sacrifice so much to make Israel the great country that it is today. It was Barry and Batya's privilege to greet each one individually and spend time singing and dancing with them.

After all the dancing around, they sat down and shared a wonderful lunch till their bellies (and hearts) were full and content.

Before the day was over, we gathered together for one last bit of fun -- a flower weaving workshop.

Each one made a round bouquet of flowers in a mug, led by the florist Yael Elbaum-Shane, who accompanied them and patiently explained the process step by step.

As we didn't want to let them go home empty-handed, each one got to keep their colorful bouquet and mug to remind them of their time with Vision for Israel.

We hope that every time they see their bouquet or drink from their mug, they will feel the love, acceptance, and care that we have for them and know in their hearts that they are cherished. 

Holocaust survivors are 'invisible' people of society. That's why we should show them how appreciative we are of them -- not just in words, but in actions.

A Fun Day for Holocaust Survivors From Be’er Sheva | Blog | Vision for Israel

A Fun Day for Holocaust Survivors From Be’er Sheva

“Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God."  

Dear Friends,

During the Feast of Shavu’ot, we customarily read the story of Ruth. This is an important story. This book of the Bible not only talks about faithfulness to one another in times of hardship but also the faithfulness of God in all situations. 

In the story, Naomi and Elimelech leave their homeland due to famine. Elimelech dies shortly after they arrive in Moab, and Naomi is left with her two sons in the land of the Moab. Though the sons marry two beautiful women, the men die and Naomi is alone with her daughters-in-law in a land that is foreign to her. She urges them to go back to their families and remarry, but one of them, Ruth, refuses. Out of love for her mother-in-law, she follows Naomi to Bethlehem to live with the people of Israel. 

Though Ruth does not know Naomi’s people, she stays true to her covenant with God and her late husband and stays with her mother-in-law. During a time of uncertainty and fear, Ruth remains steadfast in her faith and her love for her family and does something that likely scared her. This story is often potent for those who become Jewish by choice, not by birth.

It is no secret that it takes a village to make VFI’s work possible. Our extensive areas of service, donations, and events would not be possible without our faithful partners, volunteers, and friends. Just as Ruth walked with Naomi, we often walk by faith when others need help, knowing only that we must serve them and help however we can. It is not our place to understand the situation fully nor feel comfortable, it is our job to carry out the word of God however we can, even when the process feels foreign or intimidating. This would not be a possibility if we did not have loyal supporters.

We rely on the relationships that we have with our partners. Though we don’t always know what will come next, we trust that our partners will be there to help us. With your steady support, we can tackle new projects, while our faith in Yeshua and our vision to help others propels us to keep working. We need these relationships to create reliable, ongoing services for those who need them most. 

Just as Ruth walked with Naomi, we hope that you will walk with us. Please make a donation here.

May the Lord bless you, keep you, and walk with you wherever you go.


Your friends,
Barry, Batya, and the VFI Team

“You are to observe the Feast of Shavuot, which is the firstfruits of the wheat harvest...” 

Our work wouldn’t be possible without the help of our partners. Like Ruth walked with Naomi out of love, we walk with our partners to create a better tomorrow.

The Feast of Shavu’ot and Our VFI Mission | Blog | Vision for Israel

The Feast of Shavu’ot and Our VFI Mission

¼ cup oil
 2 hot peppers, seeded and finely chopped
 2 bell peppers, diced
 8 – 10 garlic cloves, crushed
 5 ripe medium tomatoes, diced
 Salt, to taste
 1 tsp. hot or sweet paprika
 4 eggs

Directions:
1. Heat oil in a medium frying pan over high heat. Add peppers, garlic, and tomatoes. Stir and lower the heat.
2. Cook vegetables until they are tender, stirring occasionally. Add salt and cook for another 7-10 minutes. Add paprika and cook an additional few minutes.
3. Crack the eggs and add them to the sauce, keeping the yolks whole, and covering the whites with the sauce. Cook until eggs are set.
4. Serve immediately. 

Shakshuka combines runny poached eggs in a hearty, spicy sauce of tomatoes and other vegetables for a one-pot meal that’s as much fun to eat as it is to say.

12 lasagne leaves
 2-3 tbsps. olive oil
 2 zucchinis, sliced thin
 2 cups spinach, lightly sautéed
 2 cups grated carrots
 1 cup green or red pepper, cut into squares
 2 onions, chopped and lightly sautéed
 4 garlic cloves, minced
 5 tomatoes, sliced and roasted in the oven
 1 can crushed tomatoes
 2 tbsps. agave syrup
 Oregano
 Thyme
 Black pepper
 3/4 cup mozzarella cheese, sliced
 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
 3/4 cup any hard cheese, grated

Directions:
 1. Cook crushed tomatoes with agave syrup, herbs, and black pepper.
 2. In a baking dish, layer lasagna sheets, vegetables, tomato sauce and cheese. Repeat, ending with a layer of lasagna sheets topped with tomato sauce and cheese.
 3. Cover with foil and bake 1 hour at 180°C/ 350°F. Remove foil and bake an additional hour at 150°C/300°F.

This hearty vegetable lasagna is packed full of flavor from zucchini, spinach, peppers, and carrots and it is easy to make and is the perfect comfort food. 

Vegetable Lasagna | Blog | Vision for Israel

Last week, Vision for Israel was delighted to conclude yet another cultural event supporting Victims of Hostilities.
In cooperation with the Representative Organization of Victims of Hostilities, we held a cultural evening at the Arts Centre in the neighbourhood of Pisgat Ze'ev in Jerusalem.

About 307 survivors of hostilities and 35 Holocaust survivors (invited by Vision for Israel) came to watch the musical "Bustan Sephardi" (Spanish Garden) by the Habima Theater, directed by Tzadi Tzarfati.

For victims of hostility, the ongoing effects of trauma, PTSD, and loneliness are just some of the burdensome wounds which they fight to heal every day. Finding relief amid such intense healing is often a hard task for many, as even keeping up with the basic tasks can be daunting.

For that reason, we took it upon ourselves to organize an evening in which, for a few precious hours, they could enjoy a life-giving evening full of laughter and entertainment.

We kicked the evening off by registering all who came and meeting them face to face. Greeting them, taking their names, and distributing their tickets for the play allowed us to say, without many words: "We see you".

After that, we were delighted to see the sparkle in their eyes and the smile on their face as we then handed out gift baskets filled to the brim with pampering products such as hand cream, body lotion, body wash, and body butter, all gifted by "Sabon shel Pa'am".

We then moved on to enjoy a casual time of connection and conversation over a selection of light refreshments - coffee, tea, soft drinks, cakes, and sweet and savory pastries.

Coming out of a long period of Covid restrictions in which we could not gather in groups, it was great fun to see the hall filled with people and hear the sounds of laughter and joy before the show.

During and after the play, many came to thank us, expressing their enjoyment of the play, the gift baskets, and our kindness.
A representative of the Holocaust survivors said that even after the lights went out and all went home, some of the survivors called later on to say thank you and express their enjoyment of the play and how respected they felt as we gave them the best and most accessible seats in the house!

VFI was privileged to donate the refreshments, means of transportation for the participants, a photographer to document their smiles, as well as cover half the cost of the play.

For victims of hostilities, the ongoing effects of trauma are burdensome; that's why we organized a cultural event so that we can ease their load even for a bit.

A Cultural Evening for Terror Survivors | Blog | Vision for Israel

For those of you who, like me, choose to eat a mostly vegan diet, lentils are a star in their kitchen. I had looked everywhere for a palatable recipe featuring plant-based protein, but for all my effort—I had little success. But one day, we visited a friend’s house on a Friday afternoon as the wife was preparing vegan delicacies for the Sabbath. The aromas emanating from the kitchen were so delicious, I couldn’t resist asking what she was doing. I tried these delicious patties, and was hooked. I altered the recipe a little, and added some of our favourite spices to the mix, resulting in a real hit for our family—even the meat lovers.

1 ½ cups cooked lentils
 4 tbsp. Tahini
 1 cup fresh spinach/beet greens/parsley (optional)
 1 egg
 ½ cup almonds or walnuts, ground
 ½ cup rolled oats
 1–2 tbsp. whole spelt flour
 1 onion, finely chopped
 3 garlic cloves, crushed
 ½ tsp. each: cumin, black pepper, salt, paprika
Oil for frying

1. Blend all ingredients in a food processor, or chop by hand.
 2. Roll into balls and press to flatten. 
3.  Heat oil in a large frying pan and fry the patties until golden brown on both sides.
4. Serve with Tahini.
5. Garnish with sesame seeds or almonds.

Note: If you prefer to bake in the oven, grease the baking pan or line with parchment paper, and brush the patties with oil.
If the mixture is too wet, add more flour. If it's too dry, add another egg.

For those of you who choose to eat a mostly vegan diet, lentils are a star in their kitchen.  I tried these delicious patties, and was hooked. 

Batya's Lentil Patties | Blog | Vision for Israel

As a working mother who values her time but also the health of her family, I always prefer to bake and cook at home—I like to know what’s in the food that enters my body. But when it comes to taste, I don’t compromise—and if a recipe looks like it has all the good and healthy ingredients, that’s even better. Enjoying this banana bread while it’s warm, with tea or coffee, is a delightful choice for any time of the day. Since it’s both easy to make and delicious, I make it often for Barry and my toddler grandson. Enjoy!

2 bananas, mashed
 2 cups plain yogurt
 2 tbsp. coconut oil
 2 tbsp. butter, melted (or peanut butter)
 2 eggs, beaten
 4 tbsp. date syrup (or molasses)
 2 tbsp. honey
 1 tsp. vanilla extract
 1 1/2 cups spelt flour
 4 tbsp. quick oats
 1/2 cup almond meal
 2 tbsp. ground coconut (optional)
 1 tsp. baking powder
 1/4 tsp. baking soda
 Pinch of salt
 Chocolate chips or chunks (optional)

1. Mix all wet ingredients in a large bowl.
 2. In a separate bowl, mix all dry ingredients.
 3. Add dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and mix until well blended.
 4. Butter 2 loaf pans and pour batter into pans. You can top with chocolate chips or leave it plain.
 5. Bake at 365°F/185°C for 30-40 minutes.

Variation: Try adding chunks of baked apple on the bottom of the pan before pouring the batter.

Now you can experience the authentic flavours of Israel and the surrounding region, with Batya Segal’s personal favourite recipes. A long-time lover of fresh, delicious, and easy-to-execute meals, Batya’s recipes will bring the aromas of Israel into your kitchen for the whole family to enjoy. Yours free as a thank-you for supporting our life-changing work in Israel.

Enjoying this banana bread while it’s warm, with tea or coffee, is a delightful choice for any time of the day since it’s both easy to make and delicious.

Batya's Sugar-Free Banana Cake | Blog | Vision for Israel

But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Messiah may dwell in me.

Dear friends,

A few weeks ago, Aaron* and Shula* called us and gently asked if we had seen their request for help. Their son was about to celebrate his Bar Mitzvah. A representative from the venue where the Bar Mitzvah was going to be hosted had called Aaron and said that no food would be served at the event unless he arranged the down payment. They were so surprised to find out that the manager of the venue would be so harsh. So in his despair, Aaron called us to see if we would help him again as we had helped their other son a few years before. Aaron was very embarrassed that he had to contact us again, but he did not want to disappoint his son on his happy day. Sadly, the request had simply not reached us in time.

We know Aaron and his family well. They have 5 children. Aaron suffered a severe head injury in a terror attack and lives with PTSD and memory issues as a result. Because of this, he did not remember to follow up with us until very close to his son’s Bar Mitzvah. We knew how difficult it was for them to make it financially and their daily life was a struggle, as Vision for Israel had been supporting the family for the last 8 years. 

We were happy to fill the gap and provide the funds for the Bar Mitzvah food.

We have a long list of families, like Aaron’s, who struggle with similar situations. Families turn to VFI daily for support, and many of them have special requests like this one. They may be facing an unexpected expense when they are already in a dire financial situation or have suffered from an act of terror or violence.

We feel responsible for the well-being of these families, and we build lasting connections with them. We want them to know that no matter how hopeless or dark things may seem, we are here to assist if we can. No matter what they are going through, Vision for Israel is a place of love and light for them. There is no shame, no embarrassment, and no judgment when they ask us for help. We are here to provide relief and comfort, knowing that their circumstances do not define who they are.

Our Aid to the Poor Fund exists to help families in times of crisis or special circumstances. The money for these acts of kindness comes directly from our partners. Because of this funding, we can provide more complete support for the people of Israel. 

There are always unpredictable situations in our lives, we are called to be an example for good work. All we have belongs to the Lord and therefore our responsibility is to be wise and hear the needs around us. We strive to be an uplifting and reliable force in the lives of those we help. 

Aaron and Shula had a good time celebrating the Bar Mitzvah of their second son. Our team at VFI was thrilled to be able to help, all thanks to the special funds we set aside for this kind of situation.

And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. — Galatians 6:9

When you donate, we know that you stand with us in our vision. Your gifts give us strength to give them hope, and together we help them through the crises and upheavals that they face. It is because of donors like you that these miracles can occur.

Your support means so much to us! Thank you for your consideration. You may donate here.

May the Lord bless and keep you, today and every day.

Your friends,
Barry & Batya Segal

He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength.

Sometimes families come to us with unique needs and requests. We aim to help them all. Learn more about Aaron and Shula’s unique story, and how we helped.

The Power of God’s Work Through You | Blog | Vision for Israel

Our team at Vision for Israel is constantly working to help others. Even in times of rest or personal time, we are constantly thinking and praying for those who need our help. We always want God’s love to be felt by all.

Our hearts are always with the people of southern Israel, not only in times of trouble but throughout the year. Vision for Israel supports the victims of terrorism and violence in various ways, including monthly financial assistance, distribution of school bags to children, and holding events for them. These events allow them to get out of the house and relax mentally and physically in a safe space.

During the increasingly common "Code Red" alerts, the residents of the south are forced to leave everything and reach a protected area within a few seconds. Failure to reach a shelter can result in injury or, God forbid, death. This kind of pressure is hard on the nervous system, and the people living in this area are in a constant state of fight or flight. Many suffer mental illness because of the constant stress and fear that they won’t be able to find shelter in time.

Thanks to our loyal friends and donors, Vision for Israel recently placed 9 mobile shelters throughout the Gaza Envelope settlements, including Okafim, Tevitot, Kibbutz Nir Am, Giv’olim, Dorot, and Gevim. Overall, a total of 30 shelters have been placed thanks to the donors of Vision for Israel, and we are planning on donating another 30 shelters as soon as we are able. All shelters are located near public spaces, parks, schools, neighbourhoods, and shopping centres so that the maximum number of people have access in case of an emergency.

Even during quiet days, the presence of the shelters close by gives locals a sense of security and peace of mind, as much as is possible in a violent zone. Being allowed to go about normal life is a rare gift for the people in these areas, and many are very grateful.

We received words of thanks from the people of the south, and we were moved and touched by the gesture. We pray that days of peace and security will come soon and that they will never need shelters again.

WHEN FIRE RAINS FROM THE SKY | Vision for Israel

We have been working hard to provide mobile bomb shelters for people in southern Israel, who face violence and destruction every day. Our work is never done.

Shelters for the South of Israel | Blog | Vision for Israel

Dear friends,

Our purpose at Vision for Israel is vast. We aim to help our neighbours in many ways and ensure that our communities have what they need. Perhaps the most significant way that we help our communities is by acting as stewards between donors and recipients. This service is key to giving. Many people feel shame when they receive charity, while others feel proud and egotistical when they give. Our job is to facilitate a shame-free, modest exchange of aid. It is in this way that we best serve God.

This idea brought about a moving story I (Batya) once heard.

Yosef's father had a neighbourhood grocery store. He would make fresh yogurt to sell, and needed dozens of glass jars to put his yogurt in. Every day a man would come around selling jars, and Yosef's father would always buy from him, always making sure to pay a fair price.

One day, Yosef saw that the seller was walking up and down the street, collecting jars and putting them in his basket. This was the same basket of jars that he would bring to Yosef’s father to buy.

Yosef was so upset when he saw this, and said to his father, "I saw him pick up jars on the street and sell them to you." Yosef’s father silenced him and said, “Quiet, not now. Don’t speak". And Yosef went on to say, "But Abba (father) he is selling you something he found on the street."

When there were no people in the grocery store, Yosef’s father said to him, “My son, do not shame a man for his actions in public. He is doing what he can to survive, and this is how he makes his income. Everything is fine. I know where the jars come from, and I gladly give him the money. Never embarrass a person in front of others.”

The Jewish principle of Matan Baseter (giving in secret) fits this story perfectly. The Sephardic Jewish philosopher, Maimonides, is famous for articulating eight distinctive levels of charitable giving. Giving anonymously occupies a high position; the second level of giving is "where the donor doesn't know to whom he gives and the recipient doesn't know from whom he receives". 

The key to true, heartfelt giving is modesty. It’s important to be humble, and give of yourself without wanting praise or attention in return; we must do good for the sake of serving God and our communities. The second, and perhaps most important part of serving others, is ensuring that those you serve don’t feel embarrassed or subordinate.

Here at Vision for Israel, we facilitate Matan Baseter for our donors and communities. We act as the conduit for double-blind giving. You, our donors, are able to give freely and modestly, while our recipients don’t feel ashamed or embarrassed of their poverty.

God loves all his people equally. When you take the time to give modestly, you participate in Matan Baseter. The Bible says: 

The rich and the poor meet together; the Lord is the maker of them all.

Our status in life does not matter in the eyes of God. Remember this when you perform acts of service, and help those in need. As we say at Vision for Israel, all are equal, and all deserve dignity and respect. 

To give anonymously and participate in the Matan Baseter that we administrate, we have many opportunities to do so. You may find them here. 

May the Lord bless and keep you as you serve the needy.


Your friends,
Barry & Batya Segal

When performing acts of service, it’s important to make sure we do them for the right reasons. Our status in life does not matter in the eyes of God. 

Giving for the Right Reasons | Blog | Vision for Israel

Last month, our team at Vision for Israel hosted a Bar and Bat Mitzvah celebration for young adults who have suffered from terror attacks. By throwing a party, we allowed them to celebrate this major milestone when they otherwise wouldn’t have been able to. Though they all have touching and tragic stories, one of the Bar Mitzvah boys, Ya’ir, had a story that stood out to us. He gave a speech at the President's house during the celebration. We wanted to share his story with you.

Though he is now 13, Ya’ir was injured in Sderot when he was 9. That day he went to a protected park in Sderot withhis mother and sisters. Ya'ir played with his friends in one area of the park while his sisters played in another area, and his mother sat with the other mothers. All of a sudden, a Code Red alarm sounded and all the children started running in panic. Because he was so young, Ya'ir didn't know what to do. He searched for his mother and could not find her. He began to cry, running everywhere to try and find her. Because of this, he did not have time to get into the mobile shelter. As he looked skyward, he saw the interceptions and heard the terrifying booms of the attack.

Although Ya’ir didn't suffer any physical harm, he was mentally injured. Any loud noise, like a plane in the sky or a motorcycle passing by, causes a stress reaction. He can’t shower without the door open, and can’t stay home alone because of his condition. Doctors believe that this is likely a case of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

At first, Ya'ir's mother struggled to identify Ya’ir’s condition. However, after talking with her friends and hearing that their children suffered similar conditions after rocket attacks, she decided to get help for her son.

There were times before Ya'ir was injured that his mother went for a walk with the children where there wasn't a protected area. During these walks, if a Code Red siren sounded, Ya’ir’s mother would lay her children on the ground and lie down on top of them. Ya’ir will no longer go for these walks. His sisters are similarly hesitant, though they aren’t as traumatized as Ya’ir is. Not being able to find one’s mother in a time of crisis is truly traumatic.

Though Ya’ir’s story touched our hearts, it is unfortunately not the only such story we’ve heard. Thousands of children are terrorized every day by the violence and terror that surrounds Israel. Childhood wonder and freedom are being stripped away, as these children see how brutal and terrifying the world can be. Many of them are forced to grow up faster than they should.

Our mission at Vision for Israel is to protect as many of these children as possible. We have been providing mobile bomb shelters so that more people have access to protection. We offer food and financial support to families who have experienced terrorism. We even host Bar and Bat Mitzvah celebrations annually to ensure that these children have some happiness in their young lives.

All of the work that we do is made possible by you, our friends and sponsors. Without your regular donations and generous gifts, children like Ya’ir would define their lives only by violence, terrorism, and pain. Because of you, they can receive a bit of happiness and comfort despite what has happened to them.

As we enter 2022, please consider beginning or increasing your donation to Vision for Israel. It is because of our donors that we can support so many in need. If you wish to make a donation, you may do so here. We also accept Crypto, bank transfers, and many other alternative ways to donate.  

May we be able to continue our work into this new year, and may the Lord bless and keep you.


Your friends,
Barry & Batya Segal


Ya’ir has experienced incredible pain and suffering in his young life, but we were able to give him a Bar Mitzvah celebration. This is his story.

A Miraculous Milestone: Ya’ir’s Story | Blog | Vision for Israel

A Miraculous Milestone: Ya’ir’s Story

Recipes

Kubaneh (Batya's mom's recipe)

Wednesday, 23 March 2022

Subscribe Now and Get Our Free Recipe E-Book!

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?

Recent Related Stories

Blessings Shall Come Upon You

Saturday, 6 August 2022

Parashat Matot-Masei

Saturday, 30 July 2022

Scholarship Ceremony for Victims of Hostilities Students

Monday, 25 July 2022

Download the VFI News App!

Get the Latest News & Updates

Stay on the pulse. Receive the latest stories and updates from Israel. Support us in prayer!

Stay Engaged

Quick Links

Get Involved

Get In Touch