The term "musakhan" literally means "something that is heated." It’s simple, delicious, and meant to be eaten with your hands. It’s usually presented with the chicken on top of the bread and is commonly served with soup. 

2 whole chickens (about 1 kg./2 lb. each)
2 cups olive oil, divided
½ cup pine nuts
1 kg/2 lbs. onions, chopped
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. black pepper
½ tsp. ground cardamom
1 tsp. ground nutmeg
500 gr./1 lb. ground lamb
2 large pitas (or 4 small)
4 Tbsp. Sumac

Heat 1 cup of oil in a large pan. Fry the pine nuts until golden, remove quickly, and place on paper towels to drain the oil.

Fry onions in the same pan until golden. Move from pan to a plate.

Cut each chicken into quarters, clean the insides, and season with salt and pepper.

Heat remaining oil in a large pot and fry chicken until golden. Add cardamom and nutmeg and place it on a plate.

Add the oil from the onion to the oil that the chicken was frying in. Fry the ground lamb until browned, and season with salt and pepper. Add the pine nuts, stir, and remove from heat.

On each of the pitas, spread half of the fried onions and top with 4 pieces of chicken. Sprinkle the ground lamb over the chicken, and season with sumac.

Bake in the oven for 15 minutes until the chicken is nicely browned.

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.

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The term "musakhan" literally means "something that is heated." This is a simple and delicious meal, meant to be eaten with your hands. It’s usually presented with the chicken on top of the bread.

Musakhan Recipe | Blog | Vision for Israel

Israel is no stranger to terror attacks, and unfortunately, many suffer the devastating and life-altering physical and emotional effects of these attacks even decades later.

The story of Gloria Riani, a terror attack survivor, is one we wish was never hers to tell.

An outstanding woman with a career working at the Hillel Yaffe hospital, a wife and mother to five children — she and her son's lives were turned upside down, never to be the same. 

When she recalls that horrific day, Gloria cannot hide her helplessness and, in her own words, considers herself a "broken vessel," not just physically but mostly mentally.

Fortunately, Vision for Israel has had the immense privilege of providing Gloria and her family with financial aid for the holidays for several years, including the last Passover. 

Gloria and her 17-year-old son, Doron, were injured in the bloody attack that took place on July 12th, 2005, at the entrance to the Sharon Mall in Netanya, and since then, their lives have become unbearable.

It was a hot July day, and Gloria was dealing with the mundaneness of life — trying to change her son Doron's dental appointment unsuccessfully.

So they decided to spend the gap in their schedule on a quick trip to the Sharon Mall near their house. Kids were on their summer break, and the mall was crowded with Netanya residents and hundreds of youth ditching the heat for a hangout at the mall.

It was then, when Gloria and Doron left the mall on their way to the appointment, that their lives changed forever. Gloria exited first and sat on a nearby bench beside a man as she took a phone call and waited for Doron to follow. From the corner of her eye, Gloria noticed her son, Doron, coming out of the mall as commotion stirred up.

"I heard shouts and commotion at the entrance to the mall, but I didn't pay much attention to it, and then it was as if the sky had fallen. Suddenly, there was a huge explosion; everything shook, and I was flung back a few meters. I found myself lying on the ground, feeling great pain in my right arm, and lying motionless next to me was the guy who sat down next to me on the bench. I tried to move him — he was dead. At this point, I tried locating Doron. The force of the explosion sent him flying in a different direction altogether. Despite the immediate commotion, I managed to see him calling to me.“

The attack at the Sharon Mall in Netanya took a heavy toll. The terrorist who blew himself up at the crossing near the shopping center was responsible for the death of four people and the wounding of 94 men and women.

Some of the injured were rushed to the hospital in critical condition. 

Gloria and Doron were rushed to the Laniado hospital in two separate ambulances, but a short time later, Doron was transferred by helicopter to Hillel Yaffe Hospital due to his serious condition. Between operations, Gloria received updates on her son's critical condition, suffering severe injuries to his left leg, liver, lungs, and ears.

"Just when a mother should be by her son's side, this was prevented from me," she said. "There is nothing more frustrating than lying helpless, knowing that my Doron needs me, now more than ever — and I cannot save him."

Many years have passed since then, but for the Riani family, it seems their lives have been frozen in time. Gloria and Doron, who were severely wounded, are still knee-deep in the healing process and daily struggles of that traumatic and bitter day.

"Life has become one big living hell", says Gloria, "from a normal and stable family, we have become a family struck by fate, living only to survive another day. We're stuck in a loop as a result of the attack. It feels like riding a non-stop roller coaster that jerks you from side to side, threatening to take down your whole family."

Not only has the healing process been grievous, but bureaucratic issues with Doron's national health insurance made life difficult and near impossible. While healing and suffering from severe mental damage, he was sent from one medical committee to another and had endless meetings to receive the care he needed. 

"I lost a child. Although Doron was not killed in the attack, he is like the living dead. That's the only way I can describe it. We've reached a dead end, and I can't see a single ray of light in the dark", Gloria adds.

Although Gloria and her son were the only ones in the family injured in the attack, the lives of the whole family were permanently altered as well. She stopped working at the hospital and spent most of her time receiving medical treatments and caring for Doron. For the first two-three years after the attack, her husband, Yaakov, a taxi driver, had to run between the two hospitals in addition to taking care of their other four children at home.

The medical treatments required for her and Doron have brought the family to a dire state of poverty; she explained: "We've exhausted and drained our savings... we have been living on advances and loans. Medical treatments and equipment are costly... I would be lying if I said that suicidal thoughts do not arise occasionally. But then I think about the children and Doron and Yaacov, my husband; I know there is someone to fight for."

Many people like Gloria and her son Doron barely made itout alive and whose families suffer greatly. Often, their cases get lost in the healthcare system, and this makes them feel like they are fighting to be seen and receive the help they need.

It is our mission to support the broken, the injured, and the traumatized and grant them the help they so desperately cry out to receive. Every care package filled with food, every gift card, and social event is like balm to a struggling family.

Healing comes in big and small ways; it's in the intentional look of compassion when you look the survivors in the eyes, it's in the gentle hug and smile, and the knowledge that they know that someone sees and cares about their pain.

Every year, VFI reaches out to numerous victims of terrorism through various social events and projects. These initiatives include providing care for families and individuals, awarding educational grants to students, offering special support to families in need, facilitating participation in summer camps for orphans, organizing workshops, and providing general aid.

If it wasn’t for the support from partners, donors, and friends like you — Gloria, Doron, and her whole family would still wonder whether someone recognizes their pain. 

It is because of you that they know — we care.

A severe terror attack in 2005 struck Gloria and her son and left them severely injured. Their story is one of the reasons Vision for Israel exists today.

Victory Over Terror and Loss | Blog | Vision for Israel

Our God comes, and does not keep silent. A fire is devouring before Him, and it storms around Him mightily. 

Dear Friends,

As the residents of southern Israel continue to face incessant rocket attacks from Gaza, we are reminded of the urgent need for protection and safety. Last night, the security forces have taken action to eliminate extremist Islamic Jihad leaders responsible for terrorist acts against Israel. Operation Shield and Arrow is underway.

The threat of terror remains and we need your help to provide mobile shelters for the residents of southern borderline cities, towns and kibbutzim. The Home Front Command has requested at least 30 more mobile shelters be placed in the south urgently to protect innocent citizens. Each mobile shelter costs $12,000, but together we can make a difference and save lives.

Vision for Israel is already responding and has already placed 120 mobile shelters in the southern region that suffers from missile attacks. We have placed them in central areas and crowded spaces, such as shopping centres, community centres, apartment buildings, playgrounds, and sports centres, to ensure the safety of as many residents as possible.

In the past month, we have made site inspections with the Home Front Command and security officers in the settlements of the south and the north to guarantee the protection of the residents against attacks in the best possible way. In the last week, we have installed and placed 18 more bomb shelters.

Now, we urgently need your support to provide an additional 30 mobile shelters to southern Israel. By doing so, we can continue to reduce terror’s impact and save lives.

Together, we can stand with the people of southern Israel and provide crucial protection. Please donate now to help us fulfil the request of the security forces and provide mobile shelters to those who need them the most.

Click HERE to donate.


Shalom, 
Barry & Batya 

Help provide mobile shelters to protect southern Israeli residents from rocket attacks. Donate now to Vision for Israel, which has already placed 120 shelters.

Shielding the South - Support Mobile Shelters for Southern Israel | Blog | Vision for Israel

Shielding the South - Support Mobile Shelters for Southern Israel

"Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." 

Dear Friend,

Thank you for your generous contributions towards our relief efforts following the devastating earthquake in Turkey. Your support has made a significant impact in the lives of the affected communities, and we are delighted to share with you the incredible things that have been accomplished through your partnership with Vision for Israel.

Together, we have exceeded our initial goal, raising a total of $59,000! Barry had the opportunity to travel to Turkey and personally deliver your contributions to local believers who operate soup kitchens in the areas hit by the earthquake. Every day, thousands of homeless people come to these soup kitchens for a hot meal, and we feel so blessed to be able to feed the hungry in Yeshua's name.

The earthquake in Turkey has caused unimaginable devastation, with more than 50,000 deaths, more than 110,000 injured, and 2.7 million people left homeless. Vision for Israel's involvement has been crucial in supporting rescue operations, providing medical care, and most importantly, nourishing the survivors with daily meals.

Your generosity has allowed us to serve approximately 5,000 meals per day, provide clothes for infants, and donate two Living Space Mobile Caravans to assist local teams who have been living in tents. These caravans, equipped with sleeping quarters, laundry facilities, and a small kitchenette, provide a much-needed space for rest and recuperation for the teams working tirelessly to help others in need.

Despite the progress we've made, the situation remains desperate. Some areas have recently experienced devastating floods,  destroying tents, further complicating relief efforts, and leaving even more people living in rain-soaked tents. We are determined to continue our work under the Medical and Emergency Fund, aiming to reach a new goal of $100,000 to extend our support to those still suffering.

We cannot express our gratitude enough for your partnership and commitment to helping the people of Turkey in their time of need. It is in times like these that we remember the words from Acts 11:26: "Now it was in Antioch that the disciples were first called 'Christianoi'(Christians)."

Please take a moment to watch this video highlighting our efforts in Turkey: https://youtu.be/gqChART2eBA

As we continue to work together, let us remember that our actions truly reflect Yeshua's love and compassion. Thank you once again for your unwavering support and dedication to making a difference in the lives of those affected by this tragedy.


Happy Passover,

Barry & Batya
and the VFI team

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." 

We're grateful for your support after Turkey's quake. Explore the impact you made and learn about the need for assistance in these challenging times.

Building Hope from the Rubble | Blog | Vision for Israel

Discover the life-changing impact of our initiatives in the first quarter of the year! From musical mornings for Holocaust refugees to mobile shelters in Israel, we're creating brighter futures for those who need it most. Your support fuels the hope we bring to the world. 

We recently hosted 50 Holocaust refugees from the former USSR and Eastern Europe at the Millennium Centre. Barry and Batya greeted them with music, singing, and dancing before serving quality sandwiches, hot and cold drinks, and a variety of delicious desserts. Each guest received a warm duvet for the winter, bringing smiles to their faces and filling their hearts with love and hope.

Expanding Security with More Mobile Shelters

To protect the residents of the southern cities, towns, and settlements from sudden rocket attacks, we've placed nine additional mobile shelters in southern Israel. Until now, we've provided 102 shelters, with plans to raise more funds for this essential project to ensure the safety and security of Israel's residents.

"Come, my people, enter your chambers, and shut your doors behind you; hide yourself, as it were, for a little moment, until the indignation is past."

Wrapping Holocaust Survivors in Warmth this Winter

To honour the resilience of Holocaust survivors, we distributed warm duvets to 168 survivors living in a housing cluster and over 100 others residing nearby. We were moved by their stories and are grateful to provide comfort during cold winter nights. Their families expressed heartfelt appreciation for our efforts.

Welcoming Tour Groups to the Millennium Centre

This month, we hosted tour groups from the French-speaking Caribbean Islands and the USA at the Millennium Centre in Modiin. Barry presented an overview of our activities, and we shared a delicious Israeli meal with our guests. It was a wonderful opportunity to connect and enjoy each other's company.

Soldier Volunteers Lend a Hand at the Millennium Centre

A group of soldiers from a combat unit and their two officers volunteered at the Millennium Centre, assembling 150 hygiene kits for families in need. We were delighted to work with them and talk with them about our support for soldiers and victims of hostilities.

Purim Celebrations Lift Spirits of Terror Survivors

Our festive Purim event welcomed 300 parents and children from families affected by hostilities. With trampolines, music, jugglers, games, workshops, and a play based on the Book of Esther, we brought joy and comfort to these families in their time of need.

Revitalizing Passover for Families in Need

We're thrilled to announce that your incredible generosity enabled us to reach our goal and support over 1,000 families and individuals with Passover gift cards! Our diligent team has been distributing these cards, allowing recipients to purchase essential items for their holiday celebrations.

Beneficiaries include Holocaust survivors, terror survivors, lone soldiers, and struggling families. With the escalating cost of living in Israel, this assistance is more crucial than ever. The families are deeply grateful, and we take immense pride in providing this aid through your kindness.

We recently hosted a heart-warming event at the Millennium Centre for Good Deeds Day in partnership with the Modiin municipality. Around fifty seniors, including Holocaust survivors, and twenty youths gathered for a musical morning and a lavish breakfast. Seniors arrived to lively tunes and began dancing, soon joined by the enthusiastic teens. Everyone relished a delectable Israeli breakfast and engaged in entertaining activities such as bingo and trivia. Laughter filled the hall, and our hearts swelled witnessing the pure enjoyment shared by all.

While the world may have moved on from the catastrophic earthquake in Turkey, we know that God hasn’t and that divine support continues. We extend our gratitude to those who contributed to our fundraising efforts for the victims. Your generosity allowed us to offer emergency medical aid and food to homeless residents.

Barry had the opportunity to visit Antakya, Adana, and Adiyaman in Turkey, personally delivering your contributions to local teams of believers operating soup kitchens in earthquake-affected areas. We feel incredibly blessed to provide hot meals to thousands of hungry people in Yeshua's name.

Our Impact Report showcases projects like musical mornings for Holocaust refugees, placing mobile shelters and providing duvets for the cold winter.

Inspiring Impact: April 2023 | Blog | Vision for Israel

"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." 

Dear Friend,

As rocket attacks from Lebanon and Gaza Strip continue to threaten the lives of innocent Israeli citizens, we cannot stand idly by. Since yesterday, during a Passover week that has only just begun, 34 rockets have been launched against Israel from Lebanon alone. Another 44 rockets have been fired at the southern region from the Gaza Strip. This alarming situation hasn't been seen since 2006, which sparked a war in the north of Israel.

The northern region of Israel is filled with tourists visiting and camping, now rushing back to their residences further south due to this imminent danger. As a result, countless families are left exposed and vulnerable, unable to find safety during these terrifying moments.

Vision for Israel has taken swift action to provide mobile bomb shelters in the northern region of Israel. To date, we have successfully installed 102 shelters, with plans to deliver 30 more in the near future. Just last week, we approved 15 bomb shelter sites in the north and another 15 in the south. We are awaiting the manufacturer to deliver and install them.

It is worth mentioning that nearly every town or city in the south, where we have placed bomb shelters, has been targeted by these recent rocket attacks. Through your support, we have saved lives and given hope to those in need.

The Israeli defence and security cabinet is meeting for the first time since February to address the situation. We have spoken with the mayor of one of the towns and the head of security in the region near the Lebanese border. They both shared their assessment of the situation and expressed their gratitude for our efforts at Vision for Israel.

With the Iron Dome System intercepting many rockets, still, two persons were injured by shrapnel, and others were treated for shock, but thankfully, no one was killed. We must continue to stand with Israel and provide protection during these trying times.

Your generosity can make all the difference in the lives of those who face constant danger. With each mobile shelter costing $12,000, every dollar counts. We implore you to stand with us and help protect innocent lives from the ongoing threat of rocket attacks.

Click HERE and select “Medical & Disaster Relief” to donate and make a difference.

As we enter this season of reflection and renewal, let us stand united in our efforts to bring comfort and security to those in need.

May we have a peaceful and quiet Pesach.


Chag Sameach,

Barry Segal

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." 

Defend Israel against rocket attacks this Passover. Donate to provide mobile bomb shelters and protect innocent lives. Stand united with us.

Life Under Fire: Help Bring Security to Israel | Blog | Vision for Israel

Life Under Fire: Help Bring Security to Israel

Dear Friends,

We have just closed our books for 2022, and we are excited to share with you the impact you made in the lives of many in Israel! Your generosity and support towards our ministry projects and initiatives helped us raise a total of $1,173,730. This enabled us to provide aid to more than 5,374 individuals in need.

We are thrilled to announce that this year we were able to increase our aid by over 50% from the previous year, thanks to your contributions! With this increase, we were able to provide more than $358,538 in additional support to those who needed it most.

In 2022, we allocated funds to several specific projects, with a total of $1,173,730 in aid given to those in need. Here’s where most of the donations were allocated:

$819,000 was allocated to medical and emergency needs, including mobile shelters and 15 locking systems posted in the southern region, as well as aid to Ukrainian refugees.

$282,170 was given to families in need, out of which $112,191 was given to terror survivors.

$34,127 was given to Holocaust survivors.

Your support helped us provide 62 mobile shelters in the southern region of Israel to protect families from rocket attacks, making a significant difference in the lives of those in vulnerable areas. In total, from the beginning of this project in May 2021 until December 2022, 99 shelters were donated, thanks to your generosity.

It brings us joy to share that among those who received aid were 912 Holocaust Survivors, 1,186 Terror Survivors, 552 children (who received backpacks and educational activities), and 2,724 families who received gift cards and food baskets.

We are grateful for your support, which made this possible. Your contributions are instrumental in allowing us to continue our essential work in Israel, making a significant difference in the lives of those in need. We are honored to have you as part of our team, and we cannot thank you enough for your consistent prayers and support.

We look forward to what the future holds as we continue to work towards fulfilling the calling ahead of us.

Our hope for 2023 is to bless more families and provide security to more innocent civilians with 100 more mobile shelters. We continue to rely on your unwavering support. Thank you for choosing to invest in spreading the love of the Lord throughout the Land.

Please watch Barry and Batya's video as they thank you for all that you’ve done to help us accomplish in 2022!

With a grateful heart and blessings,

Barry & Batya
and the VFI Team

Thank you for your love and support in 2022

“In all things I have shown you an object lesson—that by hard work one must help the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Yeshua, that He Himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” 

Discover the impact of your generosity in Israel in 2022! Our giving increased by more than 50% thanks to you and provided aid to thousands of people in need.

You Made an Impact in Israel in 2022 | Blog | Vision for Israel

“But God will never forget the needy; the hope of the afflicted will never perish.”

As a young girl, Alina* faced many difficulties within her own home. Her father was a violent man and was in prison on criminal grounds. Because of this, she had to take on the responsibility of raising and caring for her younger siblings, as well as maintaining the household chores. When her father was released from prison, he was violent toward Alina and her mother.

Obviously, Alina wanted to escape from this unsafe household, so she got married at a young age. However, her marriage was full of tension due to her husband’s gambling problem. In protection of her two young sons Binyamin* and Gabriel*, Alina divorced her husband. Alina's ex-husband left many debts due to gambling and involvement in the grey market. As a result, Alina's bank account is limited and she is in the process of a writ of execution. The relationship between Alina’s sons and their father is violent as well.

Alina married another man and had two more children, but unfortunately, that marriage was also dysfunctional. Today, Alina is trying to raise all the children on her own, without significant support from the fathers of her children or her own family. This family has been treated at the welfare department since 2006 due to financial, marital, and parental difficulties. 

Hearing of this family’s hopeless situation, VFI jumped in to help bring God’s hope through some financial aid (gift card), a food basket, and a warm blanket for the winter. Unfortunately, there are many people here in Israel that are suffering in hopeless situations. They are in desperate need of a helping hand, someone to pull them out of the pit, and to come alongside them to let them know they are not alone.

Our God does not forget the needy. And we rejoice in the fact that our God is a God of hope! Therefore, as children of God, it is our great honour and duty to bring God’s hope to the hopeless. We invite you to join us in bringing God’s hope to Alina and many others suffering from hopelessness here in Israel.

Bring hope to the hopeless today through a practical financial gift here on our website.


*Names have been changed to protect the family.


“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

Alina's Story: Bringing God's Hope to the Needy in Israel

VFI provides hope to those in hopeless situations, just like Alina’s family. Join us in bringing God’s hope and support to those in need here in Israel

Bringing Hope to the Hopeless | Blog | Vision for Israel

“Observe the month of Aviv and celebrate the Passover of the Lord your God, because in the month of Aviv he brought you out of Egypt by night.” 

Dear Friend,

As Passover approaches, our hearts fill with joy at the thought of the upcoming holiday. It's a time to gather with family and friends, to celebrate and remember the Exodus story that stands at the heart of Passover. However, for some families in Israel, financial struggles make it difficult to provide for their loved ones and dim the joy of the holiday.

Since 1996, Vision for Israel has been committed to ensuring that every family has the chance to celebrate the holiday with dignity. Each year, we provide gift cards to impoverished families who are struggling, so they can purchase the special Passover food staples they need for this 7-day holiday. Currently, over 1,000 families are hoping and waiting for this holiday assistance.

Will you join us in providing for these dear families, so they can celebrate the holiday with dignity?

For most observant Jews, preparing for Passover involves purchasing all new food items since eating leavened foods is forbidden. For those in financial distress, purchasing special foods for Passover can pose a big problem. That's where VFI comes in. With your support, we can provide families in need with the means to purchase the food they need for the holiday.

Your donations have already helped us provide gift cards to 600 families, but we still have a ways to go before we reach our goal of 1,000 families. Each gift card is for $100 and makes it possible for the family to purchase the food needed for the holiday.

Over the past 27 years, VFI has assisted countless families, allowing us to build trusting relationships with social services throughout Israel and support hundreds of thousands of families.

Your support can make a big difference in the lives of struggling families. Together, we can ensure that every family celebrates the holiday with joy and dignity.

Let's come together to share our blessings with those in need and bring relief to families during this special time.

Please DONATE today to help us reach our goal of providing gift cards to 1,000 families. Your generosity can make a real difference in the lives of those who are struggling.

May you have a blessed and joyful Passover season.

Shalom,
Barry & Batya with the VFI Team

“...Send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength." 

Help us ensure that families in need in Israel can celebrate Passover with dignity. Donate now to provide gift cards for families in need during Passover.

Bring Joy to Families This Passover | Blog | Vision for Israel

The LORD spoke to Moses, saying: “Tell the Israelite people to bring Me gifts [Terumah]; you shall accept gifts for Me from every person whose heart is so moved… And let them make Me a sanctuary that I may dwell among them.” 

The 19th reading from the Torah is named Terumah which is translated as “contribution” or “gifts.” It is found in Exodus 25:1-27:19. The first contribution recorded in the Torah is the terumah given by the people of Israel for the building of the Mishkan (Tabernacle). The Mishkan, which later gave way to the Temple in Jerusalem, was the resting place for God’s Presence and was the central focus of Israel’s corporeal relationship with God. Three times a year, the Jewish men were commanded to ascend to Jerusalem for the three pilgrim festivals of Passover, Shavuot, and Sukkot (Deut. 16:16-17); and in the days of Yeshua, the population of Jerusalem would swell to six times its normal size during these special times! Even today, no other location is more sacred and central in Jewish life than the place where the Temple once stood. And perhaps no other subject in the Bible teaches more about the process of drawing near to God, the substance of prayer, and the atoning work of our Messiah than the Holy Sanctuary. 



With the exception of the tragic incident of the Golden Calf (chapters 32-33), the rest of the Book of Exodus is devoted to the preparations for and the construction of the Tabernacle. However, many Jewish commentators agree that the incident of the Golden Calf is not unrelated to the Tabernacle. In fact, the medieval Italian Rabbi, Obadiah Sforno (d. 1550), taught that the very construction of the Tabernacle was made necessary only because of the sin of the Golden Calf (Ex. 20:21, 25:9, 31:18). Harkening back to the Mount Sinai experience, he explains that the entire nation achieved such a level of prophecy that at that time, every Jew was worthy of housing the Divine Presence. But after the sin of the Golden Calf, Israel fell from their high level of spirituality, and it became necessary for Israel to host a “central” Sanctuary.

Sforno’s evaluation of the Israelite community’s status prior to the sin of the Golden Calf is similar to the New Testament teaching that each of us should be a “human sanctuary” of the Holy Spirit: “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honour God with your bodies” (1 Cor. 6:19-20). According to the model of the Tabernacle introduced in Parshat Terumah and the teachings of the apostles, our personal temples contribute to a corporal sanctuary of God’s people (Eph. 2:19-22). 



In Exodus 25:2, God invites the entire nation of Israel to voluntarily contribute from their wealth and talents for the construction of the holy sanctuary (Ex. 25:2). Later in Exodus 36:3-6, the Torah states that the people were so anxious to have a share in creating a sacred space for God’s dwelling that those in charge of the work had to appeal to Moses to stop the people from giving! In response to the heartfelt and overwhelming efforts of the people (36:5), God stated his intended purpose: “They shall make a sanctuary for me – so that I may dwell among them” (25:8). Interestingly, the Hebrew does not say “among them” as most translations imply, but it says, ve’shachanti betocham, literally, ‘And I shall dwell within them.’ The implication is that God did not simply want to dwell in an inanimate edifice but within the hearts of the Jewish people.

Judaism has long taught that in the absence of the Holy Temple, there is always a sanctuary of sorts in our midst: “Every Jew should be a human temple. If he is holy, his personal temple is holy; if he sins, he contaminates it” (Scherman & Zlotowitz 1993, 569). In that regard, we recognize that every aspect of human life has the potential to be elevated and infused with holiness. In the days of the Temple, most of the offerings were served as food for the priests performing the services and the individuals drawing near for worship (1 Cor. 9:13). In the absence of the altar today, the Talmud teaches that a man’s table makes atonement (Hagigah 27a). That is to say that the centre of our conversations, our sustenance, and daily behaviour represent personal offerings of devotion and thanksgiving. In the same manner, the Apostle Paul wrote: “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Cor. 10:31). He also wrote concerning the redemption that has been procured for us by the atoning death of Yeshua: “You were bought at a price; therefore, glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s” (1 Cor. 6:20).



In the book of Ezekiel, the prophet warned Israel concerning the consequences of spiritual apathy, idolatry, and injustice: “Son of man, do you see what they are doing, the great abominations that the house of Israel commits here, to make Me go far away from My sanctuary?” (Ez. 8:6). Ezekiel spoke to a generation convinced that the Temple’s holiness, the habitat of God’s presence, would protect them from destruction and exile. However, Ezekiel stressed that the Divine Presence was gradually receding from the Temple. As we learn in Exodus 25-40, the Temple’s holiness was conditioned to the hearts of the people; when they lost their merit, it lost its holiness. Soon, the Temple would no longer be a temple, but merely a grand edifice, a shell devoid of sanctity. In this regard, Paul reminds all believers: “Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in your midst?” (1 Cor. 3:16). The question of whether we are temples is self-evident. The real question is, are we offering our bodies and livelihood as a living sacrifice, holy, and accepting to God? This, after all, is our reasonable service (Rm. 12:1-2).

Understanding Parashat Teruma - Bible Teaching with Batya Segal

Did you know that Parashat Terumah isn't just about gifts? Learn the connection between how giving 'stirred' God's heart to dwell amongst us. Click here!

Parshat Terumah: Is My Body a Temple? | Blog | Vision for Israel

"Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness." 

Dear Friend,

As you read this letter, we want you to picture Michal, a 35-year-old single mother of two in Jerusalem who is trying to make ends meet with a full-time job as a secretary and two children with severe ADD. Despite her hard work, Michal is struggling to provide basic necessities for herself and her children. Her ability to work is often compromised because of the responsibility of raising her two children as well as a health condition that has been burdening her for many years.  The cost of living in Israel is so high that she cannot afford to pay for all her basic expenses, such as rent, current payments, electricity, water, clothing, and food. There is no doubt that the food baskets and the monthly financial aid she receives from VFI are like oxygen for her. 

This is where you come in. Your support can make a difference in the lives of families like Michal's who are dependent on aid from organizations like VFI. With a donation of just $100, you can provide a family with food for a month.

Your generosity is like seeds sown into the lives of those in need. We don’t always get to see the growth, but we do believe that the Lord is bringing the increase. Many families we’ve served have remained in close contact with us, and are quick to express how much the aid has brought growth and blessing to their lives.

At VFI, we believe in the power of giving and trust that the Lord will bring an increase in response to your generosity. Join us in making a difference in the lives of families like Michal's. Your support will bring hope and provide for their needs.

Click HERE to make your donation today and be a part of the harvest of righteousness.

"For there will be peace for the seed: the vine will yield its fruit, the land will yield its produce and the heavens will give their dew; and I will cause the remnant of this people to inherit all these things." 

Help single mothers in Israel like Michal provide for their families with a donation to VFI. Your generosity will bring provision and hope to those in need.

A Harvest of Righteousness | Blog | Vision for Israel

We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give. 

Recently I was reminded of the words of my dear mother, may her memory be blessed, who said two days before her passing, "I am not ready to be a burden on anyone, all my life I have taken care of my family, my husband, and children, and if a situation arises where I become a burden and someone has to take care of me, I choose not to be in this place and in this situation."

Think about a time in your life when you needed help. Maybe it was a physical ailment or a difficult situation at home or work. Whatever it was, I'm sure you remember how it felt to be in that place of need.

For me, it was a recent experience with severe pain in my knee and shoulder. I found myself unable to do the things I had always taken for granted — packing and moving, driving, and even lifting a plastic bag. In an instant, I became fully dependent on another person, and it was not a pleasant feeling.

But as I thought about my situation, my heart went out to all those who receive assistance and support from anyone who can help them. I thought of each of them as if they were me, and I imagined the difficulty and shame they must feel in asking for help.

(Batya’s mother, Sarah, with the first great grandchild)

It's important to remember that the wheel of life turns, and even if we have everything we need to live a good and happy life, even if today we are supporting others, the situation can change and we could become weak in certain ways and need help ourselves. This is humility, that in every situation we have to be in a place of patience, and compassion, and must be attentive to someone else's needs.

In our generation, there is a constant preoccupation with ourselves. All social networks are full of the personal stories of so many people. Taking care of ourselves is not the only goal of our lives. Our goal is to serve and train those who need help. The constant search to find those whose cry is not heard. Those whom we don't know their difficulties because they are ashamed to ask for help. This is the most difficult task, to find the quiet and humble.

We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves. – Romans 15:1

It is written that Job, who was supposed to be immersed in his great trouble, went to seek and find the most difficult cases, those who needed help. Not all of us can search and find, but every one of us can choose to support the weak and impoverished. When you become a partner with Vision for Israel and support us on a monthly basis, you enable us to be the eyes and the outstretched hand to give assistance to the weak among us, out of humility and modesty.

I was a father to the poor, and I searched out the case that I did not know.

Read this inspirational letter from Batya about the humility of needing help and the importance of compassion for those in need.

A Lesson in Humility: Understanding the Need for Help | Blog | Vision for Israel

A Lesson in Humility: Understanding the Need for Help

For You have been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shade from the heat; for the blast of the terrible ones is as a storm against the wall. 

Over the last six years, Israel has worked hard to lower their poverty levels. However, there has been recent news that poverty has begun to slowly rise. Today, almost 2 million Israeli’s live in poverty.

The people group that is falling into poverty at higher rates is the senior citizens. Throughout 2021, the poverty rate for senior citizens rose from 16.4 % to 17.6 %. There has also been an increase in poverty in families from 20.6% to 21%, and in children from 27.2% to 28%. 

Many people are also living on the edge of poverty, meaning they are barely able to maintain enough finances to supply their and their families' needs. Some had to go without medicine or medical care because they could not afford it. Others have not even been able to provide a hot meal for themselves or their family.

VFI is making great efforts to reach out to at least 100 families each week. We assist them with food and financial help, in addition to helping them with crucial medical needs. 

Now more than ever, we need to join forces in doing all we can to help the poor in Israel. As we partner together, we can impact the lives of so many people in desperate need of food, medicine, care, and much more.

I was eyes to the blind, and I was feet to the lame.  I was a father to the poor, and I searched out the case that I did not know. — Job 29:15-16

So, maybe you are thinking, “How can I help?” Well, just by giving $100 you will supply one family with healthy and nutritional food, as well as other household items. Your faithful giving can change lives by helping keep food on the table for the increasing amount of families, children, and senior citizens in poverty.

As we faithfully take care of the one God puts in front of us, He will not only impact that one individual but will also impact the nation as a whole. Together, we can make a difference in Israel by providing for the needs of the poor.

We invite you to take action today and give a special gift to help the poor! Donate here.

Poverty is rising in Israel and we want to do something about it. Join forces with VFI to help provide love and care for the poor here in Israel.

Poverty Rising in Israel | Blog | Vision for Israel

We are privileged when we have the rare opportunity to sit with Holocaust survivors, listen to their heroic stories, and learn from their bravery.

We recently met Frieda*, born in 1935 in Lithuania, whose wisdom and hope were integral to her inspiring testimony.

Frieda grew up in Lithuania in a well-off family - her father was a prosperous businessman in textile and had contacts worldwide.

The political and social climate was tense and came to a boiling point. Even before the Germans invaded Lithuania in 1941, the Lithuanians began murdering Jews, 'cleaning out' the Jews from 150 villages, calling them 'Judenfrei' villages, meaning free of Jews.

They would murder the Jews in incredibly cruel and public manners, decapitating a Rabbi and displaying his head in a window, herding Jews into a synagogue and setting it on fire, or waterboarding them to death on the streets as onlookers smiled cruelly.

When Frieda was about five years old, the Jews in  were forced to pin the yellow star badge with the word 'Jew' to identify as Jewish citizens and a symbol of mockery.

It was against the law for Jews to leave their house without them. One day as Frieda’s grandmother stood in line to get bread, she forgot to wear her yellow star. Her neighbor denounced her, and her grandmother was taken and never seen again. 

As the Germans invaded, Jews were taken to ghettos and forced labor camps. As Frieda told her impossible yet unfortunately true story, we held our breath and took in every word as she described the early days of the war as 'horrific': 

"We only took a few possessions; I remember my mother trying to take a huge ficus plant; she didn't know what was happening. My grandfather, who was well off and prosperous, was taken first so that his apartment could be plundered; I was told later that he was humiliated and tortured before being killed".

Once Frieda and her family arrived at the ghetto, they realized no one would ever make it out alive. The German guards would round up the people to see who was useful and who wasn't - the elderly and children were dispensable. Somehow, miraculously, Rosian Frieda and her parents were spared. 

Time was not on their side, as they knew they would not survive unless they were to find a way to escape, as Frieda recalls:

"My parents timed the guards with their dogs and their searchlights and attempted to dig a hole under the barbwire to see if they could help me escape; each time they did - they risked their lives. It was a tedious procedure because it was only a matter of minutes between the changing of the guards.

They dug a hole big enough for me as a 5-1/2 to 6-year-old to pass through. They pushed me through, and on the other side was my father's secretary, that was waiting for me in the shadows. She took me across the river bridge to her apartment.

I was crying so much because I didn't understand what was happening, and she couldn't keep me because I was endangering her life".

Fortunately, the selfless and life-risking act of her father's secretary saved her life as she found a new place for her to live in a place where a group of journalists would meet. Natasha, a journalist and Frieda's mother's best friend transferred her to her sister, who had a farm in the countryside. 

At the farm, Frieda was always on the run and constantly at risk of being discovered when people's suspicion arose, attempting always to blend in and make herself invisible.

Like many brave gentiles today, called 'righteous among the nations', the woman covered up Frieda's identity by lying, saying that it was her sister's illegitimate child whom she had taken under her roof.

Amongst the unimaginable pain of being separated from her family, these women were like mothers to Frieda, so much so that she even called them 'mother'.

Miraculously, Frieda’s mother was with her at the end of the war when Soviet troops liberated them in 1944.

Although the war was over and her mother and father survived, the trauma of those horror-stricken years haunted her:

"The fear was always there; there were Germans coming by and searching, and I couldn't understand why they were trying to kill me since I always tried to be a good girl. I was a target for murder; this trauma stays with me to this day, the fear and trust issues."

For many survivors, the pain is too difficult to speak of ever again; for Frieda, her story is an opportunity to speak out against racism and challenge Holocaust deniers: 

"People seem to have their own agenda for denial and distortion because it is too difficult for them to comprehend there were miles and miles of corpses. It's like thinking about eternity or infinity - it's too great for some people. For some people, antisemitism, being anti-Israel, is the way to express themselves and fits their personal agenda and their political views".

If it (the Holocaust) hadn't happened and it wouldn't have sat on the world's conscience for several years after it happened, and if the records weren't there that the Germans kept themselves, it would have been much easier for them to bury them (evidence of the Holocaust).

It's like Niccolò Machiavelli said: 

"You repeat a lie often enough that it can become a reality," and that's the danger because when you live alone and don't see the truth, you yourself become contaminated. And we have to fight (Holocaust denial) that with all our might.

If the new generations can see that there is a way out, that we can create a better world, and put our heart, soul, and spirit in that path, then they see will see the light and share it with their families and friends. This can go on for generations and generations, just as we Jews have.

I am here to tell this story. This is the continuity of Jews, and it will never stop, and Hitler lost'. She added with a victorious smile. 

Frieda and her family are living proof of the hope that continues to live on throughout the generations. Her mother lived to the age of 101, her father to 96, and she herself has two sons and eight grandchildren.

God has strengthened His people to survive history's darkest times and put the spirit of truth and justice in their hearts to stand against antisemitism.

When you support Vision for Israel, you are not just giving a basket of food or a warm heaters and blanket to the elderly in the cold winters, but you are helping people such as Frieda preserve her legacy as one of the remaining Holocaust survivors.

You are taking a stand against antisemitism by acknowledging the real stories and heroic stories of Jews and the gentiles who risked their lives to save them. 

In today's world, where antisemitism is rearing its ugly head again and Jews are moving back to Israel to escape racist violence - we are grateful to have the support of our partners in the nations as Israel continues to rebuild itself as a nation rising from the ashes.

Thank you for supporting us - so that we can support heroes like Frieda.

*Name has been changed.

Holocaust survivor Rosian not only lived to tell her story but stands in the face of rising antisemitism and Holocaust deniers. Read her inspiring story!

From a Victim to Victory - A Holocaust Survivor Story | Blog | Vision for Israel

From a Victim to Victory - A Holocaust Survivor Story

“Many things You have done, Adonai my God —Your plans for us are wonderful— there is none to be compared to You! If I were to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to count!” 

Dear Partners,

Everyday we receive a blessing from God, even if we are not aware of it. When you take a moment to remember, you will see the many good things that God poured out on your life just today. 

As we recount the deeds and blessings of God, we give him the honor, respect and glory that He so rightfully deserves. Therefore, let us take time to remember what God has done and mark them as milestones in our lives. It is good to learn from the past, to live in the present, and to plan for the future. 

We, at Vision for Israel, want to take time to give glory to God for His actions in our lives and in the lives of our organization. Over the years we have been blessed with many volunteers and loyal employees. Many have been faithful to the vision and call to serve God, and in return they were surprisingly blessed.

One of our secretaries named Sophia was born in Russia and immigrated to Israel as a little girl. She was married with one child, but had prayed for 11 years to be able to have another child. After working with us for several months, she became pregnant and gave birth to a lovely baby girl. Another secretary named Zoya had a similar past as Sophia. Zoya was also married, unable to have children for many years, and became pregnant within only a few months of working for VFI.

There have been countless blessings poured out on the volunteers at Vision for Israel. More than ten couples met each other as they served together with us here in Israel. 

It is encouraging to see those who come to serve the Lord in Israel are so blessed. VFI is not only pouring out blessings to the people of Israel, but God is also abundantly blessing the faithful staff and volunteers at VFI. We have been grateful to witness the growth and blessings in the personal lives of our team and volunteers. 

We believe that we will continue to see wonderful growth from all directions in this coming year of 2023. Thank you dear friends for working together with Jews and Christians to build a better place here in the land of Israel. We honor you for partnering with us to pour out God’s blessing on the Jewish people.

We invite you to build the future with us by partnering with Vision for Israel in prayer and financially supporting specific projects for this new year of 2023. 

Pray for God to continue to expand our outreach to the weak sector of society who are desperate for help.

Pray for the increase in our budget to expand our service to the needy population. 

Pray that our volunteers and employees are blessed and will prosper.

Although the income from donations decreased slightly in 2022, God miraculously helped us increase our aid by 20%! Our vision for this year is to increase our support more than ever. Poverty is rapidly growing and every 4th adult lives in poverty. We also hope to open our special rehab program for people who suffered from violence. We are believing the Lord to do many more miracles this year in and through Vision for Israel. 

We look forward to partnering with you to impact many more lives here in the land of Israel. For more information on how to partner with Vision for Israel and ways you can give, please visit here.

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. 

VFI recounts the blessings of God as the new year of 2023 begins. Our vision for the future is to partner together to impact many more lives here in Israel!

Your Plans are Wonderful | Blog | Vision for Israel

“Praise Him for His acts of power; praise Him for His surpassing greatness.” 

Dear Partners,

As we begin the new year of 2023, we want to take a moment to give praise to the Lord for all He has done in and through Vision for Israel in 2022. 

Thank you Lord for the love You poured out on each person that was in need, for the finances You provided, for every prayer answered. We are grateful for each person we were able to serve, for our team, and the strength You gave us to continue to be the hands and feet on the ground here in Israel.

Vision for Israel was founded twenty-nine years ago to bless and assist needy families and new immigrants. Many of the new Olim (new immigrants) arrived to Israel with no family, no savings, no work and didn’t even speak the language. They were struggling to integrate and build a life here. Barry, himself, was a new immigrant and a lone soldier, so he could relate to the challenges they were all facing.  This was in the beginning.

And what happened in all the years of our existence? The race to help and support the needy never stopped. Every year we increased the number of people supported, the aid that came out of the organization’s warehouses only increased. Shipments that arrived from abroad and financial donations helped to invest in building lives and seeing the fruit we see today. There is no doubt that the population is growing from all directions, a high birth rate and the continued arrival of immigrants to the land of Israel. Terror attacks and Holocaust survivors who suffer from severe loneliness. are some of our most precious recipients of aid. Vision for Israel’s support is only growing and expanding.

Today, we stand in awe of how God has touched the lives of over a million people through VFI. It started from a small old barn-like warehouse to now working out of the Millennium Centre, which is an incredible miracle, serving thousands of people each year. Over 50,000 emergency calls have been responded to through the help of the five ambulances, five medicycles, one blood mobile, and two fire and rescue ATV’s donated by all of you. Hundreds of thousands of at risk children have been blessed with educational assistance through our “Pack to School” project. Nearly 100 safety bomb shelters have been installed on the borders of Israel. Thousands of Holocaust victims have been embraced through many VFI social events. Medical and emergency supplies have been provided to many hospital and rehabilitation facilities. Countless lives have been saved and greatly impacted throughout 2022.

Millions of shekels have been invested for the poor and needy families here in Israel. Your prayers and support continue to empower us to move forward and accomplish so much with a very small team. Our staff is committed to serve and do all they can to bring comfort and support needed to the people of Israel.

For I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’  - Matthew 25:35-36

God has done some remarkable works through your donations, prayers, and ongoing support. Let’s take a look at some of the faces of these precious people that were greatly impacted by your love and support throughout 2022 in this photo album below: 

With blessings comes great responsibility and ours is to share with you the joy of giving!

“For the poor will never cease from the land; therefore I command you, saying, ‘You shall open your hand wide to your brother, to your poor and your needy, in your land.’”  - Deuteronomy 15:11

Bless the Lord for He has done great things,


Investing in the Lives of Holocaust Survivors

We invested in the lives of Holocaust Survivors by creating fun events and workshops for them to enjoy throughout the year. Some of the events included musical mornings with dancing and tasty food, and various cultural activities all year round.

Purim party to give joy and comfort to victims of terror attacks. We had nearly 300 participants and their families at the Millennium Centre.

Adopting Families and Helping Them with Ongoing Assistance

We have adopted families into our organization to help them with ongoing assistance. About 300 families/individuals each month were supported and cared for through vouchers, food basket deliveries, basic household and special request items. In total, nearly 5,000 families received direct aid from VFI throughout the year.

A Shelter and Strong Tower from the Enemy - More Shelters Posted

Miraculously, we placed over 90 mobile shelters in several cities, towns, and villages with the support of our dear friends from the nations this year! Thousands of rockets land in Israel. From the moment the alarm sounds until the rocket hits the ground, the citizens only have 15-45 seconds to reach a shelter!

20 of the 50 were provided to keep the shelters open only in times of emergency. We have another 30 locking systems to place.

VFI purchased emergency equipment and medicine for a field hospital located on the border of Ukraine. Doctors and medics from Israel staffed this hospital in Ukraine.

Women's Day – We hosted a day for women who have experienced trauma or violence. They received a day full of training lectures, workshops, and treats.

We hosted a special cultural event to gather some of the people that have received aid from VFI. About 500 recipients attended and enjoyed a musical show about Israel together.

Hundreds of First Grade Children Receiving School Packs

This year hundreds of children entering into the first grade received school supplies and backpacks to start their school year. It brings the total to 285,000 kids from the beginning of this project. Just one smile on a child’s face speaks a thousand words!

We supported 120 students with grants toward their studies in university. We also helped victims of terror in furthering their studies and/or changing their career.

Saving Lives Providing Emergency and Disaster Relief Equipment 

Emergency and medical equipment were also provided for rescue units in the southern settlements of Israel.  In the last years over 50,000 emergency calls have been responded to through the help of the five ambulances, five medicycles, one blood mobile, and two fire and rescue ATV’s donated by all of you.

During the high holidays (Passover and Rosh HaShanah), we provided vouchers and food baskets to about 2,000 people including lone soldiers, terror victims, new immigrants, holocaust survivors, and families in need.

Celebration Bar/Bat Mitzvah Children with Special Gifts

We hosted a Bar/Bat Mitzvah event for terror victims some of whom were orphans; 67 teenage boys and girls enjoyed a day full of surprises, celebrations, learning about the history of Jerusalem, singing, music, lectures, and meals together.

At Vision for Israel, we are working on rehabilitation through music and the arts.

We welcome the help of the loving visiting volunteer groups anytime. You are a blessing!

The Millennium Centre is Open to Visitors

After a two-year hiatus during a difficult world crisis, Vision for Israel is finally hosting tour groups again at the Millennium Centre!

Letter from The President of the State of Israel

This is a letter from President Yitzhak Herzog after the Bar Mitzvah event in 2021 that took place at the official residence for 60 children who were victims of hostilities:

Dear Barry and Batya,

I was excited to receive your letter and I want to thank you for your
condolences and care following my mother’s passing away.

I was happy to see you and get to know VFI’s activity at the recent
Bar and Bat Mitzvah event—and even more so, the story that you brought to my attention in the letter touched my heart. Your ability to look with open eyes at the reality; to recruit partners, resources, time, and means to help the underprivileged in general and terror survivors, in particular, is inspiring and enables all of us to have an optimistic outlook on the future of the state of Israel. 
I wish you both a long life with health and goodness, and may you continue the meaningful work for the entire Israeli society.
Your success is the success of us all.

Warm wishes,
Yitzhak Herzog
President

“Give praise to the Lord, proclaim His name; make known among the nations what He has done. Sing to Him, sing praise to Him; tell of all His wonderful acts.” 

Our hope is that your heart is filled with praise to the Lord for the wonderful and remarkable acts He has done in 2022.  Let us bring in this new year of 2023 with praises to the Lord. We pray that wherever you are, you will share in the wonderful acts God has done here in the land of Israel. 

Your prayers are valuable, therefore, we invite you to pray with us about these requests this year:

Increase our support by at least 20% to more families and individuals in distress.

Reach out to more victims of terror attacks.

Set up 100 more mobile shelters throughout the northern and southern borders

We are so grateful for you, dear friend, and we are expectant to hear what God will do in and through your life in this coming year, as well!

Blessings,

Let’s give praise to the Lord and our partners for all He has done in and through Vision for Israel in 2022. It was truly a remarkable year of many lives impacted here in Israel.

A Remarkable Year – 2022 | Blog | Vision for Israel

At Vision for Israel and Joseph Storehouse, we are always looking for ways to improve and enhance our events and programs. To help us do that, if you attended our Feast of Tabernacles event in London, we would greatly appreciate it if you could take a few minutes to answer some questions for us.  Take the survey here.

As a token of our appreciation for your time and feedback, we would like to offer you a 10% discount at our VFI Shop. Upon completing the survey, you will receive a coupon code that you can use towards your purchase.

Thank you for supporting our mission of providing humanitarian aid, disaster relief, and community support for those in need. We are committed to reducing poverty rates in Israel and spreading love, truth, and healing to those who need it most. Your support is greatly appreciated.

The Feast of Tabernacles is one of the more joyful holidays in Israel. Yeshua gives new meaning to this holiday when He invites us to drink 'living water'.

Sukkot - Living Water in Abundance | Blog | Vision for Israel

Share Your Opinion with Us and Get 10% off at VFI Shop

“You, Lord, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light.” 

Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is a precious and heart warming national holiday.

For eight days on the 25th day of Kislev (according to the Hebrew calendar), families and friends light up the candles of the Hanukkiah - a nine-branched candelabrum which is traditionally placed on the windowsill so passers by can see it, or outside of one's gate.

A popular, family-oriented activity many enjoy is walking around the old neighbourhood of Jerusalem and observing the lighting of the Hanukkah candles. What a sight to see the different and creative Hanukkiahs displayed on windows and outside the doors on the street in special wind-resistant glass boxes.

Although Hanukkah is not a biblical holiday, it is still observed by religious and secular Jews and is a great cultural opportunity for parties and celebrations as it brings much joy and warmth to the country during the cold and rainy winter season.

Families and friends light the candles together, sing traditional songs, eat sufganiyot (a round, deep-fried, jelly-filled doughnut) and other oil-based foods, spin dreidels, and play games.

Hanukkah is a joyous holiday whose origin story is one of a gruesome war, a valiant and impossible victory, and the miracle of the cruse of oil.

Hanukkah commemorates the recovery of Jerusalem and the subsequent rededication of the Second Temple at the beginning of the Maccabean revolt against the Seleucid Empire in the 2nd century BCE.

With the reign of Antiochus IV, Jews were prohibited from practicing Judaism and were commanded to worship Greek gods.

When Antiochus IV invaded Jerusalem (168 BCE), killing thousands of Jews and erecting an altar for Zeus in the Holy Temple, a small group of Jews, known as Hasmoneans or Maccabees, revolted zealously to regain control of the Temple and Jerusalem.

After two years of warfare, they pushed out the Greek army - whose forces were much more powerful and well-equipped than theirs, as God almighty was on their side.

After gaining control of the holy city of Jerusalem, the Jews found the desecrated Temple ransacked and destroyed.

Bit by bit and with great care, they rededicated the Temple to the Lord, with one of the Temple's daily rituals being the Menorah which was commanded to burn continuously before the Lord always:

"Command the Israelites to bring you clear oil of pressed olives for the light so that the lamps may be kept burning. In the tent of meeting, outside the curtain that shields the ark of the covenant law, Aaron and his sons are to keep the lamps burning before the Lord from evening till morning. This is to be a lasting ordinance among the Israelites for the generations to come." - Exodus 27:20-21

As the story goes, there remained only one cruse of oil which had not been defiled, containing enough oil to last only one night.

Yet, miraculously the one cruse of oil continued to provide oil lasting for eight nights, a sign of God's providence in the midst of darkness.

To this day, the Macabee's revolt is remembered by millions of Jews all over the world as an example of courage in the face of grave opposition.

The enemies of Israel were intimidating, using fear tactics to coerce them to serve other gods and forget their Jewish identity together with their calling to serve the one true God of Israel.

The Maccabees could have retreated back into the long shadows of intimidation cast by their oppressors, and yet they chose to advance upon darkness, armed with the truth, and reclaimed their rightful place in the presence of God in the Temple.

Unfortunately, the world we live in today offers us plenty of reasons to be anxious and intimidated. Wars and politics, inflation and sickness, ungodly morals plaguing the innocent, and a pandemic of the fear of men - are all looming in the background of our minds, stealing away our joy.

All this would leave us hopeless unless we put our hope and trust in God Almighty to fight our battles and give us strength to resist the enemy.

Yeshua commanded us to be a light to the world, understanding our place as sons and daughters of God, and giving us the confidence to face our daily fears head-on.

He not only commanded us to be bold for our own sake, shining forth His light but also for those who are locked in the chains of doubt:

"You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." - Matthew 5:14-16

With Him, victory is guaranteed because Yeshua sits at the right hand of the Father - King over those who oppose Him and those who surrender with a humble heart.

The Temple is a symbol of our body, mind, and soul, which often becomes contaminated by the world and its ungodly ways, and the zealousness of the Maccabees is an example of how we should fight fear and rededicate our lives to God in holiness and purity of heart.

The Hanukkah story is a great reminder of how even though fear is great, the light of God in us is much greater and can defeat the darkness.

A traditional song sung during Hanukkah is called 'Banu Hoshech Legaresh', which means: we have come to banish the darkness.

It is sung around the luminous candles of the Hanukkiah, declaring we have come to banish the darkness with light and fire and that even though each of our lights illuminates little, together, we make a great light.

The last lyrics of the song are sung even more aloud as we command the darkness to flee from us (the light), singing it twice as it grows stronger in our hearts.

So how can we combat fear and darkness in our own lives? Especially when it seems like the darkness is so much greater than us.

By carrying the light of Yeshua in our hearts, a light so great it has the authority to banish the darkness and gives us strength to encounter any enemy standing in our way:

"When Yeshua spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." - John 8:12

Not only is Yeshua the light of the world, but he gave us the privilege of being a shining beacon of hope to all those in need of courage.

As we enter into the Hanukkah season, let us remember that with each day of Hanukkah, as we add a candle to the Hanukkiah, the light grows and becomes stronger, just as we do when we rely on the Creator, who, with His words declared light into the world.

From Barry and Batya and the Vision for Israel team, we pray your hearts be illuminated with God's joy, peace, and pleasant memories with your loved ones this Hanukkah season.

Hanukkah is more than just a fun Holiday to enjoy; it is an eight-day reminder of courage against fear. Step into the true meaning of the Festival of Lights!

Hanukkah - Let Your Light Shine!  | Blog | Vision for Israel

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they put it on a lamp stand so it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men so they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” 

Many of you have heard these famous words spoken by Yeshua, but let’s take a look at the implication of these words during this unique holiday season. 

A new month has begun both on the Jewish calendar and the Gregorian calendar. The month of Kislev and the last month of the year December. This special season has great significance both for the Jewish people and Christians around the world. 

During this time Jewish people across the globe celebrate Hanukkah. This celebration is held on the 25th day of Kislev. The name of the month derives from Akkadian kislimu. The Hebrew root K.S.L as in the words "kesel, kisla" (hope) or "ksil" (Orion, a constellation that shines) because of the expectation and hope. 

We believe this season of the month of Kislev is a time to renew our hearts before the Lord. It is a time to rededicate ourselves to God, rejoice in his miracle working power, and draw nearer to His heart. 

Hanukkah is a feast of lights and commemorates the miracle of the oil in the Menorah that lasted for eight days. As you walk the streets of Israel, you can see the Chanukiyot (nine branches menorahs) lit in the windows for all to see as they pass by. The month of December is also a time where many Christians are celebrating Christmas, decorating their homes with lights and there is so much festivity in the air. Light symbolizes joy and celebration. It is fascinating to see that these two different holidays actually point us in a very similar direction: To cast darkness and be as a shining light to the people of this world! 

Both Hanukkah and Christmas are times of great joy, where we celebrate amazing miracles and great victories that God has done. Hanukkah is also a celebration of the dedication of the temple. Therefore, let us take this month of Kislev to rededicate our lives again to the Lord and to share our love and joy with the less fortunate. 

We, at Vision for Israel and The Joseph Storehouse, want to remind you that the miracle of our existence has been made possible because of your dedication. Let us continue to bless all those who need our help. We appreciate your gift - you can give here. 

This holiday season we pray that you will shine bright for all to see His great love! 

Our good deeds are a reflection of the light that gives out but never diminishes. 


With much appreciation, 


Barry and Batya Segal

“How far that little candle throws his beams! So shines a good deed in a weary world.” 

The new month of Kislev has begun and it’s time to celebrate God’s miracles. Stand with VFI in being a light to the world during Hanukkah and Christmas.

You are the Light of the World! | Blog | Vision for Israel

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. 

Dear Partners,

Terror attacks have long posed a threat to Israel and its people, but since last spring, we have seen a noticeable increase in deadly shootings, stabbings and car attacks in cities like Be’er Sheva, Jerusalem, Hadera and Bnei Brak. 

From the very first days of Vision for Israel in 1994, one of core focuses in giving aid to the people of Israel was the support we offer to victims of terror attacks. As these acts of hatred have increased in recent months, our desire to provide aid and support to people and families broken by such evil has also increased. 

“Comfort, yes, comfort My people!” Says your God. “Speak comfort to Jerusalem, and cry out to her, that her warfare is ended... — Isaiah 40:1-2

There have been over 2,200 attacks in Israel and Judea and Samaria this year alone. The number of innocents killed has reached a gruesome high since 2008. These numbers are tragic, and we pray for those victims and their families.  These statistics are tragic, but they are so much more than statistics—they represent mothers, fathers, even innocent, young children. 

Vision for Israel prays for the victims and their families. Our goal has always been to offer comfort to the brokenhearted and embrace these widows and orphans. We encourage all our partners to join us in praying for peace in Jerusalem and Israel... but prayers for protection from violence are only the first step. 

The number of victims and families who suffer as a result of these attacks continues to grow. We are a nation of families and relatives who are weeping and mourning for the great loss of life of so many. But we must continue our mission of building lives up, even when terrorists are calling for destruction and death.

Vision For Israel is as committed as ever to our mission of supporting victims of terror in every way we can. They deserve to heal with dignity and resume daily life. 

Please consider giving to those who have been victimized by this wave of violence plaguing Israel. We can aid in giving them their lives back.

Join us in this vital mission by donating here.


Your friends,

Barry, Batya, and the VFI Team

“But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him?” 

As a rising number of terrorist attacks plague our country, we are inspired to support the innocent civilians who have been unlikely targets of such brutality.

Give Joy for Ashes  | Blog | Vision for Israel

“Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song. For the Lord is the great God, the great King above all gods.”

A thanksgiving offering is a sacrifice offered in the temple. It is meant as personal thanks to God for the salvation He has provided.

11 ‘This is the law of the sacrifice of peace offerings which he shall offer to the Lord: 12 If he offers it for a thanksgiving, then he shall offer, with the sacrifice of thanksgiving, unleavened cakes mixed with oil, unleavened wafers anointed with oil, or cakes of blended flour mixed with oil. — Leviticus 7:11-12

In the Bible, there are many references to the worship of thanks on an altar. Thanks to God also appears in other ways: Moses and the children of Israel thank God after the exodus from Egypt in song, Hannah thanks God for the birth of Samuel in prayer, and Jonah offers a sacrifice with a voice of thanksgiving.

By offering a sacrifice of thanksgiving to God, we express our relationship with the Lord. And in exchange, He rewards us with salvation and redemption.

When the first settlers arrived from England by ship to America, they suffered from diseases, hunger, and poor living conditions. The Native Americans taught the settlers how to raise poultry, graze sheep and cattle and how to grow crops. In the years that followed, the settlers were blessed with food, overcoming famine and sickness. And so they celebrated by giving thanks to the Lord. 

Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. — Hebrews 13:15

We praise God for the gifts He has laid upon us. Amongst those gifts are you, the generous members of our community. When we enter our center at the Millennium building, we remember you. We give thanks for you when we worship, when we distribute to the needy, when we host brave survivors and victims of terror. Whether you are from the U.S. or not, we give thanks to the Lord for your partnership and your prayers.

Donate here to extend these Thanksgiving blessings to more people in need around the world.  


May you prosper and may the Lord watch over you and bless all the works of your hands.

“And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Yeshua, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” – Colossians 3:17

We praise God for the gifts He has given us. Amongst those gifts are you, the members of our community. When we enter the Millennium Center, we remember you.

A Thanksgiving Sacrifice | Blog | Vision for Israel

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