“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.”

As the year comes to a close, it’s important to remember that our job isn’t finished. There is still time to help Vision for Israel make a difference in the community.

We believe in the transformative power of Yeshua’s love, and continue to work for the good of all into 2022.

This work has no end. Some of our friends and patrons have passed on to Yeshua’s arms this year. Even though their heart of flesh is no longer beating, their actions of making an impact in the lives of others will be remembered for many years. You can have the same lasting, timeless impact.

We are so grateful for the contributions you have made this year. Would you consider making another donation to Vision for Israel before the year is over? 

Your donations contribute to:


Backpacks and school supplies for children

Medi-cycles and ambulances for underserved areas

You have the immense power to make a difference in the lives of many people. Let us all have a heart of flesh as we reach out to bless others who have less.


“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.”

Bring your heart of flesh into the new year, and contribute to Vision for Israel. 


Happy New Year!

The VFI Team


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?

As the year draws to an end, there’s still time to donate to Vision for Israel and make a difference in the lives of so many people. Will you answer God’s call?

 Start the New Year with a Heart of Flesh | Blog | Vision for Israel

The Sderot City Development Fund sent VFI a request in December 2023 to help purchase emergency equipment and tactical clothing for their emergency teams. Without hesitation, we began contacting suppliers and were able to purchase the valuable equipment that was needed.

Due to the war, high demand, and delays in imports and delivery, we had to wait several months until we were able to receive all the equipment we purchased. The equipment we donated to the forces in the city included: 

Once all the equipment came in and was organised, we set up a delivery date. Barry, Batya, and Liat traveled to Sderot city hall and were welcomed by the Director of Resource Mobilization. Some members of the security forces helped them unload all of the equipment. 

There was a special ceremony for VFI to present the equipment to the city. We showed them one set of equipment: a headlamp, a scanning light, tactical pants and shirt, tactical gloves, a pair of shoes, a softshell jacket, a helmet, and a medic bag. Many attended the event that day: officials from the Sderot municipality, including the mayor, the director of resource mobilisation, the emergency officer and supervisor, and representatives from the emergency squad and police.

The mayor, Mr. Alon Davidi, made the initial opening remarks. He talked about the surprise attack on Israel on 7th October. He praised the emergency teams that were called in and the municipal police that immediately responded. They had to leave their families, wives, and children, yet with one goal in mind — to protect and save the lives of the citizens and residents. Alon strengthened them by validating the importance of uprooting the enemy and restoring the residents' sense of security and peace.

Alon communicated his appreciation, recognition, and thanks to Vision for Israel for our continual support throughout the years, and especially now during the war. The mayor also expressed his care for the well-being and safety of the residents of Sderot, and that he would go to great lengths to restore peace to the area. 

Afterward, we heard a personal testimony of 7th October from Ronen, the emergency squad coordinator.

“At 6:30 am, on Simchat Torah, Hamas launched a heavy barrage of hundreds of rockets within 10 minutes at the Israeli settlements near Gaza and the city of Sderot.” Ronen received a message that a rocket had hit, and because of his role as emergency squad coordinator, he had to leave everything immediately, pick up the mayor, drop him off at the war room, and then go to the point where the rocket hit.

Instead of picking up the mayor first, Ronen decided to go towards the point where the rocket was detected because the rocket alarms were going off every few seconds. After a few moments, the mayor called Ronen and demanded that he turn around to pick him up. Unknowingly, the mayor saved Ronen's life by bringing him back. Apparently, there were terrorists just a few metres away from where Ronen was. By turning around, he missed running into the terrorists in just a few seconds.

After Ronen dropped off the mayor in the war room, he immediately returned to the field, gathered the entire emergency squad, and then quickly found himself leading a battle against the terrorists. Ronen was wounded in the shoulder by 2 Kalashnikov bullets and shrapnel in his leg. He explained, “I had crazy adrenaline, and despite the pain, I continued to fight with all my might to defend the homes and residents. All I could do was to save as many lives as I could. It took the army about two hours to arrive so I felt it was my personal duty to fight.”

Security officer David added that Ronen even saved the life of a police officer — Ronen was pulling a police officer to safety and treating him while he was injured. It took a while before Ronen was evacuated to the hospital because of the many terrorists, and the many wounded and murdered citizens who needed to be treated. After several hours, Ronen finally received treatment. Thankfully, he is fully functioning today and back in his position to protect the people of Sderot.

We heard another testimony from Tal, the Director of Sderot’s Municipal Police Department who manages 14 municipal police inspectors, shared a short testimony.

“At 7:00 a.m. while running towards the fall (of a rocket), I received a message that terrorists had infiltrated the police station in the city. We left everything and ran towards the station to help the police.” Tal quickly found himself leading a team to go up against terrorists, while a barrage of rocket fire was flying over their heads. Tal honoured the heroic police team that fought face-to-face with the terrorists, while dealing with many different types of ammunition from Hamas terrorists: RPGs, Kalashnikovs, grenades, and more. Tal explained that they were all completely surprised and not ready for a battle of such magnitude.  

Dor’el, the director of fundraising at the Sderot City Development Fund shared about the long-standing partnership with VFI. He praised Barry and Batya for running an organisation that has embraced the city of Sderot for over two decades on various levels: welfare, security, emergency, culture, and more. 

Dor’el asked the squad members and fighters if they had received emotional or psychological treatment. Many responded that they had received some treatments from time to time. During the whole ceremony, we saw the unbearable pain, worry, and sadness of these men. It wasn’t an easy sight and it saddened us. The ceremony ended with the distribution of the equipment. It was a very meaningful meeting, and we were happy to cooperate with the welfare department of the city of Sderot, which worked in an orderly and efficient manner.

After the ceremony, we met with the director of the social services department, his deputy, and Dor’el, to discuss the city’s additional needs as the residents return to their homes. They told us about the damages in their city: 1200 property tax claims, 70 houses completely destroyed, 25 orphans, several widows, many people who lost their businesses or workplaces, and many other unexpected losses and expenses.

We talked about possibly establishing a flexible fund in cooperation between the city and Vision for Israel. We were also told that almost 100% of the people in the city have PTSD. There is not a single resident of the city who has not experienced the trauma and harm in one way or another throughout the years, especially during this current war.

At the end of the meeting, Dor’el took us on a tour of the police station that was destroyed. He explained what happened there, while neighbours and passersby also told us about their experiences. One resident told us that he witnessed a Hamas sniper climb onto the roof of a residential building and fire at civilians, policemen, and security forces, murdering and causing serious injuries to many. Then he saw a bystander take notice of the Hamas sniper from a distance, climb onto the roof of a different building, and with one shot kill the Hamas sniper, saving many lives.

Another resident shared that she saw a Hamas sniper go to the roof of her building. She explained that she and her neighbours trembled with fear when the terrorists knocked on the doors of their houses, and then went up to the rooftops to kill many Israelis. 

It was deeply touching to meet some of the people from Sderot who lived through the horrors of 7th October. We were amazed to see them returning to their homes again. 85% of the residents have returned to the city, however, our initial feeling was that it felt like a ghost town. The city is now full of painful and horrific memories. The residents have lost their smiles and joy, and many walk with sadness, fear, and anxiety. 

VFI has stood with the people of Sderot for many years, and we will continue to faithfully support them as they work through trauma, PTSD, and the restoration of their city.

We invite you to continue to pray for the people in Sderot and the entire nation of Israel during this difficult time of war. And join us by financially supporting the people of Israel to help meet their needs as the war continues. Visit our donate page to make your contribution today.

VFI has supported the city of Sderot for many years, and recently donated equipment to the Sderot Emergency Squad to help them protect and rebuild the city.

VFI Supports the City of Sderot with Emergency Equipment | Vision for Israel

VFI Supports the City of Sderot with Emergency Equipment

“This happened on the thirteenth day of the month of Adar, and on the fourteenth they rested and made it a day of feasting and joy.” 

In 2019, we held our first Purim event for families of victims of hostilities at the Millennium Centre. This is now our fifth year, and we hosted about 200 parents and children from families affected by terror. Due to the massacre on 7th October, many were added to the circle of bereaved families.

Because our nation is still in the middle of the war, we debated whether we should hold the event. Despite all the struggles, it was unanimously decided that it was important and worthwhile to hold the event to give the families hope and joy amid the devastation.

Early Sunday morning, 24 March 2024, on Purim day, the production company and the VFI team arrived at the Millennium Centre to set up all the booths and activities. We also had a designer decorate the Millennium Centre and make it enjoyable for all of the guests.

We welcomed the families with hot and cold drinks, fresh and healthy sandwiches, cookies, and a variety of pastries to start the event. Then the fun began with trampolines, inflatable houses, target shooting stations, juggling, masks and groggers craft stations, a drum circle workshop, a makeup station, and a balloon station.

After all of these fun activities, it was time to choose from a variety of food for lunch: hamburgers, hot dogs, falafel, shredded meat and chicken sandwiches, and bars of fresh salads and homemade bread. We also had popcorn and cotton candy stands available throughout the day. Our guests could enjoy as much food and drinks as they wanted.

After lunch, there was a time for the coordinators to say a few words to the attendees. The CEO of the Representative Organization for Terror Victims, the organisation's chairman, Batya, and Barry shared a short message of encouragement to these precious families.

To end our time together, there was a special performance of "King Solomon and the Bee". The play is an original adaptation of the famous parable of the great King Solomon who gets help from a small bee that he saved so that he can win the heart of his true love. The children were engaged and enjoyed the play.

At the end of the day, we also gave each family a special gift that included shower gel, hand creams, and body cream. The MDA team brought an ambulance to secure the event, which provided extra care, safety, and peace of mind to all of the guests. There were 193 people at this event — all of them members of the Victims of Hostilities organisation.

Just by seeing the faces of all of these precious families enjoying themselves together, we knew we made the right decision in having this party for them. Following the event, we received an encouraging letter from the Director of Welfare of the Victims of Hostilities organisation:

Dear Batya, Barry, and Liat,

We would like to express our sincere and deep gratitude for your extraordinary contribution every year and say thank you.

The event was great and was well run. The children and parents had a great time and we received great feedback at the end of the event.

We also as team members of the Victims of Hostilities organisation had a great time and experienced a happy and enjoyable Purim atmosphere.

Thanks,

Orit


We thank the Lord for the opportunity to bless His people for Purim even during war. With Passover just around the corner, if you want to impact many families for the 7-day celebration, please click on the button below and donate today!

Vision for Israel hosted a Purim party full of fun, food, and games to bring hope and joy to terror survivors and their families amid the ongoing war.

A Joy-Filled Purim for Terror Survivors & Their Families | Blog | Vision for Israel

A Joy-Filled Purim for Terror Survivors & Their Families

"Let all who are hungry enter and eat; and all who are in want, come and celebrate the Passover!" 

Dear Friends,

In the heart of our Passover preparations, as we reflect on the themes of deliverance and provision, we share with you the poignant story of Shalom, whose resilience and hope amidst the trials our community faces stands as a testimony of  God’s faithfulness.

Shalom, a resident of Sderot, has been a part of our Vision for Israel family since 2015. His life took a tragic turn in 2004 when he was gravely injured in a rocket attack. Despite the challenges, Shalom and his wife, Bruria, have navigated their journey with grace. VFI has supported Shalom and his wife in providing essential aid, such as eyeglasses, a new laptop, and financial aid. 

The recent conflict has cast a shadow over their lives once again. On 7th October, the tranquillity of their Sabbath morning was shattered by a red alert, heralding a barrage of attacks on Sderot. The terror struck close to home as despicable acts of violence unfolded in their neighbourhood, leading to the tragic loss of lives and leaving Shalom injured.

The couple's harrowing experience of seeking refuge in their Mamad (safety room) for hours, until rescued by the Israel Defense Forces, speaks volumes of their courage in the face of unimaginable fear. Their subsequent evacuation, amidst the chaos, left them without their personal belongings, even as Shalom's laptop fell and broke. They are now relying on the support provided by VFI and the local authorities while they're temporarily staying at a hotel by the Dead Sea.

Shalom's account sheds light on the depth of their suffering—sleepless nights haunted by nightmares, a constant state of anxiety, and overwhelming sadness. Yet, amidst this turmoil, Shalom's spirit, embodied in his poetic letters of gratitude to VFI, resonates with a profound sense of hope and thankfulness for the assistance they have received.

This Passover, as we remember the miracles of old, let us also be the miracle in someone's life today. Shalom and Bruria's story is but one among many, a stark reminder of the urgent need for compassion and action. By supporting Vision for Israel, you help provide not just physical nourishment but also a sense of dignity and hope to those like Shalom and his wife, enduring the aftermath of conflict.

In this season of deliverance, let your generosity be the manna for those walking through the desert of despair. Join us in our mission to uplift and support families in Israel, ensuring that this Passover, they too can celebrate with joy and gratitude.

This year, we've set a goal to support over 1600 families, providing them with the means to celebrate the holiday and their deliverance with dignity. Among them are the residents of Sderot, a city that has endured immense suffering, especially during the attacks on 7th October. The city's plea to aid 200 families with £90 each has touched our hearts deeply, and we are committed to meeting this request.

Please donate HERE and help bring a message of hope and renewal to those in need.

"Moreover, in the morning there was a layer of dew all around the camp. When the layer of dew was gone, on the surface of the desert was a thin, flake-like frost, as fine as the frost on the ground. When Bnei-Yisrael saw it, they said one to another, “What is it?” For they did not know what it was. Then Moses said to them, “It is the bread that Adonai has given you to eat.” 

With heartfelt gratitude,

Barry & Batya Segal

Discover Shalom's inspiring story of resilience and hope this Passover. Your support can bring light to families facing adversity in Israel.

A Passover Miracle: Hope Amidst Adversity | Vision for Israel

A Passover Miracle: Hope Amidst Adversity

Updates

Aid to the Poor in Israel

Start the New Year with a Heart of Flesh

Tuesday, 28 December 2021

A Happy New Year to You!

“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.”

Ezekiel 36:26

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.”

John 13:34

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?

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A Passover Miracle: Hope Amidst Adversity

Saturday, 6 April 2024

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