This Passover, Love Your Neighbour in Israel

Dear Friends,

As February carries us closer to Passover, we find ourselves thinking about the table—what it represents, and who gathers around it. Passover is a time when Jewish families come together, open the Haggadah, and remember the faithfulness of God in the Exodus story. It’s filled with tradition, beauty, and meaning.

But this year, for many families across Israel, there’s one question that casts a shadow over the celebration: What will we put on the table?

At Vision for Israel, our team is working around the clock to prepare this year’s Passover distribution of gift cards for families in need. We do this every year—but this year is different. The number of struggling families has grown, and behind each number is a story of hardship, resilience, and hope.

Many of these families now fall into a category quietly called the “war poor.” These are not just the traditionally vulnerable. These are hardworking parents, small business owners, self-employed professionals, and reservists called up again and again for army duty. Families who were just managing to get by—until life changed in an instant.

The cost of living in Israel continues to rise, leaving even dual-income homes unable to meet basic monthly expenses. And today, almost 27% of families in the country are facing food insecurity. That means refrigerators that stay half-empty. Parents skipping meals so their children can eat. Simple things—like buying matzah, vegetables, or chicken—have become a luxury many can’t afford.

We’ve heard these stories firsthand. Our team meets every family in person during distributions. We see the weight they carry and hear their heartfelt gratitude when help arrives.

Because of the growing need and the sharp rise in prices, we’ve made the decision to raise the value of this year’s Passover gift cards to £100 ($130) per family. It’s a bold step—but a necessary one.

A single gift card may not sound like much, but to a mother standing in a grocery store, wondering what she can afford, it’s the difference between scarcity and dignity. It means she can choose what her family will eat for the holiday, without shame. It means she can prepare her table with love, not fear.

One couple we heard from recently, G. and K., shared a story that truly touched our hearts.

They’re a young family with two children—a 12-year-old daughter and a 15-year-old son. In early 2023, after years of hard work and study, K. launched his consulting business. It was finally starting to take off. At the same time, he was completing his master’s thesis, after graduating with honors from the Hebrew University in Jerusalem. He poured his energy into both—determined to build a life of purpose and provision for his family.

Then, 7 October happened.

Like so many, K. was immediately called up for reserve duty and has served on the front lines almost nonstop since. Because his business was new, he didn’t qualify for income-based compensation—only minimum wage. That barely covered their basic expenses.

They found themselves caught in a painful place—unable to keep the business afloat, and ineligible for many government support programs because of technicalities. They’re now facing mounting debt and emotional exhaustion. But what struck us most wasn’t their hardship. It was their spirit.

They didn’t reach out in despair. They wrote to us out of a deep desire to get back on their feet; to stabilize, to restart the business, to finish school, and to restore a sense of normalcy for their children.

They just needed someone to come alongside them.

This is where you come in.

Families like G. and K.—and thousands of others across Israel—are holding on. They're doing their best. But this Passover, many will simply not be able to provide a meal, let alone celebrate.

Your gift of £100 ($130) can change that and feed a family for Passover.

It can fill a table with food. It can remind a family that they are seen, valued, and not forgotten. It can carry a message of hope straight to their heart: You are not alone.

Would you consider sponsoring one family today? Or two? Or five?

Every gift helps. Every family matters.

Passover is a time of remembering God’s deliverance. It’s a season that reminds us that no matter how dark the night, redemption is near. What better time to extend a hand of compassion?

Let’s stand together in love and generosity. Let’s prepare a table—not just with food, but with dignity and hope. To give today, please visit our donation page and dedicate your gift to “Aid to the Poor”.


With love and gratitude,

Barry & Batya