It has been 30 wonderful and challenging years of leading Vision for Israel.

The Iron Swords War came upon us by complete surprise, and the enemy succeeded in penetrating Israel by harming innocent civilians — a cruel and brutal massacre like no other. However, in this war story, we are encouraged by all of our amazing heroes.

We all know that you cannot defeat the enemy without courage and heroes. We have heard heroic stories of men and women who have laid down their lives to fight, protect, and save the lives of many. There are many stories of heroism, and we want to recognize and honour a few special heroes we know. 

Our heroes are the staff members at VFI, who readily extended help and assistance wherever they could throughout this war. It was a beautiful phenomenon, not only among our staff but also among the people of Israel, unifying together to help one another. This is also what it was like for Israel after the Six-Day War and the Yom Kippur War.

One special hero I want to honour is my husband and co-founder of VFI, Barry. He is such a hard worker and goes to every placement of the safety shelters. He travels throughout the nation of Israel, to areas of conflict, right on the borderlines, and endures all kinds of weather conditions and rocket fire to ensure these shelters are placed to protect the people of Israel!

And now VFI wants to take a moment to honour another wonderful hero — YOU! When the war began, we saw a wave of financial donations flowing in from you and many others. Before we even had a chance to ask, you generously gave to VFI, so we could help the people here in this time of crisis. In faith, we were donating large amounts of aid that we hadn't raised yet. And by faith, you generously gave, and we witnessed God do amazing miracles of providing for His people through your enormous support.

In December 2023, we had to approve a budget for 2024. As I spoke with the CPA and accounting department, I explained that in light of the war, we wanted to help as much as possible. So, I presented a budget that was three times the amount of the budget of the previous year. Today, three months later, the distribution of donations is already fourfold!

At the beginning of March, we planned to purchase gift cards for Passover and we had an increase in the number of families in need. Then we received a request to help an additional 200 evacuee families. During the conversation with the applicant, we had to decide if we would increase the budget or not. Even though we hadn’t raised the funds for it yet, we had peace from the Lord to commit to helping all of these families for Passover.

Just one hour later I received a text from a local donor asking, "Do you have a special project to help evacuees from the south?" I said, "Of course, we are preparing for Passover right now!" They said, "We have a large donation for the evacuees, and we will transfer the donation to you immediately." 

Before we even asked anyone, God already put it on the hearts of His people to provide financially for this need! What a wonderful thing to see the hand of God working through the body of Yeshua to take care of His people!

This is the beauty that is in you, dear friends. Today, three months into the year, our outgoing donations have already increased wonderfully, so that we can be a blessing to this nation and tangibly show them the love of God.

We are so grateful for you dear friends and heroes!


Love,
Batya

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?

A War is won with heroes. VFI honours the heroes within our staff and the heroes from around the world who have generously supported Israel during this war. 

Heroes in Israel & Around the World | Blog | Vision for Israel


“On 22 Tishrei (7th October), I fled for my life in light of the horrifying and gruesome massacre perpetrated by the murderous organisation Hamas on the dear residents of the Gaza Envelope and sadly I was injured...”  

This is Shalom’s story, one filled with great suffering, and yet he chooses to let thankfulness overflow in his heart in the midst of it all. 

We have known Shalom and his wife, Bruria, since 2015. We provided them with eyeglasses, and have stayed in touch throughout the years. 

In 2004, Shalom was injured in a rocket attack and his life has never been the same. Both Shalom and his wife have mental and physical disabilities and are supported by the government and Social Security. Shalom takes anti-depressant and anti-anxiety medication, along with weekly treatments at the Sderot Resilience Centre and monthly check-ups at the Sderot Mental Health Centre.

And if that was not enough to battle with daily, on 7th October Shalom and Bruria were also impacted by the massacre. The terrorists were in their neighbourhood that day, and this is what Shalom remembers...

“On the holy Sabbath, 07/10/23 at 06:27 in the morning, a red alert was activated in the city... Sderot, where I reside. Heavy barrages of rockets landed continuously. In my neighbourhood, despicable terrorists started shooting at my building, and at passers-by and killed some of them...

We called the local police station in a panic, but there was no answer. It turns out that terrorists were also there and murdered police officers. So, my wife, Bruria, and I locked ourselves in the Mamad (safety room) for about 10 hours until the IDF arrived.

We are now staying at a hotel by the Dead Sea... We receive close mental support. These are hard days, and we can't sleep at night. I rarely leave the room, to avoid meeting people in the elevator. It's thinking endlessly about my friends who were murdered and how it happened that they were murdered.

Dear Mrs. Segal, know that it is only thanks to your blessed help as always, you give us, thank God, the strength and the desire to get the most out of life despite all the difficulties.“

Shalom and Bruria have been evacuated from their home since 10 October 2023, and are staying at a hotel by the Dead Sea, which the government provides. Shalom and his wife were evacuated under intense pressure, massive rocket fire, and terrorists still hiding in their city. As they were leaving their home, Shalom’s laptop fell and broke. They also couldn’t equip themselves properly before leaving their home.

VFI is providing Shalom with a new laptop to replace the one that was broken when he fled for his life. Recently, Shalom also discovered that the water heater in his home was damaged and needed to be replaced. He asked us if we would be able to help him, and we are pleased to help provide the finances for a new water heater and solar panels.

Shalom wrote us a beautiful, heartfelt thank you letter when he heard the great news:

“To the dear, loving, and compassionate "mother" and the founder of Vision for Israel - the honourable and amazing lady Segal Batya... A big thank you for the huge help in paying for both the solar heater and the computer.

You give a person like me, who waves his hands in a silent, desperate plea, one of the occupants of the last car on the last train, which has long since left the platform and feels lonely and forlorn, crying out in a voice that no one can hear anymore... You are like the first ray of light from the darkness, appearing in her house as the redeeming angel, and hears and responds to help in every request of the guest.

Today I sleep in my room at a hotel on the shores of the Dead Sea and dream dreams of peace and quiet despite the difficulties that stand in my way. They have become softer and more pleasant, and by the grace of the great God, I have the desire and courage to get the most from life because of your warm attitude Batya, and your special employees.“

Shalom came to visit us at the Millennium Centre to receive the aid that we provided him. Following his visit, Shalom wrote us another beautiful thank-you letter:

Unfortunately for all of us, this war, whose end is not yet in sight, continues to hurt many. This situation emphasises the enormous need for the continued existence of your organisation. And your giving is so simple and natural, and it is done in a dignified and noble manner so that it relieves me of even the unpleasantness of being needy.

Since I fled in panic, shortly after the massacre was perpetrated by the criminals, when I had to be displaced from the family nest urgently and hastily, my laptop broke, I received a new computer from you, on which I am now pouring out my words for you. How can I cherish you and repay you as you deserve? And if this gesture is not enough, the organisation also bears the cost of repairing the solar heater and the malfunctioning solar panels.

It's been four months that we, all of us, have been in panic, in turmoil, in darkness. Many of us are in mourning over the murder of loved ones and acquaintances. For four months now we have been subject to nerve-wracking and nail-biting anticipation for the return of the hostages. However, there are also soft and good rays of sunshine, warm and illuminating, shining through the thick black clouds and signalling hope. You, dear ones, are not rays of light - you are a beam of light, with all its colours and shades. For years in general and today - even more so - I have seen and felt it.“

Even though Shalom and Bruria have suffered much, they choose to let thankfulness fill their hearts and overflow onto many around them. We are grateful to know them and to be able to serve them in their time of need. 

Join us in continuing to support many other Israelis displaced from their homes, as this war continues on.

Shalom’s story is one of immense suffering from terror attacks, and from the war. Yet, in the midst of it all, he chooses to overflow with thankfulness to VFI.

Abundant Gratefulness Amid Suffering | Vision for Israel

“And the shalom of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Messiah Yeshua” 

Dear friends,

Amid war, peace is one of the hardest things to find. On 07 October 2023, the nation of Israel was shaken to the core and lost all peace, when the enemy invaded from Gaza and massacred our citizens. The evil enemy made it their goal to murder babies, children, the elderly, women, and all the citizens who were sleeping in their beds early on a Shabbat morning. This Shabbat was also a holiday — Simchat Torah. It is normally a day of rejoicing, yet instead, the enemy swept in and made it one of the worst days in the history of this nation. These wicked people murdered, butchered, decapitated bodies and limbs, burned babies in ovens, and stole from houses. 1,144 people in Israel were murdered, most of them civilians, and 243 were taken as hostages. And thousands more were injured. We, the citizens, have become the main targets in the enemy's war against us. 

Pain, suffering, and heavy grief were laid on the shoulders of our people that day. So, in the midst of all of this, how in the world do we find peace? How can we find hope and faith in such chaos and evil? The only place we can find true and deep peace is in Yeshua. He is the only one who can help guard our hearts and our minds by giving us a peace that surpasses all understanding. In the book of John, Yeshua says:

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” - John 14:27

All of these horrible things bring me (Batya) to a place of searching for justice, especially in the areas of social and personal security for the citizens living in the "promised" land. Today, Israelis are looking for promises in the scriptures about the long-awaited days of peace for our people. From the day the state of Israel was established in 1948, we have been at war for our existence and have had battles against terrorism almost daily. Yet, we still believed in signing peace agreements with the Arab countries around us and thought we had entered a new era of ‘peace’. But instead, we find the small state of Israel once again being attacked by enemies around us.

Since the war began, the Israeli people have been bombarded with daily updates and news about what is happening to their beloved people and our land. All of this horrible news has stolen our peace. Many are disturbed by their thoughts, horrific images they have seen, overwhelming fear, worry about hostages and loved ones, and many other heartbreaking aspects of this tragedy. 

Our lives here in Israel have been turned upside down, and we don’t know when this war will end. We all feel the pain, grief, and bereavement. And we ask, ‘Why are we doomed to go through another Holocaust?’ ‘How do we keep our minds at peace during war?’ ‘How do we maintain a balance between the harsh reality and a healthy inner peace for our soul?’ 

One of the ways for us to fight fear and worry is by accepting the word of God and His promises to us. 

“Say to those who are fearful-hearted, 

Behold, your God will come with vengeance, 

He will come and save you.” — Isaiah 35:4

The best thing we can do is to read the scriptures, pray, and fix our eyes on the Lord. God intended for us to have a relationship with Him. When we focus on His word our eyes are fixed on Him and not on ourselves. The word of God can redirect our thoughts towards the Lord, instead of being focused on the world and ourselves or overwhelmed by this horrific war.

“Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love. 

Therefore I have drawn you with lovingkindness. Again I will build you, 

Again you will take up your tambourines as ornaments, 

and go out to dances of merrymakers." - Jeremiah 31:1-3

With enemies on all of Israel’s borders and others rising all around the world, Israel needs hope now more than ever.As believers, the only true way to overcome hopelessness is to stand firm in Yeshua. He is our hope and light no matter what we go through. The prophecies in the Bible remind us that the Messiah will redeem and save us. And it is only with the power of the Holy Spirit who resides in us, that we can stand firm in this truth during the war.

God’s promises are eternal and unchanging. Three thousand years ago, God promised this land to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and it still belongs to the Lord and His chosen people. And yet, this promise is being challenged by the enemy and many others believing lies about God and His covenant with Israel. 

Before the war, there was such a great divide among the people here in Israel. There were terrible demonstrations about legal reform that led to the unstable security situations on the borders of our nation. However, since 7th October, there has been a strong unity and a great change in the hearts of the people. We can see the people of Israel supporting one another, comforting one another, and crying together. So many social initiatives, open hearts, giving to those who need help, and speaking about unity to bring peace to one another as the war rages on. 

The enemy came to destroy us, but the Lord will restore, rebuild, and revive us! Pray with us that the people of Israel will find peace and hope amid war having the assurance of His salvation and everlasting love.

“But Israel shall be saved by the Lord with an everlasting salvation; You shall not be ashamed or disgraced forever and ever.” 

On 7th October 2023, when the enemy invaded from Gaza and massacred our citizens, Israel lost all peace. So, how do you find peace and hope in this war?

God’s Peace & Hope Amid War | Blog | Vision for Israel

“Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life. You stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes; with your right hand you save me.“ 

Caution: This story includes heavy details from a personal testimony of the horrific events on 7th October 2023.


Can you imagine waking up early in the morning to the sounds of shooting and a barrage of rockets? This is what Hezi and thousands of others living in Israel experienced on 7th October 2023.

Hezi is a father of two daughters who lives in the city of Sderot, near the Gaza border. He has 27 years of experience in the security services, was an officer in the Shabash (Israel’s Prison Service), and has suffered from PTSD due to terror attacks. At the end of the Tsuk Eitan operation, Hezi was an officer in the reserves and witnessed a young boy die in a terror attack. That left him with a severe case of PTSD.

VFI initially met Hezi through an organization that helps terror victims in Israel. We have supported Hezi and his family for several years, and we are honored to continue to support them and many others amid this war. Despite his struggle with PTSD, this brave father didn’t let it hold him back from defending his nation and his family on that horrific Saturday morning.

On a typically peaceful Shabbat morning, Hezi was planning on going for a morning run, when all of a sudden he heard the sounds of intense rocket fire accompanied by a unique sound of shooting. He recognized the sound of the shooting as heavy weapons being fired, and instantly told his brother, “Listen, there are terrorists in Sderot.”

Around 7:30 in the morning, he called the army and the southern command, but there was no answer. Hezi explained what he did next, “I called a higher-ranking officer that I really respect. He is a religious person and he usually doesn’t answer the phone on Shabbat. But this time, he did. He thought I was about to talk to him about the rockets, but I told him, ‘What rockets? There are ISIS terrorists here with vehicles.’ He told me, ‘Hezi, maybe because you have PTSD you are still in trauma from the rocket attack. Try to calm down.’”

Right away, Hezi took photos of the terrorists outside and sent them to the officer. He also filmed a jeep full of terrorists shooting at an Israeli police vehicle. The same jeep was also shooting in his direction because they saw him in the window. The images the world has seen on TV were a living nightmare and reality for Hezi and thousands of Israelis living near Gaza.

When Hezi sent these images to the officer, he quickly understood that there were no forces ready to fight these terrorists. There were only a few police officers in the station, and in the photos, you can see the heroic policemen on the roof of the station fighting for their lives.

At this point, Hezi knew he had to help in some way. So the first thing he did was put on the Israeli army uniform that he still had from the reserves. He was no longer a reserve soldier, but he saved his uniform for motherents like this. Even though he had his uniform on, he didn’t have a weapon. He was ready to help the IDF soldiers when they arrived, but surprisingly no soldiers came.

Instead, the Magav (Border Police) tactical forces and Sayeret Matkal (General Staff commando unit) officer came and asked Hezi where the terrorists went. Hezi drove with the small team and led them to the police station, where the terrorists went. At one point, Hezi looked at one of the officers, and said, “Friend, I am with you, I just don’t have a weapon”. Hezi explained, “He gave me his gun, and he took his automatic gun. And then I understood at this point that I was joining the fight because there were no forces. There were 30-40 terrorists with no [IDF] forces!”

When they arrived at the police station, they saw the police forces of Magav fighting. They managed the fighting, including the infiltration of the building and eliminating the terrorists. All of a sudden, there was a huge explosion that hit Hezi, and he lost consciousness. There was a police officer next to him who was badly injured with shrapnel in his head. They were both taken to Soroka Hospital.

Hezi woke up in the hospital. There was a lot of confusion among the staff and the system was overwhelmed. As Hezi lay there in the hospital bed, he could see many soldiers and policemen from different units, all punctured by gunshots. The images of their faces were horrifying. There were little children—terrified by the sights their innocent eyes had to see. The parents were still holding their kids and there was blood everywhere. After seeing how desperate these people looked, Hezi said, “Doctor, why am I here? People need this bed.” The doctor told him that he needed a CT scan of his head.

After Hezi received medical treatment, he heard rumors about women and children being kidnapped and taken to Gaza. As he was lying in the hospital bed, he received a message from his youngest daughter (13), who was at Kibbutz Mefalsim with her older sister (16) and mother (Hezi’s ex-wife). The message read: “Abba, I’m scared of being here. There is a shooting here in Kibbutz Mefalsim. There is shooting—Abba, abba. Answer me. I’m scared.”

Can you imagine the thoughts running through Hezi’s mind about what could happen to his daughters?

As soon as the doctor came back, Hezi asked to leave. The doctor checked him one last time and then released him. Hezi hurried out of the hospital and jumped in the nearest jeep that was full of blood from soldiers who had just come there.

As Hezi was driving to the kibbutz, he was horrified by what he saw. Bodies were all over the road to the point that he had to swerve back and forth to avoid running over dead bodies. Hezi recalls, “I drove like crazy to Kibbutz Mefalsim to rescue my daughters. I joined the fighting there too with the soldiers and the local alert force. We fought at the entrance gate of the kibbutz, and then I could enter to reach my girls!”

When he finally reached his girls, he saw how terrified they were. They had been hiding in the safe room with their mother for 18 hours. Hezi managed to rescue them and get them out of the kibbutz.

As he looked around at Kibbutz Mefalsim, he saw dozens of terrorists on motorcycles shot down by the local alert force and army. Miraculously, the terrorists didn’t get into the homes of the residents. The local alert force and the army unified together to kill the terrorists who were trying to murder and kidnap the people in the kibbutz. There was also a shooting fight at the gate of the kibbutz, where many terrorists tried to enter. Thanks to the bravery of the alert forces, Kibbutz Mefalsim and Hezi’s family were saved.

As Hezi rescued his girls from the kibbutz, they grabbed what they could and ran for their lives. The youngest daughter brought her tablet that she received as a Bat Mitzvah gift from VFI a year ago at the annual Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebration. However, in the rush, the tablet fell and broke.

After all of this, Hezi contacted us and asked us for some help. His financial situation was hard to begin with, but after the events of 7th October, things got even worse. He asked for 2 tablets, one for each of his daughters, so they could participate in distance learning. They were also in need of basics, like clothing, shoes, and hygienic products. We were able to provide tablets for the girls and also gave Hezi a laptop so he could go back to school, as well as gift cards to help them purchase some basic necessities.

When you ask Hezi how he’s doing he answers “...alive on the outside, but dead on the inside." He also said, “These sights are haunting me non-stop, and I am suffering from extreme anxiety and long sleepless nights." What he and many others have gone through and seen on 7th October is unimaginable. All of these atrocities, horrific memories, and images have shaken him and thousands of others to the core.

Let us first pray for them. Pray for God to set his people free from these horrific recurring images and trauma that they have gone through during this war. Let us also pray for the hostages that have been released and those still held.

A study finds that 84% of Israeli kids, and 40% of parents suffer emotional distress over war.

This is the time to take action and show Israel that we are standing with her during this war. Join VFI in meeting the practical needs of Israelis, like Hezi and his family, as we battle through this war!

Donate Now to Help Families Like Hezi’s

Click Here to Watch Hezi’s Story

Hezi Story_V2

On 7th October, 2023, a brave father joined the fight to defend Israel, was wounded, and managed to rescue his daughters living in a kibbutz near Gaza.

The Resilience of a Father – Defending Israel & Rescuing His Family | Blog | Vision for Israel

The Resilience of a Father – Defending Israel & Rescuing His Family

To give aid is to extend a hand; to give wisely is to extend a roadmap. 

Dear friend,

Lately, I've been contemplating the various forms of poverty that exist in the world. Some are poor only on holidays, some are poor once a week, some are poor all the time, but for all, being poor is beyond their control.

This led me to think: How do we discern genuine need from a lack of accountability? At what point does helping become enabling? These questions are critical in understanding how best to help those around us in need.

For me, getting too involved with some of our recipients who receive food and financial aid served as a wake-up call. It's easy to fall into a place of wanting to give them everything, but that could potentially create an unhealthy dependency.

It's crucial to remember that our own capacities are limited. Even if we are prosperous and generous today, we might find ourselves in need of help tomorrow. This balance between self-reliance and compassion, between offering aid and fostering independence, is a delicate one to maintain.

In this era, where self-absorption is often championed through social media platforms, we must be careful not to lose sight of our responsibility to others. Our ultimate aim shouldn't be solely self-improvement but also the empowerment of those who lack the voice or means to ask for help. Finding these silent sufferers is our most challenging but rewarding duty.

For we who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 

It is written that King Solomon, even in his wisdom and affluence, sought to understand the suffering of the least among his subjects. We may not all have the resources or wisdom of Solomon, but each of us can choose to extend a hand—or better yet, a roadmap—to those in need. By supporting Vision for Israel on a monthly basis, you empower us to be both the eyes and the hands that uplift the less fortunate, with both grace and discernment.

Shalom and blessings, 

Batya

The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor. 

Explore Batya's thoughtful letter on the complexities of giving aid, the importance of discernment, and the balance of compassion and self-reliance.

Navigating Compassion: Discerning When and How to Help | Blog | Vision for Israel

Navigating Compassion: Discerning When and How to Help

Over the last few months, we have seen the Lord provide for His people in very personal ways. It is beautiful to see the people so touched by God’s love through a practical need that we were able to meet. Thank you for the incredible impact you are making on the people here in the Land of Israel. Now, let’s take a closer look at how God provided through you and VFI to impact these precious people.  

While the children of Israel were on summer holiday, the expenses for families were increasing significantly. For distressed families, this is a particularly difficult time. Our team set out to distribute aid to hundreds of families around the country. Each family received a magnetic gift card, hygiene products, food, and a basket of fresh vegetables. The recipients were very happy and expressed their gratitude and appreciation to VFI.

One of the recipients, a father of a family who immigrated from the former USSR, shared that his family was in need of hygiene products. They had to give them up because of their severe economic hardship. When he saw that the donation included hygiene items, he exclaimed: "I'm shocked! Wow, this is unbelievable! Everything is from God! Thank you very much!" We were very touched by his story and how God provided exactly what he and his family needed.

Youth Volunteering at the Millennium Center to Help Prepare for the Annual Pack-to-School Project

The school year began in September and we are happy to know that the sweet children from low-income families arrived at school with high-quality school bags, just like all the other children. During July and August, the VFI team distributed school bags through our Pack to School project to about 1,000 children from low-income families throughout Israel, including Rishon Lezion, Jerusalem, Sderot, Ashdod, Petach Tikva, Lod, Rosh Ha'Ayin, Tel Aviv, Modi'in, and Netivot. Some of these children are at risk, refugee children, children with special needs, or new immigrants. 

At some of the distribution points, we held fun activities for the children. On the first day of school, our hearts were filled with comfort as we remembered their sweet smiles and the words of thanks we received from these precious children. Rise and succeed, dear children!

Treats and Backpacks for Children at Risk at the Millennium Center

As part of our collaboration with the Yad b'Yad organization, which cares for children at risk, Vision for Israel invited dozens of children at risk in preschool through 2nd grade for a day of pampering. The children arrived in transportation sponsored by VFI from all over the country to the Millennium Center. Upon their arrival, the children received a light breakfast. The day's activities included an interactive performance by the Sippur Theater, pizza for lunch, and a gift of a backpack with stationery or a kindergarten bag. These dear children, who come from distressed families, impacted us with their smiles, words of thanks, and the light in their eyes.

Schoolbags for Asylum Seekers' Children in Tel Aviv

The VFI staff distributed 69 school bags to first graders who are asylum-seekers children in Tel Aviv. These families are treated by the municipal welfare unit Mesila, which provides them with assistance and psycho-social treatment. We met families with health problems, parents in long-term hospitalization, children with special needs, single-parent families, and more. Many live in abject poverty, without entitlement to allowances in extreme situations, with almost no rights or social services. 

We received a very moving thank you letter from Mesila, saying: "I would like to point out the kindness, professionalism, and great kindness on the part of the Vision Israel team [...] They welcomed the parents and children who came to receive the school bags and did not give them even a single moment a sense of need [ ...] A huge thank you for helping many of the community's children start the year with a new backpack and with a smile."

Gift Cards to Families in Need for the Holidays

With the high holidays upon us, there is an atmosphere of leaving our troubles behind and looking ahead with hope towards the new year. Every year, Vision for Israel takes care of families who cannot put a holiday meal on the table or celebrate the holidays with dignity.

The VFI team arrived in various cities throughout Israel to distribute gift cards to about 1,500 families and individuals to help them buy groceries for the holiday meals, clothes, and anything else they might need. Among the aid recipients were the elderly, minors, parents of children with disabilities, single-parent families, new immigrants, lone soldiers, and more. Everyone expressed gratitude for the essential gift to help them celebrate the holiday comfortably, with hope and a smile.

We are so grateful to our partners, donors, and friends who make all of the above possible. There are truly no words to express the great impact you can have on these communities and families. If you have not already, you can take part in all these exciting life-changing experiences by pledging monthly donations to Vision for Israel. Our work is never-ending, and every donation helps us to spread God’s love and word across Israel.

Over the last few months, we have enjoyed partnering with God and being His hands and feet here in Israel as He provided for His people and their needs!

October Impact Report 2023 | Blog | Vision for Israel

One of the most rewarding parts of the work that we do at VFI is to hear the personal stories of how God is making an impact on the lives of His people. And one precious life that we recently had the honour to know and bless is Ruth.

In August 2023, the VFI team went to Rishon Lezion to distribute gift cards to families in need. Among these people, we discovered one very grateful woman who caught our attention, and her name is Ruth*. As she arrived at the distribution centre and was informed that she was going to receive a gift card, a smile lit up her face. She was so happy and wanted to give thanks to VFI for the support.

That day we learned more about Ruth and her story. This precious woman lives all alone and is suffering from health issues caused by a hereditary genetic disease. As a result of the disease, her brother died at the age of 57, and her sister is currently in a very serious condition. This is a disease that has damaged the genome of her entire family. This chronic disease makes it difficult for Ruth to function on a daily basis, so she has not been able to work for several years. 

She was undergoing rehabilitation, however, since the start of the COVID pandemic, she stopped receiving alternative treatments and special injections from abroad. And now, she is not able to afford these treatments to help her condition.

She really wants to recover and return to the workforce, but until then, she struggles through the pain of her disease and uses welfare to buy the special food that she has to eat. Even though Ruth has a very difficult life, she chooses to give thanks for the little things. 

After Ruth shared with us about the challenges in her life, she continued with a grateful heart and said, “The gift card is very significant and useful because I cannot eat certain foods due to my medical condition. I really appreciate the donation from Vision for Israel, which is very helpful for the holiday.” 

God impacted Ruth’s life through your support to VFI with a simple gift card, and yet, God also impacted us through her with the way she expressed thankfulness in the midst of her suffering. 

So, as we pray for healing for Ruth and pray for the many others who are in need, let us remember to give thanks to the Lord even in the midst of our suffering.

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.” 

There are so many others who are poor and in need here in Israel. Join us in making an impact in Israel by giving a gift to the poor today. Click HERE to donate and dedicate your donation to “Aid to the Poor”.




*Name has been changed to protect the identity of this woman.

As VFI gave gift cards to those in need in Rishon Lezion, we met a woman who gave us an even greater gift… A thankful heart in the midst of her suffering.

A Thankful Heart in the Midst of Suffering | Blog | Vision for Israel

A Thankful Heart in the Midst of Suffering

We are excited to share this great report of what God has been doing in these last three months here in Israel through your generosity and support of the work of VFI. From donating shelters to helping Holocaust Survivors, God has been impacting this nation greatly and we feel honoured to be a part of what He is doing! We have had a lot of work to do these last months, and God was faithful to send us extra helpers and volunteers to complete the packaging and distribution of the donations. We are also incredibly grateful for each of you who faithfully gave to VFI so that we could have the funds to provide specific needs for the people of Israel.

Vision for Israel has taken swift action in the recent rocket attack, during Operation Shield and Arrow, by providing an additional 38 mobile bomb shelters to the southern region of Israel under rocket fire and sirens sounding. Since the beginning of the project, we have successfully installed 155 shelters.

Supporting Holocaust Survivors with Social Events

At Vision for Israel, we are committed to showing love and care to precious Holocaust survivors and refugees. With your help, we can provide warm blankets, food baskets, gift cards, and home visits to positively affect their lives. We also host joyful events to give them back their sense of belonging and enjoyment of life.

Soldiers Volunteer at the Millennium Centre

Recently, we were blessed with kind offers from a thoughtful IDF officer who offered to send soldiers to volunteer at the Millennium Centre.

We were moved by their selflessness to help us sort clothing and prepare care packages filled with hygiene products for both Holocaust survivors and new immigrants. It was truly inspiring to witness these young individuals, who come from challenging economic situations, devote their time and effort to assisting others.

This event was particularly special because it took place only a few days after Holocaust Remembrance Day and close to Memorial and Independence Day. We are grateful for their kind hearts and dedication to making a difference in the lives of others.

Clothes and Gift Packages For Holocaust Survivors

To reach as many needy people as possible, we create relationships and collaborations with various organizations. We recently made contact with an association working for the welfare of Holocaust survivors in Jerusalem, whose chairman and founder is himself a Holocaust survivor from the Soviet Union. The chairman noticed that almost no assistance is given to Holocaust survivors from the Soviet Union who arrived in Israel at a somewhat late age and do not speak the language. He felt the need to make their voice heard, and although he doesn't speak the language either, he founded the association in 2019 together with his daughter.

Vision for Israel joined the task and our team held a special event, bazaar-style for dozens of Holocaust survivors living in Jerusalem. We brought clothing for them to choose from and each survivor also received a gift package, including a set of bedding, a body towel, and a personal blanket. The elderly were so happy that they blessed VFI and thanked us.

We were happy and excited to extend our assistance to the needy for the first time in the city of Gedera. We brought food baskets to dozens of families in need, who thanked us from the bottom of their hearts for the generous donations. They were also interested in Vision for Israel and asked to hear about our activities. Some of them also asked for our phone number, so they could pass it on to other families who could use our help.

More Tour Groups at the Millennium Centre

Vision for Israel has made genuine friends around the globe since its inception. Recently, VFI received a visit from friends in China who came from afar. This visit was an uplifting experience, especially because our small country is facing numerous challenges at this time. It was heartening to hear them express their support for the State of Israel. We extend our gratitude to the organizers who thought of us and helped us assist and impact numerous families.

Providing Kitchen Appliances for a Special Education School

Vision for Israel has been supporting a special needs school in Jerusalem for many years. The school has about 80 students studying in grades 1-6. The school operates a therapeutic kitchen for students to learn how to cook, bake and set the table. The kitchen is equipped with tools and appliances. 

Recently, the glass of their old oven was accidentally broken and the oven itself was no longer working well. Therefore, they urgently needed an oven to continue their learning program. In addition, the school needed a microwave in the kitchen. VFI was delighted to purchase the needed oven and microwave to support the students in their learning.

In a first for VFI, we've distributed baskets of fresh produce alongside hygiene products and dry food items to 60 families in need in Gedera. Our dedicated staff, Assaf and Yoni, aided by the welfare staff, ensured each family received lettuce, eggplants, bell peppers, and more. The families were thrilled with our initiative, grateful for the generosity, and eager to learn more about VFI. Their gratitude truly warmed our hearts and strengthened our commitment to providing healthy vegetable baskets alongside our regular support.

Your faithfulness endures from generation to generation. You established the earth, and it stands. 

We give God all the glory and honor for how He has faithfully met the needs of His people and our nation! 

Read what God has been doing these last three months here in Israel through your generous support of VFI, from donating shelters to helping Holocaust Survivors.

God Has Been Moving! | Blog | Vision for Israel

For everything there is a season and a time for every activity under heaven: a time to give birth and a time to die… 

Barry and I were eagerly awaiting the birth of our granddaughter, a new life, and great joy being added to the family. Thankfully, she was born and we all celebrated that she entered safely into the world, healthy and sweet

Two days after the celebration of our granddaughter's birth, we received a message from the nursing home where Barry's mother was living. They told us that her breathing was irregular. Only ten minutes later they informed us that she passed away peacefully in her sleep at the age of 95. A strong feeling of great loss took place in our hearts.

Everything happened so quickly. In an instant, we went from rejoicing to mourning. God gave a life and God took a  life.

It reminded me of when I lost my mother 16 years ago. It happened so quickly, and my first thought was that I didn't have time to sit down with her for long conversations to hear all of her wisdom about life. I wished I would have had more time to do things together with her and to tell her how much I appreciate all her hard work, cooking, and providing for us in the best way she could all those years. Indeed, this feeling of not being able to express our heart's appreciation to those who we love so much and who are no longer with us is very burdening. 

When Derek Prince was on his deathbed he asked us, "Have I done enough in my life to serve God?" Barry answered him and said, "Of course, you did what you could. You traveled the world and taught from the scriptures. Hundreds of thousands of people were blessed by your fruitful teaching." Derek replied, "I feel I didn't do enough"...

For none of us lives for himself, and none dies for himself. For if we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. For this reason Messiah died and lived again, so that He might be Lord of both the dead and the living. — Romans 14:7-9

Life can be a non-stop race of action and activity without limits. Therefore, we are not able to make a report of all our achievements throughout our lifetime. God examines our hearts and sees all of our actions. 

The cycle of life begins as a newborn baby and continues over the years in the bosom of a family. This stage of life is preparation for starting life on our own as mature and responsible people. We celebrate important events in our lives, learn and grow, overcome challenges and hardships, and eventually grow old and come to the end of our lives on this earth.

The life we have on earth is short, so the way we choose to live it holds great importance. It is necessary to listen to the ones who have gone before us to gain wisdom on how to live this life God has given us. Barry and I were both blessed with parents who believed in values that were rooted in the word of God and faith. Therefore, we are honored to pass their legacy on to future generations.

As you take a moment to reflect on the importance of life, let me ask you a few questions: What is the content you have poured into your life? What is your purpose and meaning in this life? Many of us walk around feeling like we missed out on something. Just like Derek Prince, we feel like we have not done enough.

We have to remember we are not all called to do everything, but we are all called to do the things God has asked us to do.

Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you, and before you were born I set you apart... 

Dear reader, now is the time to live out the legacy that God has for your life here on this earth! You were born for such a time as this, and God has a mighty purpose for your life. We encourage you to ask God, “What are you calling me to do right now? What is the legacy you want me to leave behind?” Take time to listen to Him. When God speaks, get ready to step into action. Your simple act of obedience to Him could greatly impact future generations!

If you feel led to support VFI in any way, then please visit our website to discover the ways you can give and serve the Jewish people today! Also, if you would like to learn more about VFI’s legacy giving, click HERE.

Life is such a gift. Therefore, VFI encourages you to leave a legacy of living out God’s calling in your life! What is God calling you to do right now?

The Gift of Life — Thoughts about Life, Death, and the In-between | Blog | Vision for Israel

The Gift of Life — Thoughts about Life, Death, and the In-between

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

“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

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

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

“God hears every unspoken word, sees every unseen wound, mends every unbearable pain. Have faith and be strong.” 

Can you imagine the feeling of being adopted as a baby? Well, this is how *Henni’s story began. Only after being in this world for a few weeks, an ultra-Orthodox family adopted Henni.  However, when Henni turned 16, she ran away from home and her family.  She suffered from abuse and didn’t want to stay there anymore. As a result she found herself wandering the streets without any sense of identity and belonging. Finally, she found a safe and warm home in the center of Israel that was specifically for girls at risk. After staying there for two years, it was time to serve in the IDF. During her service, she met her future husband and soon after they got married. 

After the birth of their second child, the father disappeared and never came back. This left Henni feeling rejected once again and all alone. She had no time to feel sorry for herself. She had to take care of her toddler and baby with no job, no family she could turn to for help, no income, and no support. She was grateful to have her two children, but she didn’t know how she would provide for her kids or herself. 

“To rob the needy of justice, and to take what is right from the poor of My people, that widows may be their prey, and that they may rob the fatherless.“ — Isaiah 10:2

Trying to survive against all odds, Henni started working with elderly people. She cleaned for them and cared for their needs. It was hard and the income didn't cover the basic monthly expenses like rent, utilities and all the rest. 

A request from the social authorities came to assist her.  Vision for Israel team visited Henni at her home. The apartment where they were living was lacking the most basic furniture, no chairs, no table, broken beds. The old rusty refrigerator was empty and had no food. The children were hungry and suffering from malnutrition. Henni also suffered from health issues due to lack of nourishing food, which was only a small symbol of her difficult physical and mental state.

This visit to Henni’s house was a turning point for the family and for our staff. Right away we realised Henni is someone very special. From that point on, the family received ongoing support of food packs and financial vouchers, furniture, a new refrigerator, school bags for the kids, clothes, and heaters. All of these provisions helped her realize that her prayers had been answered. As our team just loved on Henni, we saw how she never expected anything and always wanted to give something in return.  She literally had nothing, and yet the little she had she wanted to give to us so we could bless others in need.  On one occasion, she handed us a bag of brand new clothes she was given by another charity organization. She said, “I don't need these nice clothes. Please give it to a needy family”.

Henni’s life was transformed. We saw through the years how she became a happier person, started taking care of herself, and was looking healthier. Her children were also improving socially and doing so much better in school. 

With a grateful heart, Henni sends us messages of blessings and thanks. She never misses an opportunity to phone our office simply to bless our work and our team. Every holiday and every few months, she calls us to simply say, “Hope you all are well. Just calling to let you know you are in my thoughts and prayers”. 

We love to just be there for others and to see the real change in those we embraced throughout the years. There are thousands of young people who are searching for an ear to hear, an eye to see, and a heart to care. 

The sincere words of thanks and blessings reflect to us how essential the help is to the recipients. God opened the doors for you and us to be a blessing, and we consider this as an amazing opportunity and a privilege.

We invite you to partner with us as God uses us to make a huge impact on the precious lives here in Israel.

“I am sure of this very thing—that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the Day of Messiah Yeshua.” — Philippians 1:6

VFI provides essential needs and support for single mothers and the poor in Israel. Discover how one visit from VFI changed a mother and her children’s lives.

A Life-Changing Visit – Providing for a Mother and Her Children | Blog | Vision for Israel

A Life-Changing Visit – Providing for a Mother and Her Children

Our hearts are full of gratitude to all of you, our dear partners. Thanks to your generous donations and partnership, we can give more and increase the number of recipients. As Israelis living within our people, we will continue to restore, support the weak population, embrace all those around us and say “Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever” (Psalm 107:1).

Every summer before the school year begins, our Vision for Israel team distributes school bags to children from distressed families.

No community is unaffected by financial difficulty in Israel, from religious to secular, Arab and Ethiopian, new immigrants, victims of terrorism, at-risk children, asylum seekers, migrant workers, and more.

Our heart is to reach every child in need and ensure they begin the new school year confident, equal to their peers, and ready to focus on academics.

The ongoing war in Ukraine continues to cause a significant immigration crisis. Refugees and new immigrants arriving in Israel suffer from post-trauma and severe economic hardship.

Vision for Israel is in contact with organizations that provide aid to refugees – supplying them with clothing, textiles, and essential equipment. In partnership with these organizations, we distributed equipment for children, babies, women, and men as a donation with the intent of helping them rebuild their lives.

Our hearts are with the lost, and we hope that through these donations, they will feel the warmth of a home they left behind.

Scholarship Initiative - Honor Where Honor is Due

One of the causes dear to our hearts is the brave victims of hostilities, people who are salt of the earth, overcoming extreme hardship to continue to be a rock and a pillar for their families.

For several years, we have had the privilege to support and collaborate with the organization of victims of hostilities in a scholarship initiative. Through this partnership, we have been able to touch many families in need of assistance by awarding 76 scholarships to students who most needed the blessed assistance.

We at Vision for Israel continue the operation to provide resources and protection for those living in the south, especially for the cities located near conflict areas.

In the last year, close to 90 bomb shelters were installed. It is an honor and privilege as an organization to help provide safety and security for those around the nation. Your generosity and kindness are an active part of saving lives during times of war!

The summer holiday has just come to an end in Israel.  With the rise of inflation and kids being out of school, expenses were higher than usual, and many parents had difficulty working.

Vision for Israel regularly distributes food baskets to needy families, including several cities in the center and south of the country. The smiles and words of gratitude from those receiving the aid warmed our hearts, and we were elated for the opportunity to help them during the challenging summer vacation.

With the High Holidays upon us, and as we enter a season of new beginnings, Vision for Israel has not forgotten the hungry as no one should ever be without the means to celebrate with a festive meal.

Gratefully, we were able to pass out financial vouchers to hundreds of individuals and families in need in cities and communities in central Israel, and the families expressed their heartfelt gratitude for the financial aid they received!

Their fulfillment is our success, and none of this would be possible without you, our generous donors, who bless the families of Israel!

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

We love hosting, spending time together, and building the Kingdom of God in Israel with you. What doesn't go unnoticed is the constant generosity of our visitors, who bless us with their friendship and bring us essential items for families in need. 

Thank you for being an essential part of the vision to reach all of Israel!

One of the families Vision for Israel loves to aid whenever we can, is a precious couple whose lives have been affected by rocket attacks and who recently requested our help purchasing multifocal glasses. 

The father of the family has been recognized as a disabled victim of hostilities since 2005 and suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder. The mother suffered from cataracts, underwent surgery, and needed multifocal glasses.

When we heard of their request, we jumped on the opportunity to make their difficult lives even a little easier.

In addition to aiding with purchasing the multifocal glasses, we were able to help them every holiday with financial vouchers.

Strengthen the weak hands, And make firm the feeble knees. 

Together we've been supporting education for all ages, giving aid to those who live under the threat of violence, and providing everyday care for those in need.

Impact Report—October 2022 | Blog | Vision for Israel

Overcoming Trauma One Act of Kindness at a Time

Unfortunately for many living in Israel today, terror can strike at any moment, leaving unimaginable trauma and disability in its wake.

Shlomo* became a victim of hostility when a Qassam rocket fell near his home in 2005. Since this tragic incident, he has received treatment at a mental health clinic every week, attempting to lead an everyday life with the aid of antidepressants and other anxiety-treating medications. 

Rachel*, his wife, is experiencing challenges of her own since becoming physically disabled due to falling into a pit caused by a Qassam rocket in the city market. She has become limited in movement and is forced to spend her days in frequent clinic visits to receive medical treatment.

Shlomo and Rachel have been diagnosed as severely disabled, making their ability to sustain themselves financially impossible.

Vision for Israel has had the immense privilege of supporting Shlomo and Rachel for seven years with special requests and assistance in groceries in preparation for the holidays.

So when we heard that Rachel needed help to pay for special glasses to restore her eyesight, we were grateful for the opportunity to lend a helping hand. 

A Letter from Shlomo to Vision for Israel:

"My name is Shlomo, an ultra-Orthodox Jew who lives in the south of Israel by the Gaza strip.

By the grace of God, I was born to wonderful parents who gave me an education, love, and endless joy in life.

However, when I was 12 years old, my world turned upside down when my dear little brother Reuben* was killed in front of my eyes in a horrific accident. 

My dear father and mother passed away a few years later from broken hearts at a very young age.

To my bitter fate, I am a father whose lovely daughter died at a young age, and my eldest nephew (19 years old) lost his life while serving as a border police fighter during a conflict in the city of Hebron.

And now my beloved wife Rachel is severely disabled. We "live" on pensions from the National Insurance Institute, which leaves us with nothing; we've had to take out various loans for unexpected medical treatments and are burdened by a case of a writ of execution.

With the help of God, I now turn to you for urgent help since my wife underwent complex eye surgery in the last two months and is now in need of special glasses.

I ask that you would help us with a financial donation so that we can exist in a way that the remainder of our human dignity will not be taken away from us.“

For couples such as Shlomo and Rachel, life has not been kind.

We may not be able to prevent every tragedy, but we can be the vessels that restore dignity to those stripped of the means to sustain themselves and restore their sense of purpose - one act of kindness at a time.

Thankfully, because of your tremendous support and generosity, we were able to provide Rachel with special glasses to improve her eyesight, regain her health and improve the quality of her life.

We were overjoyed when we received a heart warming letter from Shlomo, thanking us for our help:

"I have a special reason to tell you again - thank you! Thank God you stand by my side during this difficult and exhausting time. 

You are undoubtedly the engine that drives my heart to love life despite my many difficulties. You are beautiful proof that there are still people who help those disabled from terror attacks.

I am thankful from the bottom of my heart that you have always dealt with me with sensitivity, professionalism, and friendship - it is a great privilege for me to be treated by your organization. Your investment in my wife and me is priceless.“


*All names have been changed to protect the identity of these individuals. 

Unfortunately for many living in Israel today, terror leaves its victims in severe trauma. We're here to heal their heart - one act of kindness at a time.

Shlomo & Rachel - From Rockets to Restoration | Blog | Vision for Israel

Shlomo & Rachel - From Rockets to Restoration

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Scholarship Ceremony for Victims of Hostilities Students

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Your friends,
Barry & Batya Segal


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

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

A Miraculous Milestone: Ya’ir’s Story

As you know, our team is constantly serving our community. Whether we are giving backpacks to children or funding medical vehicles, God’s work through you is ongoing.

The delivery of aid to families this week was particularly interesting. We took supplies and food baskets to about 50 families in downtown Jerusalem. The baskets were heavy, and there were no safe spaces to park and unload. In the end, we had to recruit willing passers-by to distribute the baskets to the waiting families. Though it was no small job, these people responded to our plea and helped us carry the baskets to the distribution point.

Families gathered their baskets, thanked us, and went home to cook their meals. However, while we were distributing we received a call from a woman. She was on our list to receive a food basket, but she had a special request. She could not take any dry food, only fresh and ready-to-eat items. This is because she was recently evicted from her home, and had taken to living in a nearby park. She had no stove to cook on, no kitchen to prepare anything in, and no hope of returning to her home. Her financial situation would prevent her from moving back in. We were able to bless her with a gift card so she could purchase food items that fit her situation.

God works in mysterious ways. This woman became a reminder from Him that every person we meet is facing a unique and personal struggle. Though we are all human, we all have different problems and issues to overcome. While we can’t pretend to understand this woman’s experience with homelessness, our heart goes out to her and her family.

This work can be difficult, but we are constantly encouraged by the fact that our service and our gifts truly mean something. Your help allowed this woman to eat and gave her a basic necessity that she had otherwise been denied. Anything we can do, any kindness we can extend, makes a difference. When we walk in God’s light and do good in His name, we make the world a better place.


We delivered food baskets to families this week and we realized the impact of acts of kindness. We must find ways to bring God’s love into everything we do.

Food Baskets for the Needy | Blog | Vision for Israel

In March of 1988, there was a terror attack known as the Mothers' Bus Attack. Terrorists infiltrated the Egyptian border and managed to take over a bus that was transporting workers to work.

That day, Alon’s* father rode that bus as he did every day. But this time, his usual bus ride took a tragic turn. He was held hostage and was eventually murdered by the terrorists.

Alon’s father was his only parent when he died. His mother had died shortly before, after a long battle with cancer.

It seems symbolic that his father, who acted as both father and mother to his family, was killed on the Mothers’ Bus.

The hostages that did not perish said that Alon’s father was a hero, and sacrificed his life rescuing the women that were on the bus as the driver opened the doors and fled. His father was left alone to deal with the horror, and he acted nobly.

Alon’s father was far from being ready to die. He was just 39, towards the end of his doctorate studies in laser welding. Many of his co-workers said that he would be the next CEO of the company.

This and many other things didn’t happen. Alon and his brothers didn’t get to see their father advance in his career or see his children and grandchildren grow. Alon and his two brothers were very small at the time, and they lost the only remaining parent they had. They were left with no one and were put into foster care. 

The difficulties Alon faced after experiencing loss at such a young age, are exactly the same as the orphans included in the 2012 Compensation Law for Animosity Orphans. Yet he has not seen compensation through this law. 

The government was supposed to help and support the victims' orphans rather than create additional hardships. However, Alon was denied essential assistance from the state. In response, he turned to the court to seek protection under The Compensation Law for Animosity Orphans.

The state has failed to pay any sort of compensation to Alon.

Since the day of the terror attack, Alon has been living in a state of survival. The pain of losing his parents has only grown over the past 33 years. Losing both parents within six months of each other at such a young age is unbearable.

The crises that followed the attack were only made worse by the absence of his parents and lack of support. 8 years ago Alon lost the family he was building to a difficult divorce. The economic hardships that followed affect him to this day. He has suffered through layoffs, both due to Covid-19 and otherwise. 

No matter how old a person is, parental support (mental and financial) is necessary. Even when happy moments occurred in his life, he had no parents to share his joy with. He celebrated his bar mitzvah alone and has lived alone in the world since he came of age.

After filing an appeal to the authorities  7 years ago and being denied assistance, Alon had to take out loans over the years just to survive. With the Covid-19 pandemic, Alon is out of work and behind on loan payments. He cannot see his children regularly.  He has no car, and he has no ability to pay spousal support. 

We at VFI know that God would not leave his children in this situation, and we will not either. We are stepping in to help support Alon during this very difficult time. 

Alon’s battle will not bring his parents back. His tragedy of the past can become a victory of the present and the future. 

We want to be part of his victory story. Giving him the power and strength to become an overcomer.

Will you join our efforts to bring healing to a broken-hearted person?

Your monthly support will go a long way in helping people like Alon. 
Your contribution is greatly appreciated and needed.

*Name has been changed

Because of the Mothers' Bus Attack, Alon has suffered incredible tragedy and hardship in his life. Read his story here, and consider offering support.

Ongoing Tragedy for a Child of God | Blog | Vision for Israel

“...I will turn their mourning into joy;
I will comfort them, and give them gladness for sorrow.”

Recently we got to know the Shavo family. Boaz, the father, is 60 years old today. He can’t work due to his medical condition. 

In 1996 he was ambushed by radical terrorists and they stoned him. In self-defense, he responded by shooting at the ground to drive them away and one of the terrorists claimed that he got injured. This led to over 15 years of legal battles resulting in very big financial distress. But that was far from the end of the tragedy. 

Boaz then lost his wife and three of their children in a separate terror attack in 2002. Thankfully Boaz and four of his children survived. His son Asael tells a powerful story: 

“In the year 2002 a terrorist broke into our house and shot to death my mother and three of my brothers. I was shot in my right leg--three bullets left me severely wounded. My leg was amputated afterward. I was nine years old. My family went through a terrible trauma; our house was burnt down, I spent two years in the hospital following that terrible night.”

A few years ago, Boaz who was a medic, was called to a terror attack site, where he discovered that his son’s friend’s parents were murdered. 

 At the Shiva, he was trying to bring light, hope, and faith.

“My message is that the people of Israel are overcomers and are not afraid. In my case, they wanted to destroy my family—and still, I rose up again, despite the ongoing pain and difficulty. They murdered my wife and three children, but 4 survived, and after remarriage, we have triplets and the house is full of light. We adopted a son 7 years ago and truly there is a lot of joy. I always ask myself, what would Rachel want me to do? The drastic change between the life I had to the new life is hard, there is no school that teaches that.”

According to him, coping is difficult but you must get up on your feet.

“I relive the attack all the time. Every little event startles me. [When] I’m on a trip up north, I remember where my son hiked. My dear ones were born in Itamar and were murdered there, and I also buried them there. But we move on, that’s the answer. To raise a family and more families and more children, because the People of Israel is alive.”

Boaz is proud to tell his son’s Asah’el extraordinary success story, who was severely injured in the terror attack and lost his leg.

“He was 9 years old at the time, and he took control of himself. From the day that he woke up in intensive care, he always told me, dad, I want to do everything by myself. I told him, but you don’t have a leg. He insisted on jumping on one leg. 

Today he is a grown man. But in the first few years, I accompanied him every day with a lot of difficulties. Sometimes I carried him in my arms until he learned how to walk. Today he is an exceptional swimmer and also a basketball player in Israel’s Disabled Team and he represented Israel in the Rio de Janeiro Paralympics (2016).

Today it doesn’t bother him, he feels like he has 2 legs. He has fun, works, and teaches swimming. He finished his bachelor’s degree in Phy Ed at Wingate. He teaches children to swim and he managed to teach a girl who didn’t want to get out of a wheelchair to swim. I know that the whole subject of terror attacks still hurts him, but he goes on. That is the hope and that is the continuity.”

Boaz is such an inspiration to us—having lived through tragedies that most of us will never experience, yet keeping an optimistic and positive outlook on life. He has no income due to his injuries from the terror attack. Yet he now finds himself with a huge debt. We at Vision for Israel want to help alleviate some of this debt. Will you join us and help Boaz and his family get out of this huge debt?

VFI is supporting the family to cover their balanced debt of $65,000. Will you consider helping us to present them with a financial gift?

Learn more about Boaz here:
https://youtu.be/wkZMuZ7XGqw

Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful. 

Recently we got to know the Shavo family. Boaz, the father, is 60 years old today. He survived several terror attacks and can’t work due to his medical condition.

Impact Story: Fighting Terror Through Incredible Hardship | Blog | Vision for Israel

Impact Story: Fighting Terror Through Incredible Hardship

Everyone in Israel remembers the deadly attack in south Mt. Hebron in the Adora settlement in 2002. Two terrorists infiltrated the settlement on a Saturday morning, dressed in IDF uniforms and armed with M-16 rifles, and killed four people.

We met Shiri Shefi at the Bar Mitzvah celebration we hosted at the Millennium Centre in December 2020, when her son was celebrating his Bar Mitzvah.

Shiri Shefi who was then a 27-year-old mother of three small children ages 5, 4, and 14 months, lost her eldest daughter, Daniel. She now recounts the moments of horror and says; “To this day, even 19 years later, I sense Daniel everywhere. In the difficult moments, when everything closes in, I feel her hovering over me and pulling me out. Then I [thank God] for both the good and the bad. There is strength at the end of the day, even though the pain cannot be erased.”

“Daniel wanted to go to the synagogue with my husband. A month and a half earlier she celebrated her fifth birthday. I remember that because she wore the same clothes to go to the synagogue, I still remember her telling me, “Mom, just a minute”, as she just wanted to finish watching some kids’ show on TV. And as she was saying those words, I saw a man in my living room wearing IDF uniform with a long M16 and a bulletproof vest, standing at the door and starting to shoot. I yelled at him; “what are you doing?!!” and for a moment I didn’t realize what was happening since we had soldiers in our settlement and I hadn’t yet realized this was an attack. He started shooting and from that moment I acted automatically. I went into the adjacent kids’ room, shut the blinders, switched off the TV, shut the door, and hid Daniel and Eliad under the bed, and asked them to be silent, and with my little son Uriel, I went under the other bed. After a few moments, I turned to the children to see what was happening. I saw that Daniel and Eliad were injured, I did not understand what was happening with them. Everything happened in a matter of seconds and all that while I’m hearing rifle shots continuing inside the house.”

In those moments Shiri still did not know Daniel was gone, despite whispering to them to check if everything was okay with no answer. She thought they did not answer because she had told them to be quiet. At some point, when the firing subsided, Shiri started thinking about how to alert that they suffered an armed attack.

“As I was thinking how to get to my cell phone I heard Daniel’s last breaths and I realized that she is not among the living anymore. As if God was telling me that I cannot touch her as she is no longer mine”, she says. “I quietly called Eliad again and he did not reply and I thought that they are both not alive anymore and that it’s just me and Uriel.”

Shiri managed to get to the MIRS device, and at that moment a neighbour from an adjacent settlement called and asked if everything was ok, in reply Shiri said: “The kids are dead.”

“I recall telling the neighbour that if God wasn’t there to help, how could she do anything to help?”
The call was cut off and Shiri tried to call the police station in Hebron where her husband, both her brothers and brother in law worked. “I spoke to the diarist and yelled to him that the children are dead.” He did not understand what I was talking about because the news about terrorists had not reached them yet. My brother who was there grabbed the phone and told me enforcement was on the way, and I replied that the children were already dead.”

When police forces arrived at the scene together with Yaakov, Shiri's husband, a cry came out of Shiri’s throat: “I'm sorry I could not save the children; Daniel and Eliad are dead.”

“Eliad survived,” Shiri says. “When I was in the ambulance they brought him to me to see that he was alive. He was injured in the ear and head but thank God he was alive.”

“We had two more children later, Noya and Guy. It was difficult looking for a home to live in. Eventually, after several attempts, we decided to live in front of the sea in Ashkelon, after trying dozens of apartments. We are like the sea—sometimes calm and quiet and sometimes raging. What goes on with our emotions is very difficult because something was taken from our soul, which will always be missed and always be painful—it cannot be explained.”

 “At the end of the day, with all the pain involved we have no other country,” Shiri says. “When Daniel was born we added the name Bat-El to her name. She is named after my late father-in-law which I never got to know, so we added the name Bat-El to hers. After she died, we wrote on the tombstone: "A land flowing with milk and honey." Honey (דבש Dvash in Hebrew) is an acronym for Daniel, Bat-El, and Shefi. Even with all the difficulty, we see the best in the Land,” she concludes.


Two terrorists infiltrated south Mt. Hebron in the Adora settlement in 2002 dressed in IDF uniforms and M-16 rifles and killed 4 people. This is Shiri’s story.

Terrorism—and Its Deep, Personal Toll | Blog | Vision for Israel

Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.

Stories

Symbols of Hope in a Time of Darkness

Tuesday 29 December 2020

A New Medi-Cycle for ZAKA

Wednesday 16 December 2020

Clothed in Compassion

Tuesday 24 November 2020

Science Equipment for Special-Ed Kids

Tuesday 10 November 2020

Aliyah from Ethiopia

Thursday 29 October 2020

A Welcome Support for Lone Soldiers

Thursday 24 September 2020

A Better Future for Terror Survivors

Sunday 13 September 2020

Promise for a Fresh Start – Pack to School 2020

Saturday 12 September 2020

New Challenges for the High Holidays

Friday 4 September 2020

Holocaust Survivors Brace for Another Harrowing Challenge

Thursday 6 August 2020

A Grade Above: Critical Supplies to Start the Year Strong

Sunday 26 July 2020

Aid to the Ethiopian Community & Issues of Inequality

Wednesday 1 July 2020

Life-Changing Help for Homeless Addicts in Tel-Aviv

Tuesday 26 May 2020

Panic Buttons for Holocaust Survivors

Thursday 30 April 2020

Impact Story: Michal's Family | Jerusalem

Saturday 18 April 2020

Generosity Amid Uncertainty

Tuesday 7 April 2020

Passover Aid in the Shadow of Coronavirus

Sunday 22 March 2020

A “Legendary” Purim for Underprivileged Children

Tuesday 17 March 2020

Purim Event for At-Risk Children

Monday 16 March 2020

Flower Arranging with Holocaust Survivors

Monday 9 March 2020

An Evening of Peace for the Families of Sderot

Wednesday 19 February 2020

Warming the Winter for Those in Need

Sunday 26 January 2020

Hanukkah Celebration with Holocaust Survivors at the Millennium Centre

Thursday 23 January 2020

Download the VFI News App!

Get the Latest News & Updates

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

Stay Engaged

Quick Links

Get Involved

Get In Touch