When a Father Serves, the Family Sacrifices

Dear Friends,

As we approach the end of this challenging year, our hearts are full—with gratitude, and with a renewed sense of purpose. The war in Israel didn’t end, and the headlines hadn’t faded. For many families, it only deepened.

Today, we want to introduce you to one of those families.

Yaron* is a 33-year-old husband and father of a little boy. He lives in Ashdod and owns a small hair salon—the business he started with hope in January 2023. After years of living in Eilat, he and his wife Hila* returned to Ashdod to build a life closer to family. He worked hard to grow his client base. Every shekel counted. He was the family’s only income provider, and his wife stayed home to care for their young son.

Then, everything changed on 7 October.

Yaron was called up as a combat reservist. Like thousands of others, he didn’t hesitate. He saw it as a mitzvah—his duty before God. But while he answered the call, his business stood still. And because his salon had operated for less than a year, he didn’t qualify for government aid for small businesses.

For three months, Yaron served without knowing how the bills would get paid. The rent on the salon. The cost of living. The mounting expenses.

When he returned, the salon was quiet. His clients had moved on. Once again, he started from scratch. But before he could rebuild, another round of reserve duty arrived. Then another.

This became the rhythm: serve for three months, come home, scramble to restart the business, get called back. Over and over.

With no steady income, Yaron and his family had to move in with Hila’s father. Their parents took out loans just to help them get by.

Through it all, Yaron never complained. He is proud to serve. He trusts God to provide. But the emotional weight on Hila and their child has been immense. While he’s away, she carries it all—raising their son, managing debt, wondering what news the next phone call will bring. Like so many other wives of reservists, she carries silent burdens every day.

That’s where Vision for Israel stepped in.

This year, thanks to your generous support, we began hosting therapeutic sessions for the wives of reserve soldiers. These are safe, professional spaces where women can breathe, rest, and find strength among others walking the same path.

In these sessions, Hila heard about other women whose husbands are serving and facing similar challenges… whose children cry at night from fear… who carry debt they didn’t ask for. Like the other women attending these sessions, she left feeling a little lighter. Not because everything was fixed, but because she knew she wasn’t alone—and that God had sent help.

These sessions are just one way your giving brings relief. Vision for Israel is supporting dozens of families like Yaron’s with:

• Emotional care through therapy and support groups
• Gift cards for food and household items to ease daily pressure
• Financial support and practical aid for families in financial crisis
• Activities for children, helping them process trauma in a safe and joyful way

But we need your help to continue.

The war’s impact is still unfolding. Reservists are still being called up. And their families still need support.

Will you make a year-end gift today to help more families like Yaron’s?

Please give your year-end gift before December 31.

Your donation will bring healing, hope, and tangible support to the ones left behind—wives, children, and the quiet heroes holding the home front together.

Thank you for walking with us. Your compassion is a light in this dark season.

With love and gratitude,
Barry & Batya

*Names have been changed.