According to Israeli National Security data published in 2017, over 20,000 citizens have been injured—and more than 1,300 killed—in acts of violence since 2000. Unfortunately, the number of terror survivor families in Israel continues to increase—to now more than 3,000.
But thanks to the help and generous donations that come in from all over the world, we are able to give a wider range of aid—including physical, emotional, and financial support.
Vision for Israel began helping terror survivors following a devastating attack on a bus in Jerusalem in February 1996 that personally affected our founders, Barry and Batya Segal. In this attack, their eldest daughter lost 3 of her schoolmates.
Then, around Passover, another acquaintance of their daughter was killed in another bus bombing. These were bus lines that their daughter had used often. This personal tragedy inspired Barry and Batya to visit the relatives of the victims who had lost their loved ones in these attacks and to support them in their hardships.
Since Passover in 1996, it has been one of Vision for Israel’s highest priorities to comfort families who have been torn apart by terror attacks. What began with a small financial gift to a few families, blossomed to include more than 200 families annually with the opening of The Joseph Storehouse in 1998—and has grown to thousands today, through the Millennium Centre.
This aid is of utmost importance to families, enabling them to focus on healing from the traumatic experience without having to worry about daily needs such as medical supplies and household items. At Vision for Israel, we want to be the hand of support that comforts these, and all others who have been troubled by the horrors of war, poverty, and terror—throughout their entire recovery process.
“I would like to express my appreciation and gratitude... to Vision for Israel, for your contribution to the distribution of first-grade school bags for victims of hostilities and their families.”
~ Ro’ee Cohen, Adv. Director-General Organisation of Victims of Hostilities
“We are all one human chain, and the care for strengthening the weak links in it should be in our minds wherever we go, anywhere and anytime. I hope you can continue helping the needy and be alongside them along their path.”
~ Shalom Jarbi Terror Survivor
“Thank you for the great effort and investment, for being professional and for your full partnership in activities for the well-being of victims of hostilities…and thus improve their quality of life.“
~ Ro’ee Cohen, Adv. Director-General Organisation of Victims of Hostilities
