Arazim School, in Jerusalem, is a special place for kids. It educates 76 boys from first grade up to sixth grade with special needs. 

Over the years, we’ve supported the school's home economics class. But now, due to Covid, the school can't hold these classes anymore. The school has decided to change the work outline in the science course, to adapt to the shifting demands of the pandemic.
So we pivoted with them—to support the science program instead. 

 The children there follow a program that focuses on science, independent research, and experiential learning—while immersed in the types of technology that will be relevant to them in their future careers.

 At Vision for Israel, we responded by donating science kits, which included 3 microscopes, 3 quality binoculars, an electric globe—as well as 2 research kits that will be used for science classes at the school so that children can experiment, explore, discover, and experience the world around them up close.

 Thank you for your support, and for making this investment in the youth of Jerusalem possible.

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?

Arazim School, in Jerusalem, is a special place for kids. Vision for Israel recently donated science equipment to support the science program.

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 honor 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 center 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

“Glory in His holy name; Let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice!”

As we enter into the month of Adar, we are reminded to increase our joy no matter what situation we find ourselves in. For the Jewish people, this month is centered around the book of Esther and the great celebration of Purim. The word ‘Purim’ means ‘lots’ and it is the celebration of how God turned the coming destruction into a time of joy and celebration!

“On the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, the month of Adar, the edict commanded by the king was carried out. On this day the enemies of the Jews had hoped to overpower them, but now the tables were turned and the Jews got the upper hand over those who hated them.” - Esther 9:1

In the book of Esther, evil and wickedness are expressed through Haman and his orders to kill the Jewish people. With a terrifying sentence of extermination, the Jews found themselves in a place of fear and without joy. However, when Esther approached the king on behalf of her people, she moved the heart of the king to write a new decree. This new ruling permitted the Jews to defend themselves against the attack of their enemies. Just in receiving this new decree, the Jews were filled with joy!

“For the Jews it was a time of happiness and joy, gladness and honor. In every province and in every city to which the edict of the king came, there was joy and gladness among the Jews, with feasting and celebrating…” - Esther 8:16-17

However, what is extraordinary about their joy at that moment is that they were choosing to rejoice in the Lord even before they received the victory of the battle that still awaited them. Their enemy still hated them and was determined to destroy them. And the Jews still had to face their enemies, fight against them, and destroy them. Yet, they chose to rejoice in the Lord because they fully believed that God was with them.

So, as we approach this new month of Adar, how do we also choose to rejoice in the Lord, even in the midst of great suffering or persecution? First of all, we have to know that God is with us. Secondly, we need to receive the fruit of the Holy Spirit in the deep places of our hearts and minds. Only through the power of the Holy Spirit are we able to express genuine joy in the midst of very challenging situations.

And thirdly, we need to give thanks to the Lord for everything! There is a great connection between gratitude and joy. When we give thanks to God, genuine joy begins to fill our hearts and strengthens us in faith, security, and fearlessness.

There are many verses in the Bible that instruct us to ‘rejoice’, ‘be glad’, and ‘joy’. There are also many Hebrew words that refer to joy in the scriptures: ‘simcha’, ‘ditza’, ‘sasson’, ‘tzahala’, ‘rina’, ‘gilah’, ’hodaya’, and more. The word of God highlights just how important it is to rejoice in the Lord throughout our journey of faith here on this earth. 

Joy is living in faith without worry and without fear. Joy is fixing our eyes on Yeshua in the midst of our pain. Joy is a grateful heart.

From all of our staff at VFI, we pray that you have a joy-filled holiday as you celebrate Purim! 

Chag Purim Same’ach! Happy Purim! 

“But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.” 

Purim Party at the Millennium Center 2022 | Vision for Israel

During the month of Adar, we need to increase our joy like Esther and the Jews did in the midst of great suffering. The joy of the Lord truly is our strength.

Purim and the Power to Rejoice | 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

Stories

Educational Advancement

Science Equipment for Special-Ed Kids

Tuesday, November 10, 2020

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?

Recent Related Stories

A Thankful Heart in the Midst of Suffering

Saturday, September 23, 2023

Purim and the Power to Rejoice

Monday, March 6, 2023

A Lesson in Humility: Understanding the Need for Help

Friday, February 10, 2023

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