The most celebrated holiday among Jewish families is Passover. This seven-day celebration is a time to remember the exodus of the Jewish people from Egypt, the 40 years of their wandering in the desert, and the miracle that they are still a people and nation today. 

The nation of Israel is going through difficult and turbulent times these days. Now, more than ever, it is important that we remember that we are one nation. Unity is a necessity, especially in the face of challenges. Unity requires us to be inclusive, give mutual respect and compassion, and help those in need.

While we are all running around going to stores, choosing another outfit, and buying more ingredients for another meal or dessert, many families barely have enough money for food. Those that are suffering from poverty don't even dream of setting a dignified holiday table, and certainly not wearing festive clothes at the dinner table.

Vision for Israel takes care of these families during the holiday, and every year gives them gift cards to purchase food and clothing for the holiday.

This year, we made it a goal to give out 1000 gift cards. Thanks to your generous contributions, we were able to meet this goal and distributed about 1000 gift cards in many cities across the country. The donations went to families in need, lone soldiers, Holocaust survivors, and victims of hostilities.

When you read about the number of the poor and needy in Israel, it is hard to imagine the faces behind the numbers. It is important for us as an organization to meet the people in person, get to know them, hear their stories, and lend an ear and a supportive shoulder.

At the distribution points, we met wonderful people who shared their life stories with us:

A mother of five children, in her thirties, told us that she has to support her family alone because her husband has cancer. We were grateful to be able to help this woman and her family, especially during the holiday.

A father of a family underwent 11 surgeries and recently had open-heart surgery. It is very difficult for him to get around, and he needs a lot of help. He thanked us for the assistance both in the past and this year.

A separated father of two children suffers from many health problems and lives only on the National Insurance stipend. Some of his health issues include lung failure, throat surgery, including a tube that was inserted into his throat, and many surgeries on his legs, some of which failed, and he still needs more surgeries. His condition is very serious, and he is in excruciating pain. He thanked us for the assistance and told us that our help has truly saved his life.

This Passover let us stand with those in need by making an extra effort to help them to celebrate this holiday with joy and dignity. This is our contribution to the unity of the people of Israel!

We pray for you to celebrate this Passover with joy, abundance, and unity!

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?

This Passover, VFI helps unite the people of Israel by supporting the poor and helping them have a special Passover with the food and clothes they need.

Strengthening Unity By Assisting Those in Need | Blog | Vision for Israel

Strengthening Unity By Assisting Those in Need

Our team at Vision for Israel is constantly working to help others. Even in times of rest or personal time, we are constantly thinking and praying for those who need our help. We always want God’s love to be felt by all.

Our hearts are always with the people of southern Israel, not only in times of trouble but throughout the year. Vision for Israel supports the victims of terrorism and violence in various ways, including monthly financial assistance, distribution of school bags to children, and holding events for them. These events allow them to get out of the house and relax mentally and physically in a safe space.

During the increasingly common "Code Red" alerts, the residents of the south are forced to leave everything and reach a protected area within a few seconds. Failure to reach a shelter can result in injury or, God forbid, death. This kind of pressure is hard on the nervous system, and the people living in this area are in a constant state of fight or flight. Many suffer mental illness because of the constant stress and fear that they won’t be able to find shelter in time.

Thanks to our loyal friends and donors, Vision for Israel recently placed 9 mobile shelters throughout the Gaza Envelope settlements, including Okafim, Netivot, Kibbutz Nir Am, Giv’olim, Dorot, and Gevim. Overall, a total of 30 shelters have been placed thanks to the donors of Vision for Israel, and we are planning on donating another 30 shelters as soon as we are able. All shelters are located near public spaces, parks, schools, neighborhoods, and shopping centers so that the maximum number of people have access in case of an emergency.

Even during quiet days, the presence of the shelters close by gives locals a sense of security and peace of mind, as much as is possible in a violent zone. Being allowed to go about normal life is a rare gift for the people in these areas, and many are very grateful.

We received words of thanks from the people of the south, and we were moved and touched by the gesture. We pray that days of peace and security will come soon and that they will never need shelters again.

WHEN FIRE RAINS FROM THE SKY | Vision for Israel

We have been working hard to provide mobile bomb shelters for people in southern Israel, who face violence and destruction every day. Our work is never done.

Shelters for the South of Israel | Blog | Vision for Israel

“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.“ - 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

The work of Vision for Israel has become a lighthouse and a safe harbor for many people. During our time as an organization, we have helped Holocaust survivors, children at risk, victims of terror attacks and PTSD, new immigrants, lone soldiers, and those in poverty in Israel. 

Recently, we donated 5 ambulances and 3 medi-cycles to MDA (Magen David Adom). And so far, over 30,000 emergency responses have occurred with these vehicles. Saving lives and saving people is what it is all about. 

Now, Vision For Israel is proudly adding two new vehicles to the list of donations. These include:

An intensive care ambulance that will be stationed in the city of Modi'in.

A Bloodmobile—A special mobile unit for receiving blood donations—the first of its kind in the country.

Thanks to you,  our generous faith-led donors, 30,000 people have been able to receive medical assistance.

The dedication event was heartfelt and meaningful, full of sincere speeches and words of gratitude. The event took place at the Millennium Center in Modi'in, Vision for Israel's headquarters. Among the guests were the mayor of Modi'in, Mr. Haim Bibbas, the director-general of the Modiin municipality, Mr. Yoram Carmon, and the municipality's deputy CEO Mr. Guy Ido.

MDA representatives included: Dr. Eli Yaffe, Prof. Eilat Shinar, GDP Yoni Yagodovsky, Ephi Bar, Lt. Col. Ziv Kleinbert, Lt. Col., Lior Altman, Adi Elias, Rafael Herbst, and Abigail Klein.

“This is a day we dreamed of seeing since Vision for Israel was founded and began 27 years ago. Not only being able to save lives when needed, but to serve the community around us and all Israel. It gives us the privilege to serve, providing hope and strength in any time of need for emergency services provided by Magen David Adom. We do not just believe in miracles and visions but in their coming to fulfillment.” -Barry

We've donated 5 ambulances and 3 medi-cycles to MDA, and so far, over 30,000 emergency responses have occurred—saving countless lives in the process.

The Lifeblood of Our Mission | Blog | Vision for Israel

Due to the generous donations of our heroic donors, Vision for Israel has been able to donate a new life-saving medi-cycle to ZAKA, which will be stationed in the south of Israel, in the city of Eilat.

ZAKA (abbreviation for Zihuy Korbanot Ason, meaning Disaster Victim Identification) is a series of voluntary community emergency response teams in Israel.

The medi-cycle was dedicated on Sunday in a small ceremony that was held at the Millennium Center, in the presence of ZAKA's chairman, Barry and Batya, ZAKA's CEO, staff members, and volunteers.

Barry said, "This is a moving moment for me. I made Aliyah to Israel as a lone soldier about 30 years ago, and since then I have been working a lot to help lone soldiers and the weaker populations. Saving lives is in my blood. I thank the ZAKA volunteers with all my heart for working year-round to save lives... I bless this activity and holy work. We will continue to cooperate between our organizations in saving lives, in order to improve life for humanity and for the people of Israel".

The medi-cycle is equipped with the best medical equipment and will provide first-aid, and quick response in the city of Eilat and the surroundings.

A new medi-cycle was donated and dedicated to ZAKA. The medi-cycle is equipped with the best medical equipment and will provide first-aid, and quick response.

A New Medi-Cycle for ZAKA | Blog | Vision for Israel

“However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows. And since you don’t know when that time will come, be on guard! Stay alert!”

You know the old adage: “When a crisis comes, it’s too late to prepare.” It seems the world was caught unprepared for this awful pandemic, and many lives were taken as a result of the neglect, and the lack of medical supplies. 

Over twenty-five years ago Barry and I were invited as speakers and worship leaders for a big conference in the greater Miami, Florida area. During the break, several people saw our Israeli flag and came to talk to us. They introduced themselves as the organizers of a conference for medical suppliers that happened to be taking place next door to ours. 

In the conversation, we spoke about our humanitarian aid efforts in Israel, and they were so excited to hear that our goal was to help provide medical and emergency supplies to Israel due to the devastating terror attacks that were going on in those days. 

And so began Vision for Israel’s involvement in the provision of medical supplies. Since that day, we’ve provided millions of Shekels of emergency medical supplies, ambulances, medicycles, and medical equipment that we were able to purchase locally by networking together with Israeli medical teams. It has been an honor for us to be involved with so many life-saving efforts together with each of you. 

Recently, we were approached by emergency medical teams and hospitals requesting long lists of medical items that are desperately needed—including ventilators, surgical masks, and even advanced-tech emergency beds for their ICU departments—as we have provided in the past.

As we read and hear about the number of people dying because of the lack of medical devices, we feel the effects of the outbreak very personally. Some of the worst cases in the US right now are in nursing homes—especially the one in Brooklyn where Barry’s mom is residing. And we’re deeply saddened to report that Barry’s uncle in New Jersey has just lost his battle with the disease. 

The truth is—it’s a daunting challenge that’s ahead of us. Since we began our push to provide emergency medical relief for COVID-19, we’ve been making steady progress toward our $200,000 goal. 

As you know, these are uncertain times for us all. But if you’re in a position that’s financially secure, there are many in Israel who cannot say the same—and your contribution could literally make the difference in real human lives. 

We are your eyes, hands, and feet here in Israel. Together, we form a body that is stronger than the sum of its parts. Your heroic partnership with us has never been more powerful—or more necessary. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for any surplus you are able to give.

Behold, I will bring it health and healing; I will heal them and reveal to them the abundance of peace and truth.

You know the old adage: “When a crisis comes, it’s too late to prepare.” It seems the world was caught unprepared for this pandemic, and many lives were taken.

Are You Ready to Fight Coronavirus Head-On? | Blog | Vision for Israel

Are You Ready
to Fight Coronavirus Head-On?

In my trouble I cried to the LORD, And He answered me.

As the spread of Coronavirus continues to threaten the safety of the most vulnerable in Israel, we are issuing an emergency request to you, our faithful partners in prayer and service. 

We have just this week received several urgent requests from rescue organizations and medical centers, asking for life-saving equipment and supplies for the front-line medical teams that are—at this moment—putting their lives at risk to care for the massive influx of new Coronavirus patients.

Requests for emergency aid through our organization aren’t uncommon—it’s a big part of what we do—but the sheer magnitude of the urgent requests that have landed in our office over the past few days is truly stunning. These are unprecedented times for us all.

Some of the items most urgently needed are for the Emergency Responders on the front lines of this pandemic:

Thousands of patients in Israel are living in uncertainty and instability—fearing many unknowns with regard to their own health and that of their loved ones, but also the looming threat of economic collapse, unemployment, and even starvation.

In the face of such overwhelming need, we are gripped with the heart-wrenching task of choosing which organizations and areas of service to prioritize—and which ones will have to wait.

Lives are indeed at stake, and it is no exaggeration to say that the well-being of Israel itself hangs in the balance.

Because we are here. Because of you, we continue to be here. Here, amid this crisis, in the midst of the people. We feel the pain of the poor crying out for mercy in the darkness—but we also feel the power of your prayerful intercession. We also see the profound impact of the direct aid we are presently giving. And most of all, we know that our faith in God will see us through.

We intend to give $200,000 for this important fight, and we can’t do it alone. It’s certainly an aggressive goal, but we know that bold action is necessary if we want to give our people on the ground a fighting chance. If 2000 of our hero donors step forward to contribute just $100 each, we’ll make it. Every contribution counts.

With your help, our dear partners, we will truly be instruments of God’s peace, love, and mercy—when it is most sorely needed. We will be the beacon of light in the midst of darkness. And we will shine throughout the land.

In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

As the spread of COVID continues to threaten the safety of the most vulnerable in Israel, we are issuing an emergency request to you, our faithful partners.

Israel is Calling for Aid—Will You Respond? | Blog | Vision for Israel

Israel is Calling for Aid—Will You Respond?

We’re proud of our efforts—and the incredible support of our donors—in equipping these brave individuals for their important service.

So far, we’ve donated ambulances, medi-cycles, and even a bloodmobile—in addition to many of the everyday supplies and consumables needed to save lives.

Medicycles in particular are extremely useful for paramedics, as they enable them to get through traffic jams in an emergency.

Over the past decades, we’ve invested a lot in our collaboration with first responders, and the vital service they provide to all of Israel.

We’ve been donating ambulances, MICUs, medi-cycles, and even bloodmobiles—in addition to many of the everyday supplies and consumables needed to save lives.

Ambulances & Medi-Cycles | Project | Vision for Israel

Ambulances & Medi-Cycles

We’re proud of our efforts—and the incredible support of our donors—in equipping these brave individuals for their important service.

~

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

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Wednesday, April 19, 2023

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Monday, January 24, 2022

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Wednesday, December 16, 2020

Are You Ready to Fight Coronavirus Head-On?

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Israel is Calling for Aid—Will You Respond?

Thursday, April 2, 2020

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