Whether they’ve lost a home, a business, or a family member, whether they’ve survived a terror attack, a missile hitting their home, or the Holocaust, there are many people in great need now in Israel.
Our team at ONE FOR ISRAEL, working in cooperation with local municipalities, is working to bring comfort and practical help to those who most need it.
Here’s a message from a family whose home was destroyed by a direct missile hit during the war with Iran:
“Words cannot express how deeply touched I am. Thank you so much for the beds and mattresses, we are truly so happy. The children love sleeping in proper beds again. I am also deeply grateful for the toys, food, and baby supplies; everything is exactly what we need right now. Your support has made our daily life easier and brought real joy and comfort into our home.”
Providing aid and assistance allows us to meet people in very real and practical ways during difficult times in their lives. Through personal contact and ongoing support, we are able to build relationships and respond to each family’s unique situation and changing needs.
It can be overwhelming for those trying to care for children on their own in wartime, making sure each little one reaches safety whenever the sirens start to wail.
A single mother of four children:
“As a single mother living in northern Israel during the intense periods of rocket fire, I was unable to leave my home. The food delivered to our door was lifesaving for my children and me.”
Our humanitarian aid department started off by supporting single mothers who chose to keep their children instead of having an abortion, so that their choice of life would be a positive decision, and not a crippling financial burden, in order to encourage women to keep their babies instead of aborting.
We also began taking care packages to an elderly club near our campus, where many Holocaust survivors came for company and support.
Now we are serving all kinds of families with a wide array of needs that have arisen in these times of crisis.
An elderly woman living alone, without family support and suffering with health conditions, shared her heart after receiving a visit from our team:
“The food and clothing you provide means so much to me. It’s more than just food; it’s comfort, care, and understanding. I’m so grateful for everything, and for the love and support you show. Thank you for being here for me.”
The kinds of households we are helping include:
- Families living in poverty
- Single mothers facing financial hardship
- Single mothers who chose to carry and raise their babies
- Holocaust survivors
- Elderly individuals and those living with illness or disabilities
- Displaced families
- Families and individuals affected by the war, including those experiencing trauma, the loss of homes or loved ones, and financial hardship.
Many are experiencing financial hardship as a direct result of the war, and a helping hand can make all the difference.
A single mother displaced from the north of Israel and who lost her small business told us:
“Thank you for the food and support you have given to my family and me during one of the darkest times in our lives. Your kindness has given us strength to continue and brought us real hope.”
Another mother of two young children sent this message of appreciation:
“Today, I sent my children to kindergarten without food, and I felt deeply embarrassed. I am so grateful that I could turn to you for help and receive food for my children. Your support moved me to tears. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
We always try to follow up on the families we are serving, making sure that they also have a listening ear to talk to, and not just practical help. A warm heart, hugs and smiles can mean as much as the aid we deliver.
One mother we have been serving for some time wrote:
“Thank you for ordering and providing food for me and my children, thank you for not giving up on me, thank you for loving me, the way I am. Thank you for everything.”
With Passover coming up, a big family holiday in Israel, many are unable to celebrate properly as they cannot make ends meet. Thanks to our partners, we are able to give Passover gift cards which allow families in need to celebrate the family feast with dignity:
“There are no words to thank you, really because of your provisions our Passover will be full of abundance and peace.”
The recipients of the aid are not the only ones being blessed as we serve those in need in Israel. We are also blessed as we have the joy of seeing people’s smiles as they feel loved by the gifts we are able to bring.
“Being able to serve in this way is deeply meaningful,” says a team member who helps coordinate the distribution. “It is not only about providing food or essential items, but about showing care, listening, and reminding people that they are not alone. Especially during times of war and uncertainty, it is a privilege to be able to offer both practical help and a caring presence to those who need it most.”
