We would like to share some stories with testimonies of people from very diverse backgrounds. But the common ground for all of them is a deep and genuine gratitude to Israel as a place where they found love, support and true compassion.
An elderly woman from Ukraine lost her husband and only son in the endless unrest. She was thrown out of her home by the mafia and forced to lived on the street. She eventually came to Israel where she got medical assistance, financial support and many kind people helping her teach step as a new immigrant. In Ukraine she would be considered as too old to even ask for treatment in the hospital. Each time we meet, she can only cry with joy that she is here with us.
A young woman from Russia was married to a Jewish husband and lived in Germany. When their daughter was born with disabilities, her husband left her. She was getting enough help and social benefits to survive, but the area she was living in was a target of anti-semitism. Every day she saw fresh painted swastikas on the buildings and walls. Half year ago she came to Israel, and already the government has provided an apartment for her and her daughter. She told us that never in her life has she felt so loved and supported like now in Israel.
A young Jewish man with an ultra-Orthodox background had experienced horrifying violence and abuse in his family. He was suffering from post-trauma for many years, trying to manage his life with work and studies, but falling apart again and again. With tears in his eyes he told us, "How thankful I am, that I live in Israel! The government helps me with pension and housing, and I always have people who are kind and merciful to me".
No matter what is happening all around us, we believe that Israel stands on the love and mercy of God and His people. Let us continue to pray for protection and strength for all of us to be His loving and merciful arms stretched out to needy and lost.
Ezekiel 11:16, 17, 20
Therefore say: ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Although I sent them far away among the nations and scattered them among the countries, yet for a little while I have been a sanctuary for them in the countries where they have gone.’
“Therefore say: ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says: I will gather you from the nations and bring you back from the countries where you have been scattered, and I will give you back the land of Israel again.’
Then they will follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. They will be my people, and I will be their God.