Shalom from Jerusalem,

Over the December holiday of Hannukah, HFI’s youth group NerYah sponsored a group trip to a small community in the Jordan Valley to clean up a nearby natural stream which had become polluted and cluttered by garbage. 17 high schoolers from all over the Jerusalem area came with us on this volunteering activity. Overall, they collected nearly 30 bags of garbage from the stream banks and picnic areas!

The small moshav, which sits in the Jordan Valley, was founded about 50 years ago by new immigrants, who fulfilled their parents’ dream to settle in Israel. It is a quiet, peaceful place, home now to about 270 residents, including a young woman who grew up on the moshav and was NerYah’s guide as the youth and counselors explored the moshav, learned about its history and ate lunch in its dining hall, which is built in the traditional communal style of a kibbutz.

Overall, it was a very special experience for both the youth and the counselors. All felt refreshed and encouraged by this day of service, fellowship and learning. The leaders were also able to continue building deeper and more meaningful relationships with the youth. I’d like to share with you a testimony that we received from one 12^th grader who took part in the activity. This is what she had to say:

“The volunteering activity with the youth group was a highlight of my Hannukah vacation. The landscape near the small stream we cleaned has such arid beauty!  It was a blessing that the youth group leaders started the day there with prayer and reading a portion from Matthew. Afterwards, we began to clean the trash. It was a wonderful opportunity for life-filled conversations with friends in a fun context. I am so thankful for the opportunity that NerYah provides us! We finished the day with a tour of the rustic moshav. The example of the leaders was inspiring – their determination, love for God, compassion, and service to their surroundings encouraged me. I was reminded of God’s never-ending love for us and was awestruck by His amazing Creation. To Him be the glory!”

We were very touched by this effusive testimony and hope that you will be too! Our work continues to touch the lives of many youth and young adults, and it is largely thanks to you and your support.

Thank you for entrusting your offering to Hope for Israel. Your partnership means a great deal to me, my team, and the many people who are blessed by the ministry’s work. May we continue to be a light and a blessing to the future generation in Israel!