Shalom from Jerusalem!
I want to thank you for partaking in our goal to bless the people of Israel. I am hard-pressed to recall a time in the 20 years I've been leading Hope for Israel where the people of Israel were in such need of hope as they are now. Even the many wars Israel has fought cannot match the level of desperation that many families in Israel are experiencing, and it is felt on so many levels - economically, emotionally, spiritually, and even physically as the Coronavirus continues to take its toll on all parts of society here.
While we continue to work to address the spiritual and emotional state of Israelis in this season, we also wanted to be a source of practical blessing in these times to ease the economic "squeeze". Back in March, when Israel entered lockdown, we could foresee that things would get gradually more difficult in light of the persistent pandemic, which I now understand was God's wisdom! This is why we decided to expand our annual "Operation Hesed" project over two months instead of the usual Passover season.
Phase I - Grocery Packages before Passover:
In April, around 11% of the working population was unemployed due to the national lockdown. We initiated phase I of Operation Hesed to provide a significant number of grocery packages to families in the Jerusalem area just prior to Passover eve. We also distributed diapers, wipes, and formula to families with babies because these items are particularly expensive in Israel.
Phase II - Grocery Gift Cards:
In May, we distributed grocery vouchers to over 300 families, which included numerous single mothers and lone soldiers as well. These families came from all over the country and have been so blessed to receive a little breathing room in their grocery budgets for the month. One unemployed single mother was in awe that somebody remembered her in this season, and was so touched by the generosity of those who do not even know her personally!
Thank you for partnering with us to bring hope to Israel in this difficult time. We continue to work together to not only bless Israel in her time of need, but also to bring lasting hope, which is only found in the living God. May you continue to know His abundant blessing and provision in your lives! Thank you again for entrusting your offering to Hope for Israel as we join together to bring hope to all of Israel.
In His Service,
Moran Rosenblit
Founder & Executive Director
Hope for Israel
Jerusalem