Eighty Years After the Shoah

( Holocaust)

A Cry That Echoes Through Generations

Eighty years have passed since the liberation of the death camps, since the barbed wire was torn down and the skeletal hands reached toward freedom. Eighty years since the world was forced to witness the unimaginable horror of what had transpired in the heart of civilization. And yet, though the years have passed, the Shoah is not a distant memory—it is a living wound, an eternal cry, a sacred duty upon our souls.

Six million voices were silenced, yet their absence roars in our ears. They were fathers and mothers, sons and daughters, scholars and laborers, children with laughter in their eyes, and elders with wisdom in their hearts. They were dreams unfulfilled, prayers unanswered, futures stolen in the smoke of crematoria. And still, their spirits remain with us, urging us never to forget, never to let the world forget.

The Shoah was not merely an attempt to annihilate a people—it was an attack on the divine image within humanity. It was a war against righteousness, against the very essence of goodness. And yet, from the ashes of the Holocaust, the Jewish people emerged. Broken, yet unbowed. Scarred, yet standing.

Each survivor carried a universe within them—a universe shattered yet not extinguished. And with trembling hands, they rebuilt. They built homes, families, communities, and an eternal testimony to the resilience of the Jewish soul. They proved that even in the face of unspeakable darkness, the light of Torah, of faith, of Am Yisrael could never be destroyed.

Remembering the Shoah is not merely to recall history. It is to carry the burden of memory, to honor the suffering, to ensure that the cry of “Never Again” is not an empty slogan but an enduring commitment. It is to look at our children and whisper to the heavens: We are here. We are still here.

Yet, despite the unspeakable horrors of the past, humanity has not fully learned from this tragedy. Anti-Semitism still festers, hatred still spreads, and intolerance still finds its way into the hearts of men. Nations that once pledged “Never Again” have too often turned a blind eye to rising hatred and violence. The lessons of the Shoah must not be forgotten, and the responsibility to stand against evil remains upon all of us.

As we mark 80 years, we stand in silent reverence, our hearts heavy yet filled with purpose. We light candles, not just in mourning, but as a testament—that the Jewish flame, though threatened, will never be extinguished. That we live not just for ourselves but for those who had their lives stolen. That we teach, we remember, we stand as witnesses before all humanity.

As it is written: “Has the Lord ever before done such great things as these, or has any people heard the voice of God speaking from the fire, as you have, and lived?” (Deuteronomy 4:32-33). Though the Jewish people have walked through fire, we have heard the voice of God, and we have lived.

And so, we say to the six million: Your names are not forgotten. Your stories are not erased. Your souls are not alone. We remember. We will always remember.

Blessings from the Most High be upon you, from the house of good deeds (Sabra House), the Land of Zion, and Jerusalem.

Mordechai ben Yaakov

Update 44 – “And You Shall Tell Your Son…”

“And you shall tell your son on that day, saying, ‘It is because of what the Lord did for me when I came out of Egypt.’” (Exodus 13:8)

Beloved friends and supporters around the world,

In one of the two schools we support, we were approached by the school principal with a heartfelt request: to help twenty families who are experiencing extreme financial hardship. These are families from devout Jewish homes, for whom the Passover holiday holds deep spiritual and emotional meaning.

Passover is not only a time of freedom and remembrance—it is a time when the home is filled with light, singing, and the voices of children at the center of the table, asking questions, praising God, and celebrating the miracles of our people. As it is written:
“You shall rejoice in your festival—you, your son and your daughter… and the Levite, the stranger, the orphan and the widow…” (Deuteronomy 16:14)

How could we say no?

At Sabra, we knew what we had to do. With your help, we said yes to all twenty families. We provided what they needed so they could experience a true Chag Cherut—a Festival of Freedom—without shame, without worry, with joy and dignity.

A few days later, the principal called me with tears of gratitude. He told me of the great excitement in the homes of these families. One mother said, “Now we can truly celebrate… my children are happy, and my heart is full.”

Some of the families asked us specifically to send their love and thanks to you—our dear brothers and sisters around the world. They know that strangers across oceans cared about them and made their holiday light up with warmth and hope. One father said:
“Blessed are those who consider the poor; the Lord will deliver them in times of trouble.” (Psalm 41:1)

And so, I am writing to you now, with a heart full of emotion, to thank you for your prayers, your love, your brotherhood, and your donations. You are making the words of the prophets come alive, and you are helping fulfill the commandment:
“Let the children of Israel observe the Passover… and you shall remember that you were a slave in Egypt, and the Lord your God redeemed you.” (Numbers 9:2, Deuteronomy 24:18)

May the joy you helped bring into these homes return to you a hundredfold.

May the blessings of the Most High be upon you, your family, and your community.

From the House of Good Deeds (Sabra House), the Land of Zion, and the City of Jerusalem,

Your brother in faith,

Mordechai ben Yaakov

Update No. 43:

Helping Needy Families Ahead of Passover

“Every man shall ask of his neighbor… articles of silver and gold” (Exodus 11:2)

Preparations are underway for one of the most important and symbolic holidays in the Book of Books—Passover. As we recall from the book of Exodus, the Israelites, on the eve of redemption, received gifts from the Egyptians—vessels of silver, gold, and copper—as a sign of favor and preparation for their journey.

“And thus you shall eat it: with your loins girded, your shoes on your feet, and your staff in your hand…” (Exodus 12:11)—this was the spirit of readiness, of trust in God’s mighty hand.

To this very day, the people of Israel celebrate with a Seder night as commanded by the Creator, marking our freedom with a meal of dignity and remembrance.

But today, in our Land, the situation is not easy. Many families—good, hardworking people—have lost jobs, lost income, and face this festival with worry instead of joy. Together with you, our dear friends and partners, we are determined to bring light, dignity, and the taste of redemption into their homes.

Thanks to your prayers and generosity, we have been able to distribute food boxes, cleaning supplies, and encouragement to families who need it most.

I want to tell you about one very special family: parents of five children, all with severe disabilities. They live entirely around the needs of these children. They do not work, and their government support is minimal. But every time we arrive with help—their faces shine with joy. That joy spreads to our entire team. In those moments, we feel the privilege of our calling: to serve, to uplift, to be messengers of God’s love. And it is thanks to you—our brothers and sisters around the world—that we are able to do this holy work.

I am grateful to be a part of Sabra’s House of Good Deeds, and I know that together—with your love, prayers, and giving hearts—we are building something eternal.

“May the Lord, the God of your fathers, make you a thousand times as many as you are, and bless you, as He has promised you!” (Deuteronomy 1:11)

May the blessings of the Most High be upon you, your family, and your community.

From the House of Good Deeds (Sabra House), the Land of Zion, and the City of Jerusalem,

Your brother in Israel,

Mordechai ben Yaakov

Update #42 – “Blessed is he who considers the poor; the Lord will deliver him in time of trouble.” (Psalm 41:1)

A Cry from the Heart – Passover Help for Families in Israel

To all lovers of the God of Israel, the People of Israel, and the Land of Israel,

Passover is not just a Jewish holiday—it is a divine event that echoes throughout history. Its message of redemption, freedom, and God’s faithfulness still impacts the world to this very day.

As written in the Torah, the people of Israel celebrate Passover exactly as the Creator commanded. It is a time to remember, to rejoice, and to come together. At Sabra, we make every effort—year after year—to help needy families, their children, and Holocaust survivors celebrate this sacred holiday with dignity.

This year, the needs are greater than ever.

Many who once helped others are now the ones in need. The war has taken a heavy toll—husbands have been drafted, and their wives are struggling to manage work, children, and the emotional weight of uncertainty. Families that once stood strong are now quietly hinting that they cannot manage alone.

As someone who knows the cost of food in Israel, I can testify: even a basic holiday basket has become an impossible burden for many.

I usually do not ask. But today, I humbly become the voice for these families.

“Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will repay him for his deed.” (Proverbs 19:17)

If God has placed it in your heart to give, may He bless you abundantly. Your kindness brings light and hope into homes where sadness has tried to enter.

And even if you cannot give, please lift up a prayer—that we may help as many as possible.

“Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and that you bring the poor who are cast out to your house?” (Isaiah 58:7)

Together, with love, faith, and compassion, we can make this Passover a true celebration of redemption—not just in word, but in deed.

May the blessings of the Most High be upon you, your family, and your community.

From the House of Good Deeds (Sabra House), the Land of Zion, and the City of Jerusalem,

Your brother in Israel ,

Mordechai ben Yaakov

“Even to your old age and gray hairs I am He, I am He who will sustain you.” (Isaiah 46:4)

March 26, 2025

A Visit with Holocaust Survivors – Northern Israel

Today, our Sabra team had the privilege of visiting a Holocaust survivors’ club in the Haifa area. This was our first introductory meeting with survivors from the northern region, and we were received with heartfelt warmth and excitement.

The survivors sang songs in Yiddish—melodies from their childhoods that still echo in their souls. They also sang Hebrew songs, many of which were ancient prayers known throughout the Jewish world. The atmosphere was filled with emotion and remembrance.

On behalf of the Sabra team, I shared a blessing for a good and long life. I told them that after all they have endured, they are worthy of comfort, honor, and support—not only from future generations of Israelis but from believers around the world. Many people of faith feel a deep connection and responsibility to love, pray for, and give to these precious souls.

With openness and sincerity, I spoke to them about the strength found in faith in the Lord of the World. Faith is not only a memory from the past—it is the present source of power and healing.

Each survivor received a simple but meaningful gift: a warm pair of socks, hand-knitted by women of faith—each stitch infused with prayer and love.

As Passover approaches, we will do everything we can to ensure they can celebrate with dignity and joy—with a festive Seder meal and enough food for the entire week of the holiday.

One moment especially touched my heart: a 93-year-old survivor approached me with tears in her eyes. She told me she grew up on the knees of faith, but communism had stripped that away. Yet today, she felt it again—something awakened. The spark of faith is still alive.

May the blessings of the Most High be upon you, your family, and your community.

From the House of Good Deeds (Sabra House), the Land of Zion, and the City of Jerusalem,

Your brother in Israel,

Mordechai ben Yaakov

Update No. 40

“And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish Thou the work of our hands for us—yea, the work of our hands, establish Thou it.”(Psalm 90:17)

Purim Joy and Good Deeds Across the Land

Helping Children Celebrate the Miracle

As written in the Book of Esther (9:22), Purim is a time for “sending presents to one another and gifts to the poor.” Once again this year, thanks to your support, schools across the country were filled with joy, costumes, Megillah readings, and meaningful celebration. Beyond the festivities, Purim reminds us of God’s mighty salvation—a time when the decree of destruction was turned into a day of deliverance for the Jewish people.
You, our dear friends, make this possible by providing food, educational materials, and even classroom improvements all year round. This Purim, your gifts added joy to the children’s hearts. Visiting friends from around the world shared in their laughter and light.

A Joyful Celebration with Holocaust Survivors

At the Sabra House—the House of Good Deeds—we hosted a touching Purim party for Holocaust survivors. Though many of them are frail and in pain, their spirits lifted as we retold the story of Esther and celebrated God’s faithfulness. A gifted musician played for them, bringing smiles and even tears of joy. One elderly woman whispered with hope: “May we merit to celebrate next year as well.”
Each survivor received a hand-knitted gift—scarves and socks made with love and prayers by women in Finland and Germany. A beautiful gesture across generations and nations.

Supporting Families in Need

Hundreds of food packages were distributed to struggling families—packages filled with essentials, fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, and extra sweets for the holiday. Some of these families include children with disabilities. We continue to walk with them beyond the holidays, offering help and hope.

Strengthening Our Soldiers

The Home Front Command soldiers, tirelessly serving civilians near the northern border, also joined in a Purim celebration we helped organize. These brave men and women, often working in silence under fire, were able to laugh and enjoy for a brief moment—joined by our guests from Germany, who were deeply moved by the event.
We continue to support these soldiers, including lone soldiers, throughout the year.

May the blessings of the Most High be upon you, your family, and your community.

From the House of Good Deeds (Sabra House), the Land of Zion, and the City of Jerusalem,

Your brother in faith,

Mordechai ben Yaakov

Thursday, February 15, 2025

UPDATE 39

Trip in Germany

”But may all who take shelter in you be happy! May they continually shout for joy! Shelter them so that those who are loyal to you may rejoice!” Psalm 5:11

For almost 25 years I have been visiting churches all over the world. There were some places where they received me with a very warm welcome and with beaming faces. But there were also some places that received me with suspicion, but as far as I remember, I never needed police protection nor did I hide my identity as a Jew.

But this time it happened in Germany. It happened in some places where the leaders and elders of the congregations asked for it.

As a Jew and as an Israeli, I realized that something was changing in the world. It reminds me of how our identity as a nation, came out of slavery in Egypt, as well as during the Babylonian empire, the Greek empire, the Roman empire, the Ottoman empire and for the last 2000 years. Of course we cannot forget what happened 80 years ago. Praise GOD, HE established and renewed Israel again in this world for HIS glory.

Now in the 21^st  century, something happened again that no one expected and once again I had to hide my Jewish identity. However, I thank GOD that there are brothers and sisters who love the GOD of Israel, who stand with the Jewish people and the children of Israel. This makes me now understand better what is written in Ephesians 3:6 ….”namely, that through the gospel the Gentiles are fellow heirs, fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus.”

I want to thank you dear brothers and sisters, because you are the true light of the world, you are like a soul to this world, as the Lord said. This is the real preparation for the last days that will soon come.

I see you as stars shining in the darkness and you are true brothers and sisters in faith. For me as a Jew from second generation of holocaust survivor, I see things more keenly and I thank and praise our LORD that HE has instilled such faith in you and that you continue to walk in HIS way. So for that I want to say to my brothers and sisters in Germany, again thank you very much.

I will pray to the LORD GOD of my forefathers “keep them, protect them and bless their descendants as you have promised in Genesis 12:3 “I will bless those who bless you, but the one who treats you lightly I must curse, and all the families of the earth will be bless one another by your name”.

Blessed be HE and blessed be HIS great Name who keeps and fulfills HIS promises.

May the blessing of the Most High be upon you, your family and your congregation.

From the home of good deeds, and the land of Zion and the city of Jerusalem

Your brother in faith

Mordechai ben Yaakov

UNITY IS THE BEST PLACE TO BE !