Shalom dear friends of SABRA
Here’s a summary of the recent and continuing work completed by SABRA along with all of you, our supporters, over the last few months.
Help for Holocaust Survivors
“Do not cast me away at the time of my old age; do not abandon me when my strength fails.” (Ps. 71:9)
SABRA Fund continues to support Holocaust survivors.
- We are purchasing medical equipment and medicines
- We also drive them to medical appointments when needed
- Taking them food and warm clothing
- Buying them heaters to keep out the winter chill.
- We supply warm socks that are hand-knitted by wonderful volunteers.
- On their birthdays we happily visit these special people, giving them a bunch of flowers, a birthday card, and some specially chosen edible treat.
- We ensure regular visits to their homes: – some in their own flats, others who are in assisted-living homes, and still others who are in the hospital due to poor health.
We convey to each of them, how much you care about them, which you show in your ongoing prayers and generous donations. They are filled with gratitude and appreciation; many of them have asked us to inform you of their thankfulness.
Our relationship with these elderly folk is close and personal. We’ve come to see them like members of our own families. They feel the same way, often calling our office administrator, Lana. They want to communicate/chat with someone, they tell her about their back pain, a bad dream or of a neighbour who bothers them, or a pressing problem in their flat. It’s extremely important that they have someone to turn to, and it’s a joy for us at SABRA to be that “someone”.
Help for Schools
“I and the children whom the LORD has given me…” (Isa. 8:18)
SABRA continues to help the disadvantaged, both at the day schools and boarding schools located in the area of Afula and on the Gaza border. This help is expressed in a few ways:
- Supplying the children with prepared warm food during school days (five times a week)
- Purchasing school supplies to provide these kids with opportunities equal to their peers in the rest of Israel
- Renovating the school premises and environment with new furnishings appropriate for modern classrooms.
- Improving the play areas, so that the children can enjoy their study breaks and leisure time in a healthy way.
When holidays are approaching, we organize celebrations at their schools, we are teaching them about the roots of their Jewish identity from the Bible; ensuring they know the real meaning of the Feast of Trumpets – Sukkot, Hanukkah, Purim, Passover (due to arrive this month) and Shavuot.
Annual Bible Quiz
April-May is the season of Israel’s annual Bible Quiz (Hidon Ha-Tanach) for the youth of the nation. This is an Israel invention dating back to 1963 under Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion. Each town conducts a local competition for schoolchildren in grades 6-12. The winners from each location have the option to compete for the national title. An international version also takes place in Jerusalem on Israel’s Independence Day. This event is broadcast live on Israeli TV. To prepare for this event, Jewish children aged 14-18 attend a special week-long Bible Camp; in 2023, twenty different countries were represented.
It is noteworthy that this tradition can be considered revolutionary in today’s world, which sees the Bible as an outdated book with little value beyond a bit of ancient history (at best). Increasing numbers of “intellectuals” are claiming that it’s a collection of unfounded myths, or even that it has a harmful influence on humanity. (There are countries where Bibles are forbidden.)
Believers in the Book of books know why for young people the National Bible competition is a great motivator by encouraging Israeli children to read the Tanach. It forms the foundation of our people’s existence and our presence in the Land of Zion, testifying of GOD’s unfailing promises, some of which were fulfilled when we returned to the Land after 2000 years of exile; others still waiting to be fulfilled.
Learning about the prophecies handed down by our people encourages the children to pray to their Creator, with the assurance that He hears and He answers. SABRA represents all supporters, and encouragers worldwide who love the Land of Israel, to fully back this wonderful Israeli tradition.
Help for Israel’s soldiers in ‘high-risk’ areas
“It is the time of Jacob’s distress; yet he will be saved from it.” (Jer. 30:7)
It’s unbelievable that after 75 years, Israel is still fighting for its life. Most of us vividly remember last October 7 as a nightmare that could not be fully grasped as possible in the 21st century. Hamas invaded the Jewish state after two years of careful planning. In one day, they systematically massacred over 1,200 civilians on our soil engaging in rape, mutilation, and other sadistic acts. Incomprehensibly they filmed it all; proudly showing it to the world. The shock and outrage were initially shared by many nations in the world, seemingly standing by Israel’s side. However, that global support soon faded once Israel began to take action against their brutal perpetrators.
Today, only six months later, very few seem to remember the horror of that day – along with the fact that over 100 Israeli hostages (many of whom may now be dead) are still being held by our heartless enemies. Each one of these acts is an undisputed war crime. But the world looks away.
The UN pays lip service to “the plight of the hostages”…not making any demands on the International Red Cross to visit the hostages and it’s clear that this so called ’humanitarian organization’ has not made any effort to check on the condition of the hostages as required by international law; they should be prosecuted!
After six months and mountains of evidence, the International women’s rights organizations have yet to denounce the abuse of Israeli women by Hamas. Instead, with absolutely no evidence, beyond Hamas’ erroneous claims, these global groups are accusing Israeli soldiers of the very same acts which Hamas committed!
Think what our brave men and women in uniform are feeling as they are risk their lives not only to protect Israeli citizens, but also to avoid harming the civilians in Gaza. It is becoming widely known that Military experts have expressed admiration for the low rate of civilian casualties compared to other wars with armed combatants throughout history. But global media buries that assessment and historical facts by pushing nonstop rumors of ‘IDF atrocities’ reported by sources working for Iran and Qatar.
Lone Soldiers
Those serving in the IDF without families in Israel are especially vulnerable to discouragement and loneliness. Likewise those assigned to guard the civilians who decided to stay in Israel’s northern towns; despite the danger from incoming Hezbollah missiles are also alone, bravely protecting these towns. Not many people outside Israel are aware that both Arab and Jewish citizens are among the residents of the North; both are also among the soldiers faithfully serving our country.
Thanks to the generous help and continual prayers of our friends, who love Israel, SABRA are helping Israel’s soldiers (both Arab and Jewish) through this difficult time by doing the following:-
- Taking them warm clothing, cooking equipment, and other items that make their military service easier.
- Purchasing a defensive, lifesaving machine in coordination with the IDF.
- Helping them with their traditional celebrations while being away from home – feasts like Purim and Hanukkah
- With great care and love we supplied them with holiday treats to show our gratitude for their service.
The soldiers we encountered are full of appreciation and thanks. For some of them, it was the first time they had received help from lovers of Israel who live outside the country.
Help for needy families
“Is this not the fast that I choose… to break your bread with the hungry…?” (Isa. 58:6-8) Our support for the poor in our area continues. Weekly we supply a package of food items, which are delivered near the end of the week. This package includes high-priced items like meat and fish, along with canned goods, and something sweet for the children.
Passover – the holiday of freedom
“The LORD’s Passover shall be on the fourteenth day of the first month. On the fifteenth day of this month there shall be a feast; unleavened bread shall be eaten for seven days.” (Num. 28:16-17)
When all the family is gathered around the Passover holiday table, both young and old take part in reciting the great miracles our forefathers saw in Egypt, remembering the mighty acts of GOD in bringing our people out of bondage and recalling His faithfulness to us through the desert journey until we arrived in the Promised Land. I don’t need to explain to Bible believers how important it is for the Jewish people to observe this Feast each year at the appointed time.
With the rising cost of food in Israel, we want to make it as easy as possible, for as many individuals – as many as we can help – to celebrate Passover properly. Not surprisingly, the number of families requesting food aid this year is higher than last year.
We are hoping to be able to answer the requests of 500 families this Passover. A package of food for one person for the seven days of Passover costs NIS 150 (around USD 40); for a family of three, the cost is NIS 350 (around USD 95). Every contribution of any size will be received with gratitude by those who receive it.
May the blessings of the Most High be upon you, family and community. From the House of Good Deeds, in the Land of Zion and the city of Jerusalem.
Your brother in faith,
Mordechai ben Yaakov
