A Drop of Light from Zion
Another Year, Another Life, Another Hope for Holocaust Survivors
Shalom and blessings, beloved friends around the world—lovers of the God of Israel and the people of Israel.
On September 19, 2025, in the city of Nof HaGalil, a special event was held for Holocaust survivors, organized by the Sabra team and its volunteers.
The days before Rosh Hashanah, the Feast of Trumpets, remind us of the heartfelt cry of King David:
“Cast me not off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength faileth.” (Psalm 71:9, KJV)
In these sacred days, we were given a special privilege: the Sabra team and its volunteers were asked by the Municipality of Nof HaGalil to organize a festive event for Holocaust survivors in the city. The coordinator of the group, himself elderly and weary, asked us to help—and we responded with hearts full of love.
The event was held in full cooperation with the municipality. The Sabra team prepared tables filled with food, pastries, and drinks, and every survivor received a beautiful gift basket containing apples, a pomegranate, a jar of honey, sweet wine for Kiddush, and a greeting card for the New Year—also in your name, our beloved brothers and sisters around the world.
A group of survivors from the nearby city of Migdal HaEmek asked to join as well, and so the circle of light and joy expanded. The event was graced with greetings from city officials, a national activist for Holocaust survivors, and myself—representing Sabra and you, our dear believing friends around the world.
The words of the survivors touched us deeply. “We have never received such care before”—so many of them said.
One of the most moving moments was when Ida, a Holocaust survivor, 90 years old, disabled and frail, managed to attend despite her hardships. With tears in her eyes she said: “I have not left my home all year, and today—thanks to you—I feel younger by one year. The word ‘thank you’ is too small to explain my feelings. Tell all your friends that they are now also my friends.”
Here we see the power of the Holy Spirit through the wisest of men:
“Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days.” (Ecclesiastes 11:1, KJV)
What we sow here and now—an investment of love, compassion, and honor—is recorded in heaven for our merit. The day will come when we will see its fruit, both in this world and in the world to come. This event is living proof: every smile, every gift basket, every kind word—are seeds of light that bear fruit.
And you, the believers around the world, partners in this holy work—through your prayers, encouragement, helping hand, and contributions—you are full partners. Every blessing and every tear of joy from the Holocaust survivors is written also in your account before God.
Prayer:
Our Father in heaven, faithful to His people in every generation, we pray before You: grant strength and health to the Holocaust survivors, fill their loneliness with peace and joy, and bless them with more years of dignity, hope, and love. May it be Your will that we always sound the trumpet of mercy and kindness—in Israel and across the world. Amen.
May the New Year be for you a year of love, health, and joy. Just as the Holocaust survivors were uplifted by the light upon our faces—so may you, our dear brother and sister, see new light in your life and know that you are a faithful partner in this holy work of mercy.
From the House of Good Deeds (Sabra House), the Land of Zion, and the City of Jerusalem,
Your brother in Israel,
Mordechai ben Yaakov
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