I want a better life: “This is the thought that never left my mind”

December 3, 2006

Her husband was injured at work, and life became much worse. He was in the hospital for four months. The hospital didn’t have the right medication, and there was no money for whatever medication they did have. It was a year before the factory compensated them for the injury.

“From my grandmother, I heard a lot about anti-Semitism, but I always thought it to be just awful stories from her pre- and past-War life.” But then it happened to her when a neighbor threw a beer bottle at her, shouting “devil’s Jew, get out of here.” “Now I realized that it [anti-Semitism] is still real.”

One day, Natalya met a friend visiting from Israel. She had made aliyah and told Natalya what life was like in Israel. Natalya decided to secure the necessary documentation, but there was no money for the trip to the Israeli Consulate. She made contact with one of our representatives, and financial assistance was given for the trip, passports, and visas. Natalya writes, “We would like to thank everyone who took part in our repatriation. We are very grateful for all your love and care.”

Anti-Semitism Rising
Thousands more, like Natalya’s family, want to make aliyah to Israel. Many cannot make it without our assistance. Thanks to God and the wonderful provision from donors like you, Project Rescue has already rescued 26,923. Yet, the work is far from finished. Anti-Semitism is rising all over the world, making it more imperative for the Jewish people to make aliyah.

Many countries reported a dramatic increase during the recent war with Lebanon. “Cancel Israel” stickers appeared on London’s red double-decker buses. In September, the Executive Council of Australian Jewry reported the most anti-Semitic incidents since records began in 1945, especially on university campuses. The president of the Union of Jewish Students said, “A lot of students who would feel very comfortable wearing a kippah [head covering] or T-shirt with Hebrew words on it now feel they are being targeted as Jews – not supporters of Israel, but Jews.” In Canada, 15,000 showed up at a gathering under the flag of Hizbullah! Of all Eastern European countries and the Former Soviet Union (FSU), Russia is still experiencing the greatest anti-Semitism.

More Jewish people – especially the poor – want to make aliyah. In fact, wanting a better life than what their poor economies can provide is the chief reason why they want to leave, with anti-Semitism second. Pavlov of Kiev told us what it is like to live under the dark cloud of anti-Semitism. Everywhere he went in Ukraine, he was called “jid” – even by his literature teacher in the presence of all the students. “It was always shameful to [be] a Jew; these people always were guilty in everything and the worst people in the country.” When he entered a technical school, the teacher called him a mentally ill person, and he finally had to quit. Pavlov’s story is not from twenty or thirty years ago. This is happening all over Ukraine and other parts of Eastern Europe – today.

Bringing Them Home – A Difficult Process
As for the “fishers” who work to find the Jewish people, it is becoming increasingly hard to find them, especially in the smaller villages. Churches in these areas are needed to help provide volunteers, who will contact and educate the Jewish people about aliyah. The cost of travel is rising, and the fishers are having to be more careful, as the old style of government control is returning. They are also feeling Islamic influence growing.

Once the Jewish people decide to leave the country, life often gets more difficult. Yuri from Debaltsevo in Ukraine told us their family had to arrange for all the needed documents secretly, or they would have lost their jobs. In fact, many do, and our Project Rescue funds are often used to support them and pay bills until the aliyah process is completed. In Yuri’s case, as soon as his employer found out, they had to leave their apartment, as it was leased by the employer. They were even hassled by the government and had to make repeated trips for more and more documentation. The red tape and long lines seemed unending. Just before leaving Ukraine, he wrote, “I love you Israel. Very soon I will be your son. Thank you very much, my wonderful motherland. I am heading for you.”

Yuri – like so many from Eastern Europe and the FSU – may not know that his homecoming is the fulfillment of words spoken over two thousand years ago by the prophet Isaiah: “Bring My sons from afar, and My daughters from the ends of the earth – everyone who is called by My name, whom I have created for My glory; I have formed him, yes, I have made him” (43:6b–7).

Even though they may not know God or His promises, God knows them and is bringing them to their promised land for an appointment with Him.

Join us in praying for the fishers and consider helping us bring more of the precious Jewish people back to their “wonderful motherland,” Israel. It takes approximately US $300 to rescue one person, but any amount will help. In this way, you are not just reading God’s prophetic Word, but allowing God to use you to fulfill it.

Blessings from Jerusalem,
Rebecca J. Brimmer
International President and CEO

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