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Hope in Difficult Times

June 17, 2024

For the past nine months, Israel has fought a war on multiple fronts: Hamas in the south, Hezbollah in the north, Islamic Jihad militants in Judea and Samaria and the ever-present threat from the mullahs [Muslim clergy] of Iran, who no doubt are planning their next attack. It is evident that Israel is facing one of the most challenging periods in recent history. In northern Israel, close to the Lebanese border, entire communities have been evacuated. Families who once enjoyed peace and security are now scattered, seeking refuge wherever they can find it. Schools are closed, businesses shuttered, and the agricultural sector—so vital to the region’s economy—is in disarray. The relentless attacks have created an environment of fear and instability, forcing over 100,000 people to flee their homes and disrupting the daily lives of many more.

No End in Sight

Recent reports indicate that Hezbollah has significantly increased its attacks, launching hundreds of rockets and explosive drones into northern Israel. Last month, in one of the heaviest barrages, over 200 Hezbollah rockets were fired at northern Israel in a single day, while in another incident rockets ignited wildfires destroying 2,500 acres of forest and threatening 10 villages. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have responded with airstrikes, but the danger remains ever-present, with no end in sight. The emotional and psychological toll on the displaced individuals is immense, as the constant threat of rocket fire and explosive drones shatters any semblance of normalcy.

Amid this unfolding chaos, Bridges for Peace continues to provide critical support to communities in northern Israel: Avivim, Karmiel, Kiryat Shmona, Nahariya and Maalot Tarshiha. Our organization has a long-standing commitment to these Israeli communities, and in these times of heightened need our efforts are more crucial than ever. For many, our deliveries are a beacon of hope, providing not just physical sustenance but also a sense of solidarity and support. Beyond food assistance, we also offer financial aid to help displaced families cover basic expenses. With incomes disrupted and the cost of living rising, this support is vital. It allows families to pay for rent, utilities, trauma counselling and other necessities and helps them maintain some stability during these turbulent times.

The Need is Great

We are being flooded with additional requests from displaced communities who are seeking immediate assistance through our food program, which has become a lifeline for many displaced families. An emergency food bank has been established in Katzrin in the Golan Heights to assist displaced families in the region who have no means to sustain themselves due to the ongoing war. Liach Tubi, the coordinator of the fledgling food bank, sent an urgent request to our team in Jerusalem asking if Bridges for Peace could provide much-needed food to stock their shelves.

Another pressing request came from a group home in northern Israel where victims of post-traumatic stress disorder come to stay for immersive counseling and trauma therapy. Due to deteriorating mental health these individuals can no longer live in their homes and need round-the-clock observation. The director of the facility reached out to us asking if we could please provide food for their cafeteria so that daily hot meals can be prepared for the residents of the home.

Our fervent desire is to answer these requests with a resounding “yes,” but unfortunately the financial reserves in our food program are depleted. We desperately need a boost of funds to the Food Project in order to meet these additional requests. The need is immense, and we cannot do this alone. We urgently need your help to continue and expand our efforts. Your generous donation will directly support our food program, ensuring that displaced Israelis receive the sustenance they need to survive and those traumatized by war receive the necessary treatment to rebuild their lives.

We NEED Your Help

Bridges for Peace operates one of the only Christian food banks in Israel, and it is only by the grace of God and the donations of faithful Christians that for so many years we have been able to fulfill the mandate of Jesus laid out in Matthew 25. And now in this time of need, we call out to you, our faithful supporters to step into the gap. Please consider making a generous donation to the Food Project today.

Your gift, no matter the size, will make a profound difference in the lives of those affected by this conflict. Your support is more than just a financial contribution; it is a message of solidarity and compassion. It is a testament to the enduring bond between Christians and Jews and the power of community in times of crisis. Together, we can stand with Israel, offering practical assistance and a beacon of hope in these dark times.

Thank you for your continued support and prayers. In these challenging times, your generosity and compassion are a source of strength and hope for many Israelis. Through your act of love and tangible support, Bridges for Peace is conveying a message of hope to the people of Israel in this troubled time.

 

With heartfelt gratitude,
Rev. Peter Fast
International CEO

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