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On Every Side

August 23, 2021

There are times when everything seems to break down at once. That is how it seems in Israel as we receive multiple requests for help from one end of the country to the other. The 18+ months of pandemic have stretched the finances of many towns, institutions and families to a breaking point. I am convinced that God has a heart to help each of them and that Bridges for Peace is acting as His hands and feet reaching out with love to encourage and meet practical needs. Let me share some of those needs.

Bomb Shelters

In the aftermath of the recent conflict in which Gaza fired over 4,000 rockets toward Israel, two towns have come to us asking for help to build bomb shelters. In fact, many communities are underprepared and need assistance. To provide protection for Israeli families, donate to our Crisis Assistance Fund.

Bnei Menashe

The spread of the pandemic in India has placed the remaining members of the Bnei Menashe (Sons of Manasseh—one of the 12 tribes) community at increased risk. Many have lost their jobs, and hunger is a new problem. The next group is scheduled to arrive in Israel in October. Between now and then, they need food. We are partnering with Rabbi Michael Freund and Shavei Israel (Return Israel) to bring them home, welcome them and provide 100-pound (45-kg) bags of rice to those who are waiting to come. Since only 250 come at a time, many families will need food assistance for the foreseeable future. Donate to our New Immigrant Fund to help these families.

Rosh HaShanah (Jewish New Year)

The fall holiday season is in September. For many years we have tried to give extra during this time, as we know the costs of entertaining and buying specialty foods are high. Our team is working now to prepare special holiday food packages for thousands of needy Israelis, including Holocaust survivors, children, widows and new immigrants. This is in addition to the regular food supplies given to over 22,000 each month. To help put food on the table, please give to our Food Project.

Relief from the Summer Heat

This summer has been very hot. We received a call for assistance from the town of Beit Shean—home to amazing ancient ruins and also one of the hottest towns in Israel. Their request? Fans for needy immigrants, including many of the Bnei Menashe. I am happy to tell you that 200 fans are on the way as I write. To provide relief from the scorching summer heat, please donate to our Immigrant Welcome Gifts fund.

Appliances

Did you ever have your washing machine and refrigerator die in the same week? It undoubtedly stretched your budget. What do you do when your budget doesn’t even allow you to buy enough food for your family? This is the situation of several needy families in Or Yehuda. They reached out to their mayor, who contacted us. Yes, we bought appliances this month for all of them. To help meet desperate needs, please donate to our Crisis Assistance Fund.

Bridges for Peace Answers their Calls

Even people who regularly receive aid from us are letting us know how much they appreciate our help and are asking if there is any way we can do more. We are making new friends as well. In the last month we have added four towns to our Adopt an Israeli Town program. Now we are finding out about their special needs and requests. To help meet these needs, please donate to the Adopt an Israeli Town program.

In each instance we have been here to receive the calls and to show God’s love through meeting these very practical needs. It was only possible because of your generous support. Every day we get more calls. With God’s provision, we will continue to bless Israel practically from Dan to Beersheva (far north to far south). Your gift to these projects is an investment into the Kingdom of God and His purposes for Israel. Choose your favorite project or give to our Israel Greatest Need fund. Please know that we continue to pray for you, that God will bless your health and your finances.

“And let our people also learn to maintain good works, to meet urgent needs, that they may not be unfruitful” (Titus 3:14).

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