Blessing Israel Together

  Few words are as well-known to Israelis as the lyrics of Hatikvah, meaning “The Hope”.  I am always touched when the anthem is played and especially the word “hope” that so powerfully moves me. When looking into the reality of today in Israel, we have to admit that there is a large group of people living with less or even no hope. READ MORE . . . 

Soccer shoes have arrived in Israel for all those young people who have wanted to play soccer but didn’t have money for the sport shoes with cleats on the bottom.  It’s the difference between playing soccer after school in the after-school program, or staying home.   READ MORE . . . 

  South of Tel Aviv five miles lies the huge Israeli city of Rishon LeZion.  Rishon LeZion means “First to Zion” and was founded in 1882 by immigrants from the Russian empire in the first major aliyah to Israel.  READ MORE. . .  

  15,900 persons per sq.km live in Bat Yam and the total population is around 160,000, so it’s a relatively small city.  Soviet/Russian immigrants make up nearly 30 percent of the population.  It has been a city that has struggled over the years with poverty. READ MORE. . . 

  This is an aid center in Nof HaGalil.  Along with the standard new and second-hand clothing, it contains shoes and household items. If there will be no immigrants continuing to flow into Israel, there will be less demand at these aid centers. That scenario does not look promising, though, and we expect the reverse in the coming years.  READ MORE . . . 

  Israel Relief Aid got in an unusual item: new soccer shoes (with the cleats under them for playing on grass) !   If you are a kid living under the poverty line and want to play after-school soccer with the rest of the kids, you are going to have to come to practice with these special soccer shoes with the cleats (that you’ve paid for). READ MORE...

  One of our staff took the opportunity to set up a “Free” table in the Sderot shuk and give away clothing and adult diapers to Israelis in need. All of you made it possible! Read more...