Passover—the holiday celebrating the Jewish people’s Exodus from Egypt and God’s sacred promise to deliver His people from slavery—is just a week away. Across Israel, families will soon gather around their seder tables, even as the fog of war lingers.
This week, our President and Global CEO, Yael Eckstein, along with Fellowship volunteers, went to the Meir Panim soup kitchen in Tiberias to prepare emergency food boxes for families and the elderly in northern Israel. These boxes were packed with essential items needed to observe Passover, including matzah and other staples. The volunteers’ work didn’t end once the boxes were sealed—they also helped distribute and deliver them.
Yael said, “These boxes are full and they go directly to the people who need it most–to bring them light within the darkness and tell them that Christians around the word haven’t forgotten them. What I’ve seen is that more people have come this year than ever before. And it’s not only elderly, it’s also young mothers and fathers, children that are waiting for the food box for Passover.”
While handing out food boxes at the soup kitchen, Yael met Israel, 95, and his 90-year-old wife, Lola. They struggled to carry their box back to their vehicle. Israel shared that since the war began, they have left their home no more than four times to get food and other essentials. This reflects a broader reality for many elderly people across Israel—they are going out less as attacks from Iran and its terror proxies continue.
“What can I say? Thank you, and I bless all of them all the time,” said Israel.
“The soup kitchen for me,” said Martine, a Fellowship volunteer from London, “Is an integral part of the community. It fills a gap for people. It saves lives, and I feel so blessed to be a part of it. It’s the love others, it’s a trust in God, and it’s for the betterment of others and the betterment of society, really.”
Because of the war, the needs are greater than ever, and more people are suffering. Passover is a celebration of freedom and the end of suffering through God’s deliverance. As this sacred holiday approaches, The Fellowship and our donors are helping lift people out of hardship with dignity and hope.
“Celebrate the Festival of Unleavened Bread; for seven days eat bread made without yeast, as I commanded you. Do this at the appointed time in the month of Aviv, for in that month you came out of Egypt. No one is to appear before me empty-handed” (Exodus 23:15).
