Iran has relentlessly pounded Israel with rocket barrages. Beit Shemesh, near Jerusalem, has been the site of repeated strikes. Last week, nine people were killed, and a synagogue and bomb shelter were hit and damaged.
This week, our President and Global CEO, Yael Eckstein, and a team from The Fellowship traveled to Beit Shemesh to survey the damage and assist affected residents. Many Fellowship beneficiaries—both elderly individuals and families—live in this area.
Yael and Fellowship staff first visited the sites of the rocket attacks from the previous week, including the synagogue, where scattered and burned pages from prayer books littered the floor among the debris. Fellowship staff were joined by partners from Lev Echad (“One Heart”) as they spoke with and met members of the community. One of their stops was an elderly hostel, where they delivered hot meals and food boxes for the residents.
Staff also visited beneficiaries of the With Dignity and Fellowship Program—91-year-old Maria and 88-year-old Bronya. Maria lives with her son, Moshe, who shared how she was unable to reach the shelter when the sirens sounded. Her caregiver quickly placed her in a wheelchair in the innermost room and covered her for protection. Iranian rockets struck nearby, shattering windows and shaking the building, but Maria was unharmed. Moshe said it was God’s perfect timing and faith that kept her alive.
While staff were visiting Bronya, a siren sounded, and they helped her reach the shelter, something that is difficult for her to do on her own.
The final two visits were to the apartment of 94-year-old Holocaust survivor Ksenya and to the home of Alona and Sergii and their family. The Fellowship had visited both households during Hanukkah and provided holiday gifts. Ksenya relies on an oxygen tank, and the intense stress of living under the threat of Iranian rocket attacks has worsened her breathing. Staff brought her food boxes, hot meals, and a 500-shekel grocery card. Alona and Sergii also received food boxes, along with baby supplies for their youngest child.
In the aftermath of attacks like these, Israeli communities such as Beit Shemesh reach out for help. The Fellowship does not waste a moment in responding, especially when so many of our beneficiaries and others who depend on our support need it most.
“They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations” (Isaiah 61:4).
