Current ICEJ AID Requests

ICEJ AID helps feed those in need

ICEJ AID helps the youth of S'derot

S’derot is a town of about 24,000 people. It sits less than a mile from the border of the Gaza strip. This impoverished Negev town has become the frontline in an ongoing war. For almost every day for 7 years, it has constantly been the recipient of Kassam rockets. When the warning siren is sounded it is sometimes only 15 seconds before a missile hits the town or nearby area. A number of residents including children and youth have already been killed and even more have been wounded.
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Along with the unbelievable tension of the daily threat of attacks, the economically depressed town has to deal with some social problems as well. Youth that have grown up in a family with difficult financial circumstances, or are new immigrants struggling to adapt to another culture, often become youth who may make the wrong choices.

Keren Orr (Foundation of Light) brings, like its name, lots of light to these youth. It is the name of a club established by the Department of the S’derot Social Services. A warm, loving environment offers help and security. It is another home for those troubled teens. The young people are given help with studies, and participate in group activities. "Keren Orr is my first home and where I sleep is my second," says one of the many teenagers who have broken away from a self destructive life style.

There are more young people in S’derot who also need the friendship, support and opportunities offered by Keren Orr but cannot be accommodated in their currently cramped rooms. Therefore, they plan to add another floor in order to accept more troubled youngsters, and are currently waiting for permits from the municipality to begin building. They have an extra expense to consider. A rocket proof covering is needed. At the moment, when the siren sounds 50 fearful teenagers must run down the stairs in the 15 seconds they have before the missile lands. Recently one was very close, shattering windows of their Centre – and the nerves of adults and youth alike!

ICEJ AID has a warm relationship with this program and has set a goal of providing $50,000 towards the building extension.

Click here to donate – please write in comment box 'S'derot Youth'.

Adopt a Holocaust Survivor

The holocaust which murdered 6 million Jews also left broken survivors whose memories were haunted forever by unspeakable horrors. This aging population is decreasing and those left deserve to die in dignity and surrounded by care. Sadly this has not always been the case. In 2007 it was revealed that many of these precious people have somehow entered old age alone and neglected, and suffering from deprivation of basic needs.

ICEJ Aid began a partnership with L'Chaim, (To Life), a wonderfully caring organization based in the north of the country. The needs of individual survivors were quickly discovered by them and an appeal went out for funding to provide medications, food, house repairs, and other needs. This was accompanied by a program of practical assistance and companionship provided on a regular basis by students of the nearby Pre Military Academy. Through ICEJ Aid, several survivors have been 'adopted' in order to have their needs guaranteed.

As a young child in Europe, Hadassah endured being buried in a cemetery by night and living off scraps of bread to survive being captured by the Nazis. In her old age and with many medical problems, her economic situation meant she had to decide to buy food, or important medication. However through the ICEJ Aid’s Adoption Program, she now has her basic needs provided and can live a little more securely. This financial support combined with regular visits and friendship from the Israeli organization with which ICEJ has partnered, is a tremendous encouragement and comfort to her.

There are many survivors like Hadassah who need someone to care for them. But time is running out for this aging precious group of people. Please consider adopting one of them today.

For $200 per month you can help provide for their basic needs of food, utility bills and medication. A minimum 6 month commitment would be appreciated. A one time gift will also help a survivor. This will go towards urgent repair and maintenance bills.

To arrange for your regular donation, please write to: icejaid@icej.org.

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