By Laurina Driesse

Despite the frequent dashes to find shelter from incoming Iranian missiles, the ICEJ AID team delivered with joy Passover gifts and food vouchers to hundreds of Jewish families in need across Israel over the past few weeks. Some families were even surprised that Christians are thinking of them during this tense time of war. These holiday deliveries not only provided practical support but also were a powerful reminder that they are not forgotten.

Thanks to the incredible support of our donors worldwide, some 400 Israeli households in Ashkelon, Ashdod, Netanya, Mateh Yehuda, Ma’ale Adumim and other towns will welcome this Passover season with renewed hope and the witness of God’s provision at their Pesach Seder tables.

In Ashkelon, the ICEJ was graciously welcomed by Elena, who immigrated to Israel from Belarus ten years ago. As a single mother, she is raising her lively five-year-old son while working as a caregiver. Despite her own challenges, she radiates warmth and a strong desire to help others. Receiving the Passover gifts touched her deeply, she responded with a spontaneous, heartfelt hug to express her thanks! 

Nearby, Irina, who moved to Israel from Kyiv over 20 years ago, expressed her gratitude alongside her friend Marina. She also has a son who brings her great joy. Although other family members remain in Ukraine, she stays in close contact with them and cares about their well-being. During this Passover season, the Christian Embassy’s support reminded both women that they are seen and cared for.

Meanwhile, the team visited another lady also named Elena who is confined to a wheelchair and lives alone. She has been disabled for seven years and has a son living in Sderot. Despite facing daily challenges, she does so with admirable strength and dignity. Elena was eager to learn more about the beautiful Passover card and gift she received.

“There are people like you who care for me, driving from Jerusalem during this war?” she said with amazement. “We don’t take that for granted. Thank you!”  

Elsewhere, Alla was still in a bit of discomfort from a visit to the dentist, but she insisted on offering the AID team some chocolates in return for the gift she received that so brightened her day.

“You are my heroes”, exclaimed 95-year-old Holocaust survivor Eva, upon seeing the ICEJ team arrive. “You dared to drive when missiles are flying all over this country, which shows your courage.”

Eva said that the visit distracted her from worrying about her children and grandchildren. While enjoying a cup of tea, Eva shared her wisdom.

“Every day is a gift. Embrace it as it will not come back,” she said. “The gift you brought me today is not just a present. It is a heartfelt box of love that truly shows how much you care. With the rise of antisemitism in the world, it warms my heart knowing that we have friends in the ICEJ who stand with us and support us.”

In Ashdod, social worker Ram described the motivation for doing his work simply as a “mission”. Being responsible for 400 families, he witnesses daily the growing need for social welfare support. He estimates that 15% of Ashdod’s population (45,000 out of around 300,000 residents) receives government assistance.

“I could not do this work without the ICEJ. We are together in it,” Ram insisted.

One such resident, Rafi, is undergoing cancer treatment and recently lost his mother. Despite his hardships, he warmly greeted the team with a radiant smile. Even when the red-alert siren interrupted the visit, sending everyone down two flights of stairs to a bomb shelter, Rafi maintained his humour and concern for others, checking on neighbours and reassuring everyone. With no elevator in the building, Rafi uses his walker to get downstairs and jokes that he has gotten good practice with all these sirens.

“The work that ICEJ does, everyone should hear about it,” Rafi said. “Your presence here is so important, as well as defending Israel in the nations… Thank you for being here with us.”

In another home, we met Rachel, a mother of six children aged between eight and 19, living in cramped conditions in a small apartment. She shared the emotional burden of raising them during wartime. Upon entering the apartment, we saw mattresses filling the living room. The ICEJ team heard how the children sleep there, while her father sleeps in his own room, and she and her husband sleep in another small space. With limited resources for online schooling and a daughter in trauma therapy, Rachel’s days are full of challenges. The ICEJ team’s visit, and recognition of her sacrifices, moved her to tears as she received the Passover gift. Upon leaving, the ICEJ staff encouraged her that when the sirens sound, she should remember to pray Psalm 121 – as God indeed watches over Israel.

The ICEJ team also visited Malka and her husband, who made Aliyah 20 years ago from Iran. Four of her seven children live in Israel, but Malka was deeply concerned because three of her children are still in Tehran and have not been able to make Aliyah. She has not had contact with them for over a month. The ICEJ’s visit was a brief distraction for her, however, her thoughts kept drifting back to “my children, my children”, she softly repeated. Malka shared that she believes God is her strength and refuge during difficult times, and this faith keeps her going despite the uncertainty about her children’s future.

Traveling up the coast to Netanya, the effects of war were particularly noticeable. Many disadvantaged families hesitate to leave their homes to visit the local social welfare office, and single parents face the added challenge of managing their children’s remote schooling. Heidi, a social worker, expressed heartfelt appreciation for the ICEJ’s dedication to delivering the Passover gifts.

“Thank you, ICEJ, for helping our families celebrate Pesach even amid these challenges”, said Heidi.

Further encounters revealed similar stories of difficulties yet resilience. In Ma’ale Adumim, an Ethiopian mother of five named Malonesh spoke about the importance of community for survival. Despite her own health struggles and having to run to a neighbouring building for shelter when the sirens sound, she focuses on helping others.

She, too, was grateful for the Passover gift, describing it as “so beautiful in a box with olive oil, wine, and other items, plus a gift card to buy groceries for Pesach”.

In this season of remembering God’s mighty deliverance and His faithful provision in the Wilderness, the ICEJ’s Passover gifts remind each of these struggling Jewish families that amid the war, fear and hardship, Christians around the world remember and care for them.

Please consider being part of our timely, impactful efforts to give hope and better future to needy Israeli families. Donate today.

Main photo: ICEJ Staff comfort Jewish immigrant Malka during their Passover gift delivery.