In the weeks leading up to Purim, the staff at CBN Israel were busy bringing traditional Purim gifts to Holocaust survivors and elderly people across the Jewish state, visiting them in their homes during the festive holiday. This is all thanks to the generosity of caring people like you.
Purim commemorates the story of Esther and celebrates the miraculous survival of the Jewish people who were slated for annihilation. Israelis celebrate by dressing in costumes and bringing gifts to family and friends.
The CBN Israel packages were catered to their elderly recipients. Instead of candy and other sweets, the gift packages contained a warm blanket, tea, dried fruits, nutritious food, and also the traditional Purim cookies, Hamantaschen (Haman’s ears!).
And the CBN Israel outreach involved more than just gifts. Staff members personally delivered the packages to the homes of Holocaust survivors in the north and in the Jerusalem area.
“They were so happy to receive the gifts, not because of the gifts—they are hungry for company. They wanted to make us tea and to talk,” said Yulia, a CBN Israel project manager.
“One man cried so much because he was so happy to have visitors,” Yulia said.
Many of the survivors, who were children at the time of the Holocaust, recounted their stories of loss and survival during those dark days. One couple, who are both 92 years old now, met in the third grade after having survived a concentration camp in Ukraine. They have been together ever since.
“This outreach was just the beginning of building long-term relationships and support from CBN Israel for these people in need,” Yulia said. “The personal touch of visiting these people met another critical need beyond the Purim gift.”
And your gifts to CBN Israel can be a godsend to so many who are struggling to survive. You can be there for new immigrants, single moms, Holocaust survivors, war victims and more—offering help and hope.
The war in Israel has brought a host of challenges throughout the Holy Land. Your support can reach out to those in need with hot meals, groceries, finances, housing, and essentials.
Please help us extend a lifeline of compassion today!
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