What does war relief look like in Israel

It’s been more than 100 days since Hamas brutally attacked southern Israel on a Shabbat morning. It’s been more than 100 days of Israel fighting to root Hamas out of Gaza. More than 100 hostages have marked 100 days in captivity, their families unsure of their wellbeing or if they are even alive. Gaza civilians have suffered loss, death, and displacement for more than 100 days.

Our colleagues at CMJ Israel are working hard to minister the love of Yeshua in this tragic time. We are grateful for how you have come alongside to support this crucial work. Here is a sample of how your gifts to Israel War Relief are being used.

CMJ Israel is doing ministry from its three centers: Christ Church Jerusalem, Beit Immanuel in Tel Aviv, and Beit Bracha in the Galilee.

Archival photo of Christmas Eve Open House in Jerusalem

• The Christ Church Mercy Fund helps those in Jerusalem who “fall between the cracks” and can’t get help from their governments or other NGOs. The need in this area has only increased during the war. Examples of Mercy Fund ministry include:
  
  
• PELES - Mercy Fund Legal Team - Three full-time lawyers (all believers) offer pro-bono legal aid for the poor, new immigrants, victims of domestic violence, and most recently for bereaved families who are having a hard time collecting benefits from Israel’s social security administration due to red tape and other difficulties. Most recently, a PELES lawyer created and maintains a website that reminds the Ministry of Defense and social security administration of their legal obligations to bereaved families. 
  
  
• Ethiopian Community Economic Relief Initiative - This project provides food as well as Hebrew language education to Ethiopian Jews struggling to integrate into Israeli society. It serves Ethiopian Messianic congregations as well as Ethiopians Jews who do not believe in Jesus.
  
  
• Other Mercy Fund projects in process or planned for the future:
  
  
• School supplies and electronic tablets for students throughout Israel.
  
  
• Food for Christian Families in Bethlehem.
  
  
• Food baskets and home visits to elderly in Old City Jerusalem. 
  
  
• Food baskets/blankets/heating bills for Domari (Gypsies).
  
  
• Hebrew Lessons for Arab women in Jerusalem promoting reconciliation and bridge building.
  
  
• Looking for opportunity to provide for Christians in Gaza, especially scholarships for children at Christian schools as well as mattresses, household items, furniture for Gaza Christians who lost homes and possessions.

• Beit Bracha in the Galilee has been housing peoples displaced by the war as well Christian ministers and IDF soldiers seeking rest.
  
  
• Beit Immanuel in Tel Aviv has housed peoples displaced by the war. 
  
  
• It also has the only public bomb shelter in the neighborhood, so it has been offering shelter to neighbors as Hamas continues to fire rockets at Tel Aviv.
  
  
• It also hosted ‘Singing the Psalms’ concerts offering comfort and consolation. They were well attended and appreciated by Israelis.

Please pray that the LORD would continue to provide for these and still arising needs. Pray also that the LORD would strengthen and refresh the laborers, for they are few.

Is the LORD calling you to give?

Is the LORD calling you to volunteer your time? Volunteer in Israel for a week or for a year.