"
Whoever saves one soul, it is as if he has saved an entire world"
(Sanhedrin chapter 4: 5)
EMERGENCY
APPEAL!!
"Each helps the other and says to his brother be
strong!" Isaiah, 41:6
July 24, 2006
Dear Friends,
I have just come from an emergency meeting concerning the situation of
our brethren in the North. At this point, we are hosting close to 800
people in Gush Etzion and Efrat. By the end of the week we expect to
reach 1000 or more. Lists of people and their needs are being prepared
by our social service staff in coordination with the municipality of Karmiel,
Moshav Or Haganuz, Moshav Bar Yochai and families from Tzfat and the Bay
area outside Haifa.
These people are running for their lives from the missile and rocket
attacks of Hezbollah. Their lives are in upheaval. Hundreds of
children who will be going to camp in Tzfat will be moved to safety in Gush
Etzion. There is no summer vacation for anyone in Israel. Every
person has been mobilized. Whether they are in the military, helping
to prepare a meal, or giving solace to a child, everyone in this country is
on alert and stands ready to help. This is war. We are one
People and we are united.
I saw women with children getting off buses with only a shopping bag of
personal belongings. Everyone was bewildered. Our local
residents, including our youth, are involved in the logistics, planning,
hosting and opening our hearts to those in need, trying to give them some
relief.
You are our donors. You understand the financial constraints we
contantly face. This additional influx of people is deeply affecting
our fractured economy. Many of you have asked what you can do to help
us in Israel, as we face this ferocious challenge to our very existence.
Here is how you can really help!
We are providing food and basic necessities for all these people.
The minimum cost per person per day is $13 --- an amount that far exceeds
our limited financial capabilities.
We ask you in this time of dire emergency to help us now!
Help support a family from the North by sponsoring them! Your
tax-deductible contribution, large or small, to Gush Etzion Foundation for
Help to the Tzafon" (North) Project will assist us in defraying the costs of
feeding and sheltering these poor displaced people. We have no idea
how long this attack will continue, and the cost is now over $5000 per day,
with the projected const ofer $6500 by the end of the week.
This is a special tiem and an urgent request. Please send your most
generous check today.
May Hashem bless you and watch over our soldiers, and May the
enemies who rise up against us be struck down!
Sincerely,
Shani Simkovitz
Director
Gush Etzion Foundation
