Wake Up: Israel’s Children Need Us!

Nearly two years ago I received a random phone call from someone at Emunah, an organization I had vaguely heard about. I was called to meet the director. I wanted to hear more about the organization, yet I was in Ottawa at the time and my mind was focused on meeting former prime minister Stephen Harper. But when I heard on the phone what the organization is all about, helping Israeli children from broken homes, I wanted to make acquaintance as soon as possible.

Fast-forward nearly two years — everything has changed for me.

Since 1935, Emunah has been meeting the challenge of caring for Jews in Israel by providing vital social services and educational programs to children and families in every corner of the country. It is the largest social welfare organization in the State of Israel, with the largest budget — mainly provided by the Israeli government.

World Emunah is the international arm of Emunah, a leading social-action organization caring for some of Israel’s most vulnerable children and families. World Emunah serves as the liaison and umbrella for dynamic Emunah affiliates in many countries throughout the world. World Emunah is also a prominent member of Israel’s national institutions, including the World ZionistOrganization and Keren Kayemet LeYisrael (the Jewish National Fund).

Emunah contributes the following to Israeli society:

1,215 students in 4 high schools

1,013 children in 5 children homes

9,113 children are in 135 daycare centers

557 students in Emunah College

407 families using 11 crisis centers

Total = Priceless

In September 2016, Emunah Canada approached me to be an honoree at their upcoming gala, and I accepted it, for the benefit of the children. The gala dinner that took place was impressive. Eight months later, the Azoulay-Rosenblum Library dedication ceremony took place at Elisheva High School in Pardes Hanna, Israel.

Tenth Annual World Emunah Conference Gala dinner, Jerusalem January 30th 2016.

Last week I had the honor to take part in the tenth annual World Emunah Conference; it was one of the most eye-opening and emotional experiences I have ever had. The cases of these children are horrific—involving sexual abuse, rape, mental and physical abuse; the list is endless.

While in Israel, I visited many homes across the country—in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Netanya, Pardes Chana, Even Shlomo, Sderot, Bet Shemesh, Ashkelon, Bnei Brak, Maale Michmash, Jaffa, and Afula. Still, I saw only a fraction of what Emunah does on a regular basis.

There is a famous Talmudic saying, “What comes from the heart enters the heart.” It is great to hear about this wonderful organization and watch their awe-inspiring videos. I was even an honoree last April 2016. Emunah’s work comes from the heart, and I saw how it penetrates the hearts of the children and of the people who are engaged in this wonderful organization.

The mission is simple: The children of Israel need our help! We as a Jewish people need to wake up and recognize what needs to be done. I know what I am doing for these children. What will you do for them? What an organization. All dedicated to our people.

One People.

One Nation.

One Destiny.

One Family.