By: Nativia Samuelsen

Even before the current war erupted last October, Israel already was facing significant socio-economic challenges, with many Jewish and Arab families living in poverty and struggling to meet their basic needs. One of the ways the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem is reaching out to help these families is by sponsoring a dedicated team of workers who renovate and repair homes and bomb shelters across Israel.

A government study released before the war began last October 7 found that poverty was increasing across all sectors of society, with one-third of Israeli households living with food shortages. The highest rates of poverty were among elderly Jews, including many Holocaust survivors, as well as large families in the Arab sector.

The gap between rich and poor in Israel is actually one of the highest among developed nations, and the ongoing conflict in Gaza and other fronts has only exacerbated this problem. Many poorer families are choosing to eat first, while neglecting badly needed repairs to their homes, resulting in unhealthy and even hazardous living conditions.

In response, the Christian Embassy has been sponsoring a special work team that is renovating and repairing homes and bomb shelters across Israel. Already in 2024, the team has completed work on more than 40 apartments for elderly evacuees from the Gaza border communities. These vulnerable senior citizens, unable to relocate to hotels due to their specific needs, were moved to assisted-living facilities in Tel Aviv and Beersheva. The renovation projects in these apartments have included repairing walls, painting, refurbishing corridors, and other renovations to ensure the homes are safe, comfortable, and welcoming.

In addition, the team has focused on also repairing community bomb shelters that are shared by residents of large apartment buildings during times of rocket attacks. They have renovated over 200 shelters in seven cities so far, providing safety for hundreds of Israeli families. The renovation work has included clearing out debris, installing new lighting fixtures, replacing floor tiles, cleaning and upgrading restrooms, installing new water tanks, plus painting and sealing walls to prevent mildew.

During the ICEJ’s recent Hands-On tours, Christian volunteers from some 14 nations worked alongside the Israeli construction team to renovate three large underground bomb shelters in Ashkelon. Local Israelis were deeply touched by the spirit of caring and collaboration they sensed from the Christian visitors.

The impact of all this renovation work is best captured through the stories of individual Israelis whose lives have been greatly impacted by these efforts.

Genia returns home
Genia, a widow and Holocaust survivor, has faced a lifetime of unimaginable hardship. Now living in Ashkelon, her home testified to her struggles, with broken floor tiles that caused her to fall, a kitchen filled with leaks and mould, and exposed electric wires that posed a constant danger. After being moved to a retirement home in another city, Genia was heartbroken and longed to return to the place she knew as home. The renovation team realised her plight and took action. They fixed her rundown kitchen, repaired the broken floors, replaced the dangerous sockets, and repainted the walls.

When Genia stepped back into her rejuvenated home, tears of relief and joy streamed down her face. She now lives in a safe, healthy environment where she can cook meals, move freely, reclaim her sense of independence and dignity, and regain her sweet memories of home.

A home makeover for Michael and Elina
Michael and Elina are both Holocaust survivors in their 90s who have endured years of hardship and loss. Living in Jerusalem, their home had fallen into disrepair. The walls were covered in mould, the paint was peeling, and ceiling beams were exposed, creating a constant reminder of neglect. But the couple was too old and frail to fix the flaws, and they felt isolated with their children living far away.

When the renovation team arrived, they saw the crumbling walls and instantly knew this couple was in desperate need of comfort and care. The team worked tirelessly to repaint and repair their home. They replaced the old lighting fixtures to brighten their lives. Recognising Elina’s difficulty in mobility, they installed grab rails and banisters, ensuring she could move safely.

When Michael and Elina saw their transformed home, they were overwhelmed with gratitude. The renovations not only restored their home but also brought back their dignity and hope, allowing them to age safely and comfortably in the home they cherish.

These stories are a testament to the dedication and hard work of the renovation team, with the financial and hands-on support of the ICEJ. Together, we are significantly impacting the lives of Israel’s most vulnerable citizens, providing them with safe, comfortable and dignified living conditions.

The ongoing house renovation project is now assisting ten elderly evacuees from the Gaza border communities, apartment renovations in Beersheva, and the renovation of ten additional bomb shelters.

Thank you for helping the Christian Embassy to make such a positive impact on the lives of so many Israeli families in need. Together, we can continue to bring hope and comfort to those who need it most.

Donate today at: give.icej.org/crisis

Photos courtesy of Tenufa BaKehila