Starting the Year Off Right

At the beginning of the school year, NAVAH distributed hundreds of knapsacks and school supplies to terror victim children throughout Israel . This campaign was specifically geared to children of poor families that had been referred to us by social workers.

Rutie, a volunteer of NAVAH, described her experience with one family that she went to in the downtown Jerusalem area. The father of this family was injured in a terrorist attack three years ago and has been unable to return to work since. Rutie explains, ‘I walked into their tiny 2-bedroom apartment to see six eager children waiting to see what I had brought for them. The apartment is completely bare. Mattresses on the floor with no sheets. I took out the knapsacks filled with all different school items and showed them to the children. I cannot explain how wide their eyes were and how big their smiles. The children explained to me that they had never had knapsacks before - usually they brought their books to school in shopping bags. I couldn't believe how wonderful this simple act made these children feel.'

NAVAH thanks you for taking part in this kindness and enabling hundreds of children to start the year off right – like any other child would.

Sweetening the Jewish New Year

As a result of this war this summer, many families have lost loved ones and have found it extremely difficult to return to normal life and begin the New Year.

On your behalf, NAVAH distributed hundreds of holiday gift packages to these families. We wanted them to know that they are not alone in their pain and to know that people worldwide are praying for a new beginning and a better year for all of them.

NAVAH also mailed out a thousand Shana Tova cards to terror victims and bereaved families throughout Israel . The cards contained a beautiful poem wishing hope and happiness for the future.

Trip for Terror Victim Children

60 terror victim children from the Jerusalem area took part in this trip to Beit Chalumatai which is a fun house for children. For the entire day, these children that suffer so much were able to just act like regular kids and enjoy themselves.

Five children from the Marion family participated in this trip. Yehuda Marion, age 9 was injured in a bus bombing three years ago. He has thank G-d recuperated, however the family has struggled through his difficult recovery. Since the parents are now divorced and the mother is raising the children alone, there is a tremendous financial strain and they find it impossible to enjoy time together. This trip gave them all the opportunity to enjoy a carefree day of fun and laughter. At the end of the day, with a broad smile on his face, Yehuda said, ‘I almost forgot what a happy family looks like. Thank you for reminding me.'

A very special and heartwarming thank you to Rabbi Benjamin Yasgur and the students at HANC who sponsored this important trip.

An Evening Out for Terror Victim Couples

On a chilly evening in November, NAVAH brought together 50 couples that were affected by terrorism to share a relaxed and enjoyable evening. A famous graphologist, Moshe Sar, gave an interesting lecture and analyzed everyone's personality through their signatures and handwriting.

One memorable moment was when the graphologist pointed out to Mr. K, whose brother was killed in a terrorist attack, that he sees by his signature that he has absolutely no luck with money. After a moment of silence, Mr. K. stands up and says, ‘What do I need to run after silver when I have pure gold at home?' And with that, he gave his wife a huge hug and kiss.

Not only did these couples enjoy an exciting evening out, they were able to spend quality time together without the regular distractions and hardships that they constantly deal with at home. They provided each other with support and encouragement and had a very nice time.

Breakfast of Friends

Twenty-five women gathered together to share breakfast and their memories.

Exactly one year ago, these twenty-five women survived the horrific terrorist attack in the Sharon Mall in Netanya. NAVAH brought them together at the Tulip Café to share their experiences of that terrible day and enable them to offer their companionship and friendship to one another.

NAVAH also organized a breakfast event specifically for ultra-orthodox women that were on the #2 terrorist bus attack three years ago. Due to the circumstances and religious connection of these women, they all had the opportunity to share their feelings and offer support to each other. The event included art therapy and other forms of expression and was extremely beneficial for all the participants.

Our Hearts are With You…

Two years ago, Ella Abukasis threw herself over her brother, Tamir, in order to protect him from an oncoming missile. Through her courageous act, Tamir was saved, but unfortunately Ella was killed. In November, Tamir shared his bar mitzvah with hundreds of people and had a special ceremony to give thanks for being alive. NAVAH shared this bittersweet event that celebrated Tamir's life and commemorated Ella's death.

In November 2005 the Tzumai family lost their 20 year old son in a terrorist attack in Netanya. On the one-year anniversary of his death, NAVAH shared this time with his family and took part in a ceremony that memorialized his short and meaningful life.

Our hearts are with the thousands of bereaved families.