Zahava’s Story: From Taking to Giving
Dec 07, 2021
girl smiling
But this is not a sad story. This is an inspirational true story of one girl was saved; receiving the love and support she needed every day for over 10 years, overcoming her circumstances, and growing up into an accomplished young lady.
“If not for you Yad Ezra V’Shulamit, I would have been on the street, with nothing to do and nothing to eat. Who knows what would have become of me”, says Zahava.
Zahava came to Yad Ezra V’Shulamit’s Children’s Center in Jerusalem when she was only 5 years old. Every day after gan, and then after school, she would be picked up and brought to the Children’s Center. There she received everything a child should receive: a hot meal, clothing (such as winter boots and a warm coat), emotional counselling, fun activities, and help with her homework. “You raised me,” Zahava gratefully admits.
Founder and Director of the non profit organization Yad Ezra V’Shulamit, Aryeh Lurie, shys away from such credit, despite having saved many children like Zahava since starting the organization in 1998. He clarifies: “I’m doing what I can, what my parents taught me to do. There is so much need in our streets, I only wish I could do more.”
Now, Rav Aryeh is setting his organization’s goals even higher with the construction of a new Community Center in Tzfat, one of Israel’s poorest cities. In Israel 21.2% of people (1.8 million people) live in poverty, and of these, 29.6% are children*. Unfortunately Zahava’s story is not unique. In fact, 1 out of 5 families in Israel are living under the poverty line, despite having their income*.
A new Children's Center, like the one Zahava grew up in, is due to open in Tzfat, Israel. The center will serve hot meals to 200 children per day, as well as provide holistic care that helps bring the children their sense of dignity, self esteem, and give them the skills and opportunities to break out of the unfortunate circumstances they were born into.
For each child who is welcomed into the Children’s Center, it is an opportunity of a lifetime - to be fed and cared for daily. A home away from home. Each child will receive hot food daily, as well as exceptional holistic care: help with homework, access to computers and an audio room, a library and reading corner, art and music therapy, warm caregivers, jamboree, and so much more. Each child needs sponsorship, and we’re currently looking to raise $1,000,000 to cover the first year of operation for these children.
Despite the great need for more support, from Zahava’s story we can draw hope. After being supported by Yad Ezra V’Shulamit for her whole schooling life, she has received enough to stand on her own two feet and give back. Zahava has now come full circle, giving back from her paycheck every month to the very same organization that she credits for giving her a childhood. More than anyone, she understands the real need that exists and the enormous opportunities Yad Ezra V’Shulamit provides for a better future.
“We feel blessed to have contributed to Zahava’s success and wish her only good things to come,” said Rav Aryeh, adding, “It is truly the zechut of all our generous donors that a life can be turned around like this”.
To support our NEW Children’s Center opening in Tzfat, Israel, sponsor a child
*2017 statistics http://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/212-percent-of-Israeli-population-lives-below-the-poverty-line-new-report-575883
* http://adva.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/SocialReport2016-EN.pdf