A Light in the Darkness: Naomi’s Story
Jul 24, 2025
A devoted mother of nine, Naomi lives in the southern town of Ofakim, one of the communities devastated by the terror attacks on October 7. Her beloved husband was murdered that day, and in a single moment, she became a widow and the sole provider for nine grieving children.
Now, she is preparing for her son Refael’s wedding. It should be a time of celebration, and in many ways, it is. His engagement is a welcome ray of light after a long and painful road. But behind the simcha lies an ongoing struggle that most will never fully understand. The loss of Naomi’s husband left more than a hole in her heart, it shattered the family’s stability and sense of security.
Since then, Naomi has done everything in her power to keep her family afloat.
Yad Ezra V’Shulamit has been walking this journey alongside her, providing financial assistance and emotional support through some of their darkest days. Now, as she helps her son take his first steps toward building his own home, that support is more critical than ever.
Naomi’s story is unique, but she’s not alone.
All across Israel, families are facing sudden and life-altering crises. Whether from loss, illness, or disrupted income. What begins as a single setback can quickly spiral into hunger and despair.
This summer, a special campaign is offering new hope.
Feed a Family and Win a Trip for Two to Israel invites supporters to take part in a nationwide effort to provide food and essentials to families like Naomi’s, while also being entered to win exciting prizes, including roundtrip tickets to Israel.
Each entry directly supports Yad Ezra V’Shulamit’s life-sustaining programs including weekly food distributions, daily hot meals for needy children, baby formula to nourish babies who can’t afford it, school supplies and clothing distributions for the new year, help with homework, emotional therapy, and wedding sponsorships for orphans like Refael. More than anything, it reminds families that they are not forgotten.
For Naomi, it means the chance to celebrate her son’s wedding with dignity. For Refael, it means beginning married life with hope rather than hardship. And for thousands of others, it means knowing someone cares.
Giving with a Jewish Heart
In Judaism, we are taught: Kol Yisrael arevim zeh bazeh—all of Israel is responsible for one another.
This is more than a value. It is a call to action. To give, to lift each other up, to fulfill one of our most cherished mitzvot: to care for the widow, the orphan, and the stranger. To open our hands with compassion and kindness.
Why It Matters
Life can change in an instant. A lost job, a terror attack, an unexpected illness. That’s when Yad Ezra V’Shulamit steps in, offering groceries, daily hot meals, warm clothing, school supplies, and a reminder that every family is part of a larger community. That they are not alone.
Over the past two years, families across Israel have faced unimaginable hardship. But in our tradition, even the smallest act of kindness can create ripples far beyond what we can see.
A Moment to Enter - A Lifetime of Impact
This is a moment to give with purpose—and be part of something greater. This campaign offers a chance to win a trip to Israel or a valuable gift card, but its true reward lies in the comfort it brings to communities across the country.
Let us stand with Naomi and help Refael begin his new life with pride. Let us extend our hands and our hearts to families on the path to healing. Together, we can bring moments of comfort, strength, and hope, one family at a time.