Dear friends and supporters,
A fragile calm has settled over Israel
While the world urges restraint, Israeli families bury their fallen, mourn in silence, and try to support their loved ones. Meanwhile, they watch as enemies regroup. Thousands of young soldiers are undergoing rehabilitation, many missing limbs: fifty percent of the wounded are under 30, 92% are men, and 64% are reservists. Forty-five percent have physical injuries and about 56% are dealing with psychological trauma. Last week, Israel lost its 62nd soldier to suicide; a deep tragedy that is little talked about.
Twenty-seven-year-old Tomas wrote in his last letter:
Tomas has long been dead; I am just a soul seeking peace. October 7, 2023 destroyed my life and everything I was. I can no longer continue with it.
Although he saved many lives that day, the horrors kept haunting him. After two years of struggle, he chose to end his life.
The last hostage
While the wound of October 7 remains open—hostage Ran Gvili’s body is still being held in Gaza—Israel must also defend itself simultaneously on seven fronts. Yet Israel, through God’s supernatural power, chooses life every day. And precisely now, we also see wonderful things happening.
Renovation in Kibbutz Yad Mordechai – Mosad Sikma
In November, Mosad Sikma in Yad Mordechai reopened after a complete renovation, which was necessary after October 7.
his special center, which Yad L’Ami has been involved in for many years, supports young people from the entire region near the Gaza border. Four young people from this group were brutally murdered on October 7. Mosad Sikma is an environment where no alcohol, cigarettes, or drugs are used, and yet—or perhaps because of this—it thrives. Around 200 young people gather several times a week for programs and leadership training. Young people learn to take responsibility: first-year students observe; a year later they lead new groups themselves.
During the festive reopening organized by the youth, the 28-year-old director, himself a former participant, showed his confidence in the young people and thanked everyone involved in projects for the youth.
This year, we have also been able to sponsor 11 young people whose families cannot afford the costs.
Support for families, the elderly, and schools
Winter is approaching. Thanks to your support, Yad L’Ami was able to provide 100 families in Sderot with radiators. Elderly people receive incontinence supplies from us, expenses that are unaffordable for many.
At a school in Sderot, there is an urgent need for therapy for severely traumatized children. The choice was made for dog therapy, and we have committed to supporting 6 groups of 5 children for a year.
Music
Over the past year, we have been able to help hundreds of children and elderly people with music lessons. It is moving to see how people over the age of 70, who had the desire but not the opportunity to play an instrument before, are now taking guitar lessons and finding healing in music.
Kibbutz Sa’ad – therapy and reconstruction
In Sa’ad, we continue to support the girls’ home with music therapy, and the school with horse and dog therapy. Together with a group of men, we are preparing a wonderful project to revitalize the therapeutic animal corner, a facility that will be available for communities in the entire region. This is a wonderful project that serves many traumatized people!
Kibbutz Ein Hashlosha – life after destruction
This is the 14th community on the Gaza border that we are supporting. Ein Hashlosha, with 420 residents, was founded in 1950 at a strategic point on the Gaza border. On October 7, around 150 terrorists infiltrated the kibbutz. Four residents and 10 family members elsewhere in the Negev were killed, and 54 houses were damaged. It took 36 hours for the military to regain control of the kibbutz.
For 6 months the residents stayed in a hotel in Eilat; after that, most moved to temporary housing in Netivot and the elderly to a care facility in Be’er Sheva. In the summer of 2025, 97% of the residents returned home.
The emotional damage, however, is significant. The elderly have shown faster cognitive and physical decline since October 7. Multiple relocations are very difficult for people over 80 years of age. They primarily need safety and support. Therefore, there is a great need for mobility scooters to keep them mobile and to prevent isolation. Of the 12 elderly individuals, Louise, aged 96, is the oldest and Jacob, at 78, is the youngest. We have already been able to donate two mobility scooters. Also, hearing support in their clubhouse, with a projector, was urgently needed for hard-of-hearing seniors. All of this was made possible thanks to you.
In these winter months, we pay extra attention to the elderly
We organized a lecture on healthy aging, handed out gift vouchers to a group in Jerusalem, and surprised many with Dutch tulips from the organization Christians for Israel. We make a personal visit to those who are housebound taking a small plant.
Concerts to comfort
There are still two concerts planned: one for the kibbutzim around Sderot and one for the elderly of Kfar Aza, who are still evacuated. It is my desire that all elderly people and Holocaust survivors who experienced October 7 can participate. Our musical friends—living themselves on the border with Gaza—know exactly how to touch the right chord. The joy on their faces says it all!
Dental care for new immigrants and Holocaust survivors
Many immigrants from Russia and Ukraine suffer from serious dental problems but cannot afford dental care. Dental clinic Maxident provides a free initial examination and prepares a cost estimate. Two Holocaust survivors from Ukraine urgently need dentures. Also, among others, a young woman, single and working hard in a hotel kitchen, has been waiting too long for necessary treatment. In addition, there were seven others on the help list, whom we were also able to assist.
Will there be a massive wave of Aliyah?
The prophetic words from Zechariah 8:7-8 sound more relevant than ever:
I will save My people from the countries of the east and the west, or wherever they are … and I will bring them back to their own country Israel.
Due to the increasing global antisemitism and the threats to Jewish communities, a large readiness exercise took place in Israel on November 27, focused on the possible arrival of thousands of Jews per day. Intensive thought has been given to housing, medical care, evacuation, and integration. Israel must be prepared for a sudden influx of immigrants. I can’t wait for all these prophetic promises, which we’re already experiencing in part, to be fully fulfilled.
The prophet continues:
For just as you have been cursed among the nations, Israel, so you now will be a blessing to Israel and the people of Judah, for I will give you salvation and deliverance. Do not be afraid and do not lose heart.
These promises are wonderful! God will keep His promises! In this troubling period, it is more important than ever to understand Israel’s biblical and prophetic role. As we look forward to the coming of the Messiah, we should pray daily: May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. (Psalm 19:15)
Gratitude
As the end of 2025 approaches, we want to express our deep gratitude: your regular donations, collections, one-time contributions, and years of commitment are invaluable! Together with us, you serve the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and His people. On behalf of myself and the boards in the Netherlands and Israel: we send our sincere THANKS!
The light of this world has appeared to save. No matter how hard the darkness tries, it will never extinguish the light. We wish you a blessed Hanukkah, a peaceful Christmas, and a safe and peaceful 2026.
Shalom from Israel,
Ria Doekes