Attack, no attack, maybe an attack
The Israeli population has received contradictory reports over the past two months – from an imminent Iranian attack within 48 hours to the absence of plans for an attack in the near future due to renewed negotiations.
It could make you dizzy. Every day we are told something, and within a few hours we hear exactly the opposite. You don’t need to wonder whether the psychological effect of this emotional preparation is already a kind of war in itself.
One thing is certain: if the regime in Iran disappears, freedom will come for the Iranians. Then the terrorists from Hezbollah, Hamas in Gaza, the Houthis in Yemen, and all other terrorist organizations will no longer be able to sustain their terror within Israel for long. Then the flow of money from Iran will be cut off. Iran, the great octopus in the Middle East. Remove the core and the tentacles lose their strength.
We continue to make programs and we remain optimistic, despite – or actually precisely because – the world is increasingly turning against Israel. We build up, but the enemy of Israel tears down. Whether people are shouting: “Death to Israel” or “Death to Herzog,” our president, who was in Australia. Hatred towards Israel is fundamentally hatred towards God Himself.
We need to continue making plans, but not get too excited about them, because they probably will get cancelled, and then the disappointment would be too great. This is how we’ve lived here for years: always alert, yet still keeping our eyes on Him, Who – no matter what happens – says today: “Do not be afraid, Israel, for I am with you; do not look around in fear, for I am your God. Israel, you are my servant, whom I have chosen, whom I have taken from the ends of the earth. I will not reject you. I will strengthen you and help you.” (Isaiah 41:8 and following)
The prophetic book of Isaiah is full of beautiful promises. The verses that follow, however, speak a different language: a curse upon the nations. Verses 11 and 12: “See, all who are enraged against Israel will be put to shame and disgraced. They will be as nothing and perish. Yes, the people who fight against Israel will be as nothing and perish; yes, they will be destroyed.”
“As the almond trees are now in full bloom, so God watches over His Word to fulfill it (Jeremiah 1:12). It is better to trust in the prophecies than in the newspaper headlines — that is our foundation.
Water surfing – therapy with power
Elderly people and children share what surfing on the water does to them. It’s more than a sport — it’s healing. The sea teaches what life teaches: falling, getting up, and starting over. The power of wind and waves challenges you, but also brings triumph.
Not everyone is physically healed. But everyone learns to cope with their situation in a stronger way.
Dog, horse, and music therapy are also running at full strength. Courage is increasing again.
Passover is very early this year.
In a cozy, warm jogging pajamas/-dress with little sheep on it, Ludmilla (87) was already waiting for us. A real babushka, I think, with sparkling eyes and very grateful, despite all her limitations. This time she received an extra gift from her sponsor, and that was a big surprise. So I also got a big kiss. (2 photos)
These days we are out and about a lot again to visit our elderly and hand them the cheque for Passover. Some are very frail and need more help. All have reached the age of the very strong. In Israel, there are organizations that bring people from different countries to live at someone’s home 24/7. Often they then get someone who also speaks their own language.
The men’s week – a week that touched hearts
As we wrote in December about Sa’ad, the therapy, and the development of the animal corner, we can now send you a nice report on what has taken place. The project turned out to be bigger than expected. A lot of hard work was done. There was a lot of preparation, especially for Arjen, our board member and landscape architect. But the result is impressive.
So it was a big job. Besides the animal corner, there is still plenty of work to be done. Large and small corners are waiting to be restored. The horse therapist is also eager to be helped, and so on. I’ll leave it at that for now, but to be continued.
A week of connection
I just want to say that we once again had an exceptionally wonderful group. So dedicated! And then, in this time of war, leaving your wife, children, and loved ones behind means a lot to Israel and touches many hearts here. They were moved to see that there are still people who stand beside, and are in favor of Israel.
I could write a full page about this week, but I’ll give the floor to someone else, to report on the week on behalf of everyone.
Jos Felix writes:
It began at the crack of dawn, in the silence of a winter morning, as I set off for Israel full of anticipation. What followed was a week that touched my heart in ways I could never have imagined beforehand.
In Jerusalem, I walked through the old streets with the Bible in my hand, surrounded by stories, faith, and history. Afterwards, we worked as men side by side in a kibbutz, in the middle of an area where the scars of October 7 are still noticeable.
The encounters with residents, soldiers, and survivors left deep impressions — their openness, pain, and resilience!
Amid rain, mud, bombings, and hard work, a special bond developed with each other and with Israel.
Every day brought moments that made me pause, grateful and sometimes speechless.
This trip not only changed my insight of the country but also of myself.
What started as a work trip turned into a life lesson — a lesson I’m happy to share with you.
We want to thank everyone from the bottom of our heart. Without your love for God’s people, your financial support, your prayers, and your support to Yad L’Ami we would have not gotten this far. We’ve achieved much these past 25 years. All honor and glory to God the Father!!
With love and blessings,
Ria Doekes