The response to the Emunah Emergency Appeal has been very gratifying - over NIS 45,000 to date, in no small measure thanks to the appeals of the individual Emunah groups to their members. Despite the respite in hostilities, the needs, unfortunately, are still there. The trauma, anxiety and the panic attacks won't disappear overnight, and the appeal is continuing.

The funds raised so far are helping Emunah family counsellors to alleviate the suffering of the traumatized families. Extra hours are being covered for the staff of the Emunah Day Care Centers in the south and the Emunah Neve Landy Children's Village – near Kiryat Gat to provide activities for the children in their care in their homes and bomb shelters.

As a result of contacts made between Amalya Blass, the co-ordinator of the Hebrew speaking groups in Emunah Jerusalem, and the Emunah co-ordinator in Netivot, it was decided to bring children and their mothers from that town for a "fun day" in Jerusalem with the participation of anonymous sponsors.
Two busloads of over 130 came on successive days for a day at the Biblical Zoo followed by a hot catered lunch at cost price in Bet Hachavera and a visit to the Kotel on the first day, and in the Emunah Moadon in Kiryat Moshe on the next day. There the tables were set so attractively that the children thought it was Shabbat. Singers from the Emunah group in Kiryat Moshe led a hearty sing-song and dancing, as they did the next week when groups of Russian seniors came from Netivot and Emunah members from Kiryat Gat. The Russians were also hosted at Bet Tovei Ha'Ir to a Shiur and lunch. A further group of Emunah chaverot came from Be'ersheva who went on a sightseeing tour of Jerusalem stopping for lunch and a Shiur in Bet Hachavera.

The leftover food from all the meals served in the Emunah premises was distributed to needy families in Jerusalem.

It was a joy to behold the children of Emunah Neve Landy who were so excited with their day at the zoo and pizza and boureka lunch (partially donated by city bakeries) and visit to the Kotel.

The reaction of all the participants almost defied description. The excitement of the children. the relief of the adults… the feeling of freedom was indeed palpable – the sense of escape from three weeks of imprisonment in their homes and shelters. What can only be described as a festive spirit permeated the mealtime. We were embarrassed by the profuse thanks showered on us for the little we could do to relieve their stress.

Kol Hakavod to Amalya Blass who worked flat out in organizing these activities and all those who helped her.

Many thanks to all those who have contributed so generously.
The appeal continues for the trauma counseling.

Donations payable to "Emunah Jerusalem"
Please send to the Emunah office,
Rechov Arlozorov 6, POB 7788 Jerusalem 91077
Tel: 5639963 Ext 114/106
lisa-emunah@bezeqint.net