Since that dreadful day of October 7th, 2023, many families across Israel including the Biblical Heartland have been living under immense emotional turmoil and stress. Almost two years later, they continue to yearn for the day when their fathers and husbands, still serving as IDF reservists, will finally return home for good. Sadly, for these families, the road to full recovery from all the psychological scars and trauma will be very long. However, with a monthly contribution to the Homefront Resilience Initiative, recently launched by CFOIC Heartland, you will move mountains for the family or child of an IDF reservist from the Biblical Heartland. Please give these families the emotional strength and tools they need to persevere!
Dear Friends,
Among Ruth’s most praiseworthy character traits were her loyalty and commitment to help others. Ruth was not obligated nor expected to leave her home, family and country. Yet, Ruth chose to follow her mother-in-law Naomi to a new land and people despite the incredible difficulties and inconveniences associated with doing so.
In a world in which we are all too often overwhelmed by our own personal struggles, it is always most inspiring to see others willingly taking on and sharing the challenges of others. In this edition of Nahala, we give special recognition to two such individuals. Ruthy Mann took her dream of running a horse ranch and made it a “safe haven” for youth, young women and soldiers suffering from emotional trauma. Gina Brown of Inverness, Scotland has been moved since childhood to follow Ruth’s path and made it a life mission of hers to stand on behalf of God’s People.
Perhaps like Ruthy and Gina, you too cannot stay silent or still whenever Israel is under attack and therefore, feel compelled to act and be part of the solution. That makes you a dear friend and part of our family. May God shower His blessings on you!
Shalom from Samaria,
Shmuel Junger
CFOIC Heartland Project Update
Every month we send you information about our most pressing needs. And every month you answer the call! Over the last several months asthe People of Israel continued focusing on reining in security threats, we reached out for your help to also provide for a variety of other essentials, and you responded generously! Thanks to your support, we have provided:
- Bomb shelters in Bar Kochba, Bat Ayin and Nofei Nehemiah
- Firefighting sheds in Gitit and Yakir
- A library for Rechalim
- Furnishings for a youth center in Shadmot Mechola
- Computers for 7th and 8th grade students in the Hebron Hills
In this time of need for the People of Israel, we could not have provided any of this without you! May God bless you richly for all you have given!
Gina Brown: Following Ruth’s Path
Sitting in bed reading a children’s edition of the Book of Ruth, 12-year-old Gina Brown draws deep inspiration from the story’s main character. Ringing through her head and staying etched in her memory from that moment forward was Ruth’s promise to Naomi: “Your people shall be my people, and your God is my God.” (Ruth 1:16)
“When I read that story as a child, I felt my inner spirit praying those exact words,” Gina said, looking back at that moment many years ago.
Ruthy Mann: Founding a Safe Haven in the Biblical Heartland
Preparing to start her day on a bright summer morning, Ruthy Mann excitedly slaps on her cowboy hat before heading to her therapeutic ranch just outside the community of Alon, a short drive east of Jerusalem.
“I am living my dream,” she says with a wide smile and an obvious display of contentment.
Thank YOU!!
Your support has brought happiness and light to community of Einav!
Dear friends at CFOIC Heartland,
We, the residents of Einav, wish to express our deepest gratitude to our dear friends at CFOIC Heartland for providing our community with a security vehicle.
With the heightened security tensions in our region, your gift was a tangible expression of support and solidarity. The vehicle, which has given our emergency responders the ability to respond much more quickly and efficiently to any security incident, has already greatly contributed to a noticeable sense of security among our residents, helping us all to cope better with the threats and challenges we continue to face.
We deeply appreciate your commitment to the security of the families in Einav as well as your ongoing support for the other communities in Judea and Samaria. Your solidarity has strengthened our resolve, reminding us that we have close and sincere friends from around the world who will always be there to stand with us in words and in action.
With your friendship, we will be able to continue building, growing, and strengthening the Land and People of Israel. Thank you again from the bottom of our hearts!
With heartfelt appreciation and
blessings,
