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ICEJ volunteers make renovations for needy Israelis
ICEJ AID / ICEJ Reports / Israel in Crisis

ICEJ Renovates Homes, Shelters for Needy Israeli Families

By Marelinke van der Riet, ICEJ Publications Assistant

Even before the current war erupted last October, Israel was already facing significant socio-economic challenges, with many needy Israeli families living in poverty and struggling to meet their basic needs. One way the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem (ICEJ) is reaching out to help these families is by sponsoring a dedicated team of workers who renovate and repair homes and bomb shelters across Israel.

A government study released before the war began last October 7 found that poverty was increasing across all sectors of society, with one-third of Israeli households living with food shortages. The highest rates of poverty were among elderly Jews, including many Holocaust Survivors, as well as large families in the Arab sector.

The gap between rich and poor in Israel is one of the highest among developed nations, and the ongoing conflict in Gaza and on other fronts has only exacerbated this problem. Many poorer families choose to eat first while neglecting badly needed home repairs, resulting in unhealthy and even hazardous living conditions.

The ICEJ Steps in to Help Needy Israeli Families

In response, the Christian Embassy has been sponsoring a special work team that is renovating and repairing homes and bomb shelters across Israel. In 2024, the team has completed more than 40 apartments for elderly evacuees from the Gaza border communities. These vulnerable senior citizens, unable to relocate to hotels due to their specific needs, were moved to assisted-living facilities in Tel Aviv and Beersheva. The renovation projects in these apartments have included repairing walls, painting, refurbishing corridors, and other renovations to ensure the homes are safe, comfortable, and welcoming.

In addition, the team has focused on also repairing community bomb shelters that residents of large apartment buildings share during times of rocket attacks. They have renovated over 200 shelters in seven cities, providing safety for hundreds of Israeli families. Bomb shelter renovation has included clearing debris, installing new lighting fixtures, replacing floor tiles, cleaning and upgrading restrooms, installing new water tanks, and painting and sealing walls to prevent mildew.

During a recent ICEJ Hands-On Tour, Christian volunteers from some 14 nations worked alongside the Israeli construction team to renovate three large underground bomb shelters in Ashkelon. Local Israelis were deeply touched by the spirit of caring and collaboration they sensed from the Christian visitors.

The true impact of this renovation work is best understood through the personal stories of individual Israelis. These stories, filled with hope and resilience, serve as a powerful reminder of the human connection that transcends borders and cultures.

Genia Returns home

Genia, a widow and Holocaust Survivor, has faced a lifetime of unimaginable hardship. Her home—with broken floor tiles that caused her to fall, a kitchen filled with leaks and mold, and exposed electric wires that posed a constant danger—testified to her struggles. Genia was heartbroken after being moved to a retirement home in Ashkelon and longed to return to the place she knew as home. The renovation team realized her plight and took action. They fixed her rundown kitchen, repaired the broken floors, replaced the dangerous sockets, and repainted the walls.

Needy Israeli families receive home renovations like Genia's home
Genia’s home before and after renovations

When Genia stepped back into her rejuvenated home, tears of relief and joy streamed down her face. She now lives in a safe, healthy environment where she can cook meals, move freely, reclaim her sense of independence and dignity, and regain her memories of home.

A Home Makeover for Michael and Elina

Michael and Elina are both Holocaust Survivors in their 90s who have endured years of hardship and loss. Living in Jerusalem, their home had fallen into disrepair. The walls were covered in mold, the paint was peeling, and ceiling beams were exposed, creating a constant reminder of neglect. But the couple was too old and frail to fix the flaws and felt isolated with their children living far away.

Needy Israeli families receive home renovations
Ceiling repairs and newly installed grab rails in Michael and Elina’s home

When the renovation team arrived, they saw the crumbling walls and instantly knew this couple desperately needed comfort and care. The team worked tirelessly to repaint and repair their home and even replaced old lighting fixtures to brighten their lives. Recognizing Elina’s mobility struggles, the team installed grab rails and handrails, ensuring she could move safely.

When Michael and Elina saw their transformed home, they were grateful. The renovations restored their home and brought back their dignity and hope, allowing them to age safely and comfortably in the home they cherish.

These stories testify to the renovation team’s dedication and hard work undergirded by the financial and hands-on support of the ICEJ. Together, we are significantly impacting the lives of Israel’s most vulnerable citizens, providing them with safe, comfortable, and dignified living conditions.

The ongoing house renovation project is now assisting the apartment renovation of 10 elderly evacuees from Gaza border communities and the renovation of 10 additional bomb shelters.

Thank you for helping the Christian Embassy to positively impact the lives of so many Israeli families in need. Together, we can continue to bring hope and comfort to those who need it most.

Help care for and comfort more needy Israeli families—donate to the Israel in Crisis fund today.

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