Page 50 - Balfour100-E

50 Social assistance Partnerships ✡

The immigration of thousands of Jewish people to Israel each month inevitably

means that there will be many who are in need, particularly those who have

come from Third World countries. Several Christian organisations are reaching

out to help the poor, as Michael Treharne explains

Providing social assistance in Israel

he Lord promised Abram, “I will bless those
who bless you, and him who dishonours you I
Twill curse, and in you all the families of the earth
shall be blessed,” (Genesis 12:3 ESV). And Lord Balfour,
when he was speaking at the Royal Albert Hall in 1920
declared that Jews and Christians were, “Partners in
this Great Enterprise.”
Today there is still a fruit- Christian charities is esti-
ful partnership between Jew- mated at between £135 to
ish Zionism and Christian £155 million a year. In com-
Zionism in the restoration parison to Jewish support,
and continued success of the Christian giving is relatively
great enterprise of the State small. However, it is very olive grove of needs met by Christian humanitarian aid
of Israel. Here we focus upon much required in order to different ministries working remains essential in Israel
the needy people of the land. show support for various in faith and steadfastness
Some 24 per cent of Is- needs in humanitarian areas to ensure the success of the pharmacy on the edge of the
raelis live below the UN such as health and welfare, State of Israel. Each minis- Jewish quarter in Jerusalem
poverty line. Enormous hu- education, housing and de- try works in a different part and then, in 1844, a modern
manitarian donations each velopment, memorial, culture of the olive grove and each hospital together with a
year ensure the survival of and recreation, supporting started at an appointed time. school.
Israel as a thriving nation holocaust survivors, ALI- The needs of the Israeli In more recent times,
built on Western culture of YAH , MDA ambulances people are great. The first after Israel’s independence in
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tolerance and respect for and school meals to name example of practical support 1948, there has been more to
race and religion. just a few. in the land started in 1839 do, in line with the increasing
The amount given by The work is a massive with LJS which provided a needs of the Israeli people.
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The Sisters of Mary have
lived in Israel since 1957,
Christian social care programmes currently in operation in Israel include: working among Holocaust
survivors – at first in the
Bridges for Peace International Christian Christian Friends of Israel north of the country and later
• Adoption programme Embassy Jerusalem • Bridal Department, in Jerusalem. In 1976, Bridges
for new immigrants • Education programmes outfits for those in need for Peace opened what was
• Feed a Child scheme, • Helping soldiers with • David’s Shield, support then a new concept, a food
providing assistance to no family in Israel for troops in the IDF bank. It was closely followed
poor school children • Helping immigrants • First Fruits, helping
• Food banks in Jerusalem • Providing Passover gifts believers and churches Michael Treharne
and Karmiel to those who cannot • Hope for the Future, has been involved
• Home repair programme afford them helping immigrants, with Bridges for
• Project Rescue, bringing • Providing Rocket esp. from Ethiopia Peace since 1994
and as UK Director
immigrants to Israel Shelters in communities • Open Gates, providing since 2014. From a background
• School Starter Kits – under attack from clothes and essentials in professional education he has
everything a child needs HAMAS in Gaza • Streams of Blessing, served in Teen Challenge and
to go to school • Vocational training assisting the elderly has been a youth street pastor.
He has a heart for intercessory
• Victims of War – schemes • Under His Wings, prayer, teaching and speaking
helping those who have • Working with helping victims of in churches all over the UK.
lost loved ones Holocaust survivors terror attacks Michael and his wife, Siân, have
five children and live in Wales.