Israel Relief (IR):
The purpose of this fund is to develop long-term empowerment programs as well as provide immediate relief for individuals and communities struggling to survive and with nowhere else to turn.
Through the Israel Relief fund we at Jerusalem Cornerstone Foundation search out those in need who have fallen through the cracks. With our experience and understanding of the local social systems and aid organizations, we are able to meet the needs of many marginalized and ignored people.
Through the Israel Relief fund we strive to step in and fill this gap in the hope of preventing the most destitute from being completely neglected. These often include those lacking clear status within their respective communities: South Lebanese Christian families and refugees (former South Lebanese Army), post-orphanage orphans in Bethlehem, Israeli and Arab prisoners, Messianic Jewish Ethiopian immigrants to Israel, single mothers, the elderly (including Holocaust survivors), and disadvantaged minority families. During the past two years we have also focused much of our attention on the Sudanese refugees coming into Israel from Egypt.
It is our hope that in building relationships with such as these we are able to help alleviate at least part of the suffering of so many living in our midst, thus reflecting the infinite love of Jesus.
LOVE AND CHARITY BEYOND BOUNDARIES AND BARRIERS
In addition to our work in Israel we have a network of representatives who bring very needy cases to our attention from many parts of the West Bank and Gaza. We have been able to assist many who have no social workers or organized health care systems to turn to. The tension in the region has resulted in the construction of physical walls and barriers dividing the countryside and separating families and communities but we are committed to demonstrating love and charity for any needy person or group ensnared in the grips of the ongoing political crises.
SOME OF THE MINISTRIES SUPPORTED BY THIS FUND
Sudanese Refugees – Hundreds of thousands of Sudanese have fled Sudan because of a bloody civil-war stretching over the last 20 years which intensified in 2003. Most of the refugees from the south of Sudan make their way on foot to UN camps such as Kalma in the Darfur region but life in these crowded camps is less than adequate so many continue north to larger centers in Egypt where they are met with very harsh conditions. In Cairo for example, they are generally forced to live in the medians of busy streets as they are not allowed to camp on the side walks. A number of refugees come from Christian backgrounds or have put their faith in Jesus during the harrowing journey. A few thousand have continued their exodus through the Sinai on foot hoping to find an open door into Israel. Egyptian border police have been known to hunt them down and many have been tortured and killed at the border fences. Most of the refugees that safely enter Israel are placed in camps where they wait for opportunities to find work or permission to be moved to other potential host countries. JCF, along with other Christian organizations here in Israel, is dedicated to helping these refugees find stability and some form of work along with accommodation. While we continue to advocate on their behalf we contribute towards their basic necessities providing blankets, new and used clothing, food, shelter, and medical treatment.
Ethiopian Community – As a whole, the community of Jewish Ethiopian immigrants in Israel struggles for social acceptance and prosperity. Sadly, internal persecution against believers within this immigrant community is often fierce and consequently Messianic Jewish Ethiopians find themselves in a doubly disadvantaged situation. JCF has developed a friendship with several of the respected leaders in the believing Ethiopian community who have gratefully agreed to connect us to families in critical need.
Blind Club – The Tiberius Blind Club sought for many years to get its social programs for the blind residents of its region off the ground. But they often suffered from a lack of funding. JCF has been able to support the initiative of the volunteers over this past year and has plans to continue that support in 2009. They have created a wonderful program to encourage the blind in their community by helping them to spend productive and creative time with each other out of their homes. This relieves the isolation and depression of so many who have such limited mobility.
Amcha – For the last year Amcha (an Israeli charity organization) has connected JCF with a few Holocaust survivors living in desperate circumstances. Several of these live below the poverty line without adequate support from the government and their health is in decline. We are currently assisting a number of survivors from this group who have no family or support communities.
House of Light (HOL) – The House of Light is a Christian charity for social aid based in the