Communities Under Attack by Maggie Huang
A Land of Promise
Israel is a beautiful country with diverse landscapes and scenery, ranging from desert in the south to lush green hills in the north. That beauty is incredibly varied, and while traveling in Israel you are almost certain to, and very often, gasp in awe at the beauty this land has to offer. It truly is a land flowing with milk and honey promised by God to the Jewish people as an Eternal Inheritance (Genesis 12:7; 13:15 & 15:18; Exodus 6:8; Lev 20:24; Numbers 34:1-12; Deuteronomy 31:20 & 19:8; Judges 2:1; Psalm 105:8-11… to name just a few scriptures). Indeed God marries Jewish people to the Land of Israel (Isaiah 62:5); this land was laid desolate when the Jewish people were in exile, Mark Twain testified of that desolation when he visited Israel in 1867.
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Praise God that the desolate land of Israel is rejoicing and blossoming again as God has brought back the Captives of Israel to this Land (Isaiah 35:1 & 58:11), and the nations have marveled at what God has done (Psalm 126: 6). The restoration of the Jewish people to the Land of Israel is God’s doing, to prepare for what is to come – The restoration of all things (Acts 3:21). And as Bible believers we are in awe of what a Covenant keeping God we serve, who watches over His word to perform it (Jeremiah 1:12).
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Oppositions to God’s Eternal Purpose
Today Israel is literally surrounded by haters of Zion whose common goal is the destruction of Israel, to oppose what God is doing with all His heart and soul, which is to replant the Jewish people in the Land of Israel (Jeremiah 32:41) for His Holy Name sake (Ezekiel 36:21-22).
The Israeli communities have been under ongoing and constant rocket attack, especially in areas bordering Gaza in Southern Israel. And in the North, backed by Iran Hezbollah has acquired around 150,000 sophisticated guided missiles aimed at regions not only in North, but the entire land of Israel. It is not “if” but “when” Hezbollah will use their stockpiles of missiles to attack Israel.
- Furthermore, the incendiary devices fired from Gaza have caused
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2,155 fires ignited by arson kites/balloons (as of 2 July 2019)
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8,747 acres of land – farmland, forests, nature reserves – destroyed.
- Estimated cost of the damage done by the rockets, mortar bombs and arson from Gaza from March 2018 – August 2019: NIS 35 million; direct damage caused by the fires: NIS 14 million.
Misery Living Under Constant Rocket Attack
An additional cost, that cannot be estimated only in money, is the cost of the trauma suffered by the civilian population in southern Israel, especially the children. For more than 15 years, rocket attacks have been part of the daily routine for people living in Southern Israel bordering Gaza… Some civilians only have less than 15 seconds (some even less) to run to a bomb shelter or safe room when “Tzeva Adom” (siren warning of an incoming rocket attack) is sounded. It disrupts the daily life, causes death or injuries as well as indescribable trauma to children and adults alike, affecting their mental wellbeing and capability for work or study and livelihood. The resulting uncertainty and constant state of high alert are taking their emotional toll on residents in the South.
Strengthening the Hurting and Weary Souls
It is reported that more than 70% of civilians in Southern Israel need to take anti-depressant to be able to function. Nevertheless, many families are determined to stay and build their lives on their land in the Western Negev, and we are here helping to strengthen these communities under constant attack (Psalm 35:3). In addition to home visits to strengthen each individual affected by rocket attack, Project CUA also has provided collective assistance to affected communities with: A marathon studies project to help children with learning difficulties, horse therapy for traumatized children, relaxation holidays and therapeutic spas, food vouchers for Passover and Feast of Tabernacle holidays, and special events for different groups of rocket survivors.
Thank you – our supporters, for enabling Project CUA to be the hands of God and our Lord, to mend the broken-hearted, to feed the hungry, to comfort those who mourn, to calm the people in great distress and to help them to look to God and put their hope and trust in Him and His words. To support Project CUA, please send your financial gift to CFI Jerusalem designated to Project “Communities Under Attack”, thank you.
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Contact Communities Under Attack at: cua@cfijerusalem.org
“Latest Communities Under Attack” Reports: by Maggie Huang
“Communities Under Attack” May Report: by Maggie Huang
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Dear Friends of Israel,
“And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart“ (Jeremiah 29: 13).
During this last Passover, Project CUA provided food vouchers for 80 civilians affected by the ongoing rocket attacks from Gaza. It was a big surprise to me, when hearing what Ester said to me, in front of her fellow civilians, who were there to receive CUA’s Passover food vouchers. She said Christians know more scriptures on Messiah than we (Jews) do. I do not know how she came to this conclusion to make such statement. I smiled at her and said to her that anyone who is hungry for God’s word and is willing to study the scriptures in the Bible will be like that too. Please pray that God will put a hunger for His word in the hearts of His ancient people – the People of the Book, that will propel them to search for Him and find Him (Jeremiah 29:13).
Project CUA also provided help in part payment of a computer for a college student named Tevel. The effect of trauma from the ongoing rocket attacks is very profound. Tevel and several of her family members have been severely traumatized by the ongoing rocket attacks to the point of being unable to function in daily life. Her younger sibling is not able to join the army this upcoming year due to trauma. Growing up in a traditional Jewish home Tevel’s family has been observing many Jewish traditions but God seemed far away from them. It was a very special time
ministering to Tevel, in which she was greatly moved. At the conclusion of this outdoor visit I said to her please read the Word of God daily to know who God is to you. He is your refuge and present help in time of trouble (Psalm 46:1).
Project CUA also ministered to Yehuda and his wife Natalie as well as their children. His wife said Yehu- da literally walked through the valley of the shadow of death of Coronavirus and thankfully God spared his life. But he is still in a serious condition and needs our prayers. Because of being sick with Covid, both Yehuda and his wife have not been able to work for a long time, furthermore having to raise 5 small children, this family has been in a dire financial situation. During the visit, with God in the middle of it, the lives of this family were greatly impacted.
On behalf of the suffering rocket victims thank you so much for playing an important role through your generous support. May The Lord bless you and your family abundantly.
Maggie Huang Project Supervisor
“Communities Under Attack” March Report: by Maggie Huang
“We have this hope as an anchor for the soul… " (Hebrews 6:19a)
Dear Friends of Israel,
Shalom. I remember during one period of my life when I felt hopeless and depressed, all I wanted to do was to sleep as if all the worries and sorrow would go away, but they did not. That was the same approach Israel Ifrah takes. When I went to Israel’s home for the scheduled visit, he was sleeping and did not want to get up. So his parents, Ester and Danny, received me instead as he was traumatized by the rocket attacks and severely depressed. It did not offend me, as sometimes I do receive phone calls from victims of terror to cancel the scheduled visit due to trauma.
Their home was hit two times by rockets fired from Gaza, the second time in the year 2009, the room where Israel was in was hit directly, causing serious damage to the house and further trauma to him.
Like many Israeli families, Israel’s family are culturally and traditionally observing Israeli Jews who observe Shabbat and Jewish Holidays and practice Judaism loosely. They believe in God but do not have any personal relationships with Him.
A warm relation was formed during the visit, and Ester and Danny were very appreciative for the love and support Project CUA of CFI ― your outreach ministry to victims of rocket attack in Israel― extended to them. And like many others whom Project CUA visited, they said to me, “Please come back to visit. You are always welcome in this home.”
I am forever grateful to God for bringing me out of the pit, of the sense of hopelessness, through knowing what He has done for us and that I have this hope as an anchor for my soul. (Hebrews 6:19a) Please lift up Israel’s situation in prayer and that the Spirit of God moves and works in his heart to receive my visit next time.
Thank you ― our supporters for enabling Project CUA to reach out on your behalf to these precious Israeli citizens who have suffered ongoing rocket attacks from Gaza for around 15 years. In this turmoil and uncertain time, may you and your loved ones have this hope as a ‘soul anchor’, firm and secure in Him, who is our Great High priest who enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain for us and intercedes for us in Heaven.
“Communities Under Attack” February Report: by Maggie Huang
“A friend loves at all times," (Proverbs 17:17a).
Dear Friends of Israel,
Shalom. Shortly after I went to visit Tal (the young man in the picture),
the Israeli government announced the third lockdown, as the increased
infection in Israel, as well as the fear of the spread of the new strains of
the Coronavirus, first found in UK and South Africa, were detected
in Israel as well.
Tal was traumatized during the second Lebanese War while performing
his reservist duty, during which his unit came under fierce attack by
Hezbollah fighters, resulting in his commander and several of his comrades
being killed or injured. He has been unable to work as he needs continued
treatment on his trauma.
Some supporters made quilts for Israelis affected by rocket or terror attacks, and Tal was given one quilt. The visit brought great comfort to Tal, as he knows that he is not alone and is loved by us and our supporters (Proverbs 17:17a).
The CUA Project supervisor also provided help to a rocket victim named Mazal as she is in urgent need, and is planning to visit her after the lockdown is lifted. Mazal is a single mom who has been battling cancer for several years, in addition to suffering trauma from the ongoing rocket attacks. One community leader living in Sderot said the Covid-19 cases are rising rapidly, surpassing even the contagions of the previous waves, and the third lockdown is affecting even more people in Sderot physically, economically and mentally. This situation, added to the imminent security threat from Hamas and the Islamic groups in Gaza who have not stopped launching rockets on this city, is causing more misery to civilians of Sderot.
Thank you for being an instrument in God’s hand through your support for Project “Communities Under Attack”, helping Tal, Mazal and many others affected by the onging rocket attacks from Gaza. May the Lord command the blessing on you in your storehouse and in all that you undertake (Deuteronomy 28:8).
“Communities Under Attack” January Report: by Maggie Huang
"A light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel." (Luke 2:32)
Dear Friends of Israel,
When I got to Dafna’s home in Southern Israel for a scheduled visit, she and her 10-year-old son Itai were watching a Christmas program on TV. Like many Israelis, Dafna was fascinated by this special holiday, and wanting to know what Christmas is all about. I told them Christmas is not about Santa Claus nor Christmas presents, but about the Good News from Heaven in fulfillment of the prophecies of the Tanach (Old Testament) concerning the Birth of the Messiah of Israel and Savior of the world, promised by God through His servants the prophets (Luke 2:32). He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29).
I shared with Dafna one thing to which she could relate, and then she started to open up her heart, allowing God to minister to her deep wounds caused by her ex-husband who was very abusive to her.
Project CUA also visited Yuri and Taya – A couple living in Northern Israel who experienced the love of God in a very special way.
During the visit I shared the scripture from my personal devotion that morning, which I felt was from God for them. It says, “Thus says the LORD: ‘In a time of favor I have answered you; in a day of salvation I have helped you;’” (Isaiah 49:8a). Yuri told me that was exactly what he experienced when he was seriously injured by a rocket and went through the valley of death. People from the ambulance service attending the scene of the rocket attack were shocked and asked how he got out from the devastation. Yuri was taken to hospital after he made his way to them and then collapsed. God further ministered to Yuri and Maya through Project CUA during the visit.
Thank you so much, supporters of Project CUA, for being co-laborers of this project to comfort His people (Isaiah 40: 1), making an impactful influence in the lives of rocket victims. Please pray that God will give revelation to the rocket victims from the messages that they heard during the visit. May you and your family have be blessed
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“Communities Under Attack” December Report: by Maggie Huang
“When the Lord brought back the captives of Zion,…”
(Psalm 126:1a)
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Dear Friends of Israel, Shalom. By the same way in which God led Naomi
in the Book of Ruth, often times God allows His people go through hardship
or persecution, to bring them back to Zion from exile.
(Psalm 126:1a & Ruth 1:1-3).
Ziona is one such Israeli rocket victim whom Project CUA visited. Ziona
left Israel in her 20’s to reside in France. She met and married her husband
Robert and they have three children who were born there. As Anti-Semitism
in Europe, especially in France has risen, it became very dangerous for
Jewish people living there. Ziona and her husband came to the realization
that there was no future for their youngest son Natanel who is fourteen, so they decided to return to their homeland Israel. Ziona and Robert were deeply moved by the love and support poured out on them from Project CUA of CFI, on behalf our supporters, when they faced the hardships of rocket attacks from Gaza.
Project CUA also visited Suzan and Mayina in November. Suzan and her family have been severely affected by the Covid pandemic. Her son and his wife, plus two young children are living with Susan and her husband, so they have to provide for them. Banks refused to grant them loans, as she has had a huge bank debt and her husband was bankrupt in his business. This family was very grateful to our supporters for standing with them when they have no one they could turn to for help.
Mayina of Ashkelon also made Aliyah to Israel, from Chechnya in the former Soviet Union. She had a fall and broke her arm in May last year while running for shelter, when Tzeva Adom (the Red alert warning siren of incoming rocket attacks) was sounding. She has already had two surgeries on her arm but it is getting worse and she has not been able to move her arm nor sleep well because of pain and trauma. Her doctor told her to have surgery but they do not have confidence in him. During my visit they asked me if I knew of any good doctor whom I can recommend to her. I said I would ask some friends working in the medical field. Mayina and her granddaughter were very appreciative of this visit and greatly comforted by our love and care. Thank you - our supporters; our work would not be possible without your generous financial support. May God bless you and reward you abundantly.
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