Why is this night different from all other nights?
This question is asked by the youngest child in a Jewish family at the start of the traditional Passover Seder meal. Then begins the retelling of the Exodus, the powerful biblical story of Israel’s deliverance from bondage in Egypt to become a nation free to serve God.
For most Jewish people, the Passover still remains the most significant event in Israel’s history. For generations, Jewish families have gathered around the Seder table, reading from the Haggadah, sharing a festive meal, and passing down the story of their peoples’ journey to freedom.
This year, the ICEJ marked the Passover season once again by distributing gifts and grocery coupons to Jewish families across Israel over recent weeks. These gifts brought joy and relief to many in need, ensuring they could celebrate this landmark holiday with dignity. More than that, our Passover gifts were a reminder that they are not alone and that Christians around the world care for them, and stand by their nation.
In each region of Israel we went to, we met with several of the families we were assisting. Bracha, a retired kindergarten teacher and cook, was greatly moved by our visit and the gift they received. A mother with one child and four grandchildren, she has spent her life caring for her small family. Holding the Passover greeting card that came with her gift, she smiled and said: “This gift brings me hope. Thank you.”
Bracha felt so safe speaking with ICEJ AID assistant Jannie Tolhoek that she lingered for a while, discussing the difficulties in the country and her own life. She even shared some fun stories about her past travels to the USA.
Another remarkable woman we met was Tanya, a 42-year-old mother of four. Her father, a Holocaust survivor, brought their family to Israel when she was just six. Although her mother was Christian, her father never allowed them to practice that faith, so she later underwent conversion to Judaism.
“To me, Christians and Jews have the same parents,” she reflected. “I grew up experiencing Christian antisemitism. So, to see you here now, giving us gifts on behalf of Christians who love us, it’s healing. It brings us closer and feels like a big hug.”
“Only real peace will come when the Messiah arrives,” Tanya continued. “But until then, we have a choice, to do good or bad. And we should always choose to do good, even when we don’t see the results. We need to help each other.”
As Jannie drove off for the next town, she reflected on how truly special it is to visit these families, hear their stories, and see who they really are.
“Knowing that when they sit down for their Passover meal, they’ll remember they have Christian friends who care for them in this season, makes it even more meaningful,” she glowed.
In the next community we met Chen, a social worker who has witnessed firsthand the growing desperation in her neighbourhood. The weight of crisis upon crisis has left many families barely holding on.
“We feel the war here,” Chen confided. “First, we had Corona, and just when we felt we could breathe again, the war happened. One of the people taken hostage had family here. Now, the need for social support is overwhelming as prices keep rising. People are struggling, not just financially but emotionally as well. The burden is crushing.”
The increasing need for social support was a recurring theme in every region. Rising food prices, army reserve duty, job losses, and higher housing costs have left many Israeli families struggling to stay afloat. Even those committed to helping others are barely managing themselves.
“Michal, another social worker, couldn’t be here today,” shared Chen. “Her husband is in reserves, and she’s at home managing four children, working, and preparing for Passover. The weight on her shoulders is unimaginable.”
But amid the hardship and uncertainty, Chen heard about what the Christian Embassy is doing to help here in Israel and assured Jannie it is much appreciated.
“I’m getting so emotional knowing that Christians are standing with us,” she gushed. “It means more than words can say. It gives us hope.”
Chen then excitedly welcomed several families into the bright social welfare office. We first met Timi, a father of seven, who has persisted through much adversity.
“After our fifth child, my wife fell into depression and couldn’t work,” Timi explained. “I was working in the operating theatre at Hadassah when I developed neurological issues. Suddenly, we were both unable to provide. We had no choice but to rely on social welfare. It was the darkest time of our lives. During that time, social welfare wasn’t just a lifeline, it was the rope we used to climb out. Now, I’m finishing my bachelor’s degree, and my wife just completed her first semester studying to work with special needs children with Down syndrome. We are rebuilding, piece by piece.”
We also met Tzila, a mother of two.
“Five years ago, I went through an abusive marriage and a difficult divorce and fell into depression,” she shared. “With support, I’m finding my way back. It’s slow and painful, but I’m moving forward.”
“You’re a strong and courageous lady,” responded Jannie.
“I do fall though,” Tzila replied.
Jannie did not leave it there, saying: “But when you fall, you get back up with the support of others. You are not alone. It’s painful and brings tears, but it has made you strong.”
Tzila teared up, smiled, and gave Jannie a big “thank you” hug.
There were many more such encounters as we criss-crossed Israel ahead of Passover. One very memorable visit was with an Italian Jewish family who had recently made Aliyah due to rising antisemitism and a desire to return home. As we entered their home with the social worker, we were greeted by the grandfather, his daughter, and her daughter. They welcomed us warmly and offered us espresso. We sat with them, joined by more family, and shared in their excitement about receiving the holiday gift and greeting card. Their joy was contagious, and it served as a beautiful reminder of how simple acts of kindness can create such meaningful connections.
These are just a few of the connections we made. It was evident that the Passover gifts and supermarket coupons brought joy to every person’s face. Each one felt uplifted, knowing that Christians worldwide care for them so deeply that they reach out in such a heartfelt way.
So this Passover, as families across Israel gather to ask, “Why is this night different?”, the answer for many will reach beyond the traditional retelling of the Exodus. This night is different because Jewish people in Israel and around the world are not remembering the miraculous Exodus from Egypt alone. We are with them! This will help them hold on to the belief that God will deliver them in their current struggles. Just as God freed His people from Egypt, so too in this time of crisis. Whether it is the hostages, poverty, war, or the rising tide of antisemitism, God’s people will not be enslaved to fear and hostility, and they will not face it alone.
Thank you for supporting the ICEJ as we touch the lives of many needy Israeli families during this Passover holiday season. You can contribute to this effort through our “Future and A Hope” program.
