Every child is a precious gift, deserving of love, security, and the opportunity to fulfil the promise of their life. Sometimes, the people who enter a child’s life at just the right moment become the angels who help change that life forever.
For Harel, that moment came when he arrived at Beit Elazraki, EMUNAH’s residential home for children in Netanya.
Growing up in Be’er Sheva, Harel and his three brothers endured a painful childhood. Their parents were unable to care for them, and there were times when the boys went hungry, even resorting to stealing food simply to survive. Harel and his brothers were often locked out of their home, leaving them homeless and forced to sleep on the streets.
Eventually, social welfare services intervened, and Harel was placed in EMUNAH’s care. There, he discovered something every child should know – he was worthy of love, and he did not have to face life alone.
The counselors welcomed him with warmth and compassion. He had a clean bed, nourishing meals, clean clothes, and caring adults who comforted him when he needed a hug. They arranged therapy and provided the support he needed to begin healing.
But the EMUNAH family also helped Harel discover his own abilities. When he arrived, he could not read or write. Patient staff members worked with him, providing extra tutoring and sitting beside him at night to help with his homework.
Little by little, Harel gained confidence and pride in himself. With their encouragement, he completed his full matriculation and went on to serve in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), an experience that filled him with pride and gratitude. Harel is an EMUNAH Superhero!
Today, Harel is married, has three children of his own, and is employed, supporting his family with confidence. The little boy who once struggled to find enough food and a bed to sleep in, has grown into a man who can provide for the people he loves.
Looking back, Harel gives heartfelt thanks to EMUNAH’s staff, counselors, and volunteers, whose open arms and generous hearts helped shape his life.
Perhaps one of the greatest blessings we can offer a child is to become the caring presence that reminds them they are never forgotten and that their future can hold promise. Through EMUNAH, children find more than a home. They find caring hearts, renewed hope, and the opportunity to build a future filled with possibility.
Harel’s story is a beautiful reminder that when we extend our hands in love, we can become the angels who help a child’s life take flight.
Thank you to everyone whose generosity and faith in EMUNAH make these life-changing journeys possible! To learn more about the vital work of EMUNAH Israel, or to sign up to become an EMUNAH Guardian Angel and help sponsor a child like Harel go to: https://www.emunahangels.org/become-a-guardian-angel/
