Project Spotlight: Helping the Residents of Beit Shemesh

IFCJ Canada  |  March 12, 2026

Iran’s rockets have relentlessly targeted Israel, with Beit Shemesh, near Jerusalem, experiencing repeated strikes. Last week, nine people were killed, and a synagogue was hit and damaged. 

This week, our President, Yael Eckstein, traveled to Beit Shemesh with a team of Fellowship Israel staff—part of a Fellowship affiliate organization—to survey the damage and assist affected residents. Many beneficiaries, both elderly individuals and families, live in this area. 

Yael and the team first visited the sites struck by rockets the previous week, including the synagogue, where scattered and burned pages from prayer books littered the floor among the debris. One of their stops was an elderly hostel, where they delivered hot meals and food boxes to residents. 

They also visited beneficiaries supported through Fellowship-funded programs, including 91-year-old Maria and 88-year-old Bronya.  

Maria lives with her son, Moshe, who shared how she was unable to reach the shelter when the sirens sounded. Her caregiver quickly placed her in a wheelchair, moved her to the innermost room, and covered her for protection. Iranian rockets struck nearby, shattering windows and shaking the building, but Maria was unharmed. Moshe said it was God’s perfect timing and faith that kept her alive. 

While visiting Bronya, a siren sounded, and they helped her reach the shelter, something that is difficult for her to do on her own. 

The final two visits were to the apartment of 94-year-old Holocaust survivor Ksenya and to the home of Alona and Sergii and their family. Fellowship Israel staff had visited both households during Hanukkah and provided holiday gifts. Ksenya relies on an oxygen tank, and the intense stress of living under the constant threat of rocket attacks has worsened her breathing. Fellowship Israel staff brought her food boxes, hot meals, and a 500-shekel grocery card. Alona and Sergii also received food boxes, along with baby supplies for their youngest child. 

In the aftermath of attacks like these, communities such as Beit Shemesh reach out for help. Stories like this reflect the kind of compassionate care and support IFCJ Canada donors help make possible—ensuring vulnerable Jewish elderly are not left alone in times of crisis in Israel. 

“They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations” (Isaiah 61:4).