It’s hard to believe that just a month ago I joined Just One Life/Nefesh Achat B’Yisrael as the director of development. I knew this was a unique organization, but it wasn’t until I was fully immersed in its daily work that I realized just how profound the impact is. For over 36 years, Just One Life has been dedicated to supporting Israeli women and families through every stage of pregnancy — before, during, and after. More than 22,000 babies have been born because of the essential financial, emotional and mental health support we provide to ensure healthy pregnancies, safe deliveries and a strong start for new mothers and their babies.
The Heart of Our Work
Just One Life typically handles 450–500 cases annually, working closely with women facing crisis pregnancies. Since Oct. 7, in the wake of the devastating violence in Israel, we’ve been referred an additional 520 cases. These women have fled violence in cities like Sderot, Netivot and Kfar Maimon and are now living in hotels and shelters across the country. Many of their husbands are fighting on the front lines in Gaza or the northern borders. These are the stories of resilience and hope — stories that exemplify the unwavering commitment of Just One Life.
One such case involves a family from Ashkelon. The mother, expecting her seventh child, was forced to flee to Jerusalem, temporarily staying in an apartment offered by Americans. When the family returned to their home, this mother had to relocate again, this time to another temporary apartment. None of the children are in school and the family is unable to work, adding immense stress to an already precarious situation.
Another case that deeply moved me involved a woman who is currently expecting twins while raising three toddlers. Her husband is serving in Miluim, leaving her to manage their children on her own. Tragically, she lost many friends at the Nova music festival and, even more heartbreakingly, she lost one of the twins during childbirth. The baby was born with no heartbeat.
She is now grieving this unimaginable loss while trying to care for her toddlers with little support. She is receiving therapy through Just One Life and our team is providing her with the emotional and mental health resources to navigate her grief and care for her family during this heartbreaking time.
One of the families we’re helping is from Netivot. They, too, were relocated to Jerusalem and are currently struggling to make ends meet. The mother is pregnant and they are facing a dire situation with no income. This family needs to pay rent for two places while the father desperately searches for work. Their future feels uncertain, but thanks to Just One Life, they know they are not alone.
A Critical Time for Action
As Israel continues to face the challenges of war, we are seeing more and more families in crisis. Many of the women we are helping have had to flee their homes under the threat of rocket fire, leaving behind everything they know. They are living in temporary shelters, separated from their husbands who are serving in the military, and facing the daunting task of bringing new life into the world in the midst of chaos.
The urgency of our work has never been greater. Every day, more women are reaching out for help and we are working tirelessly to ensure they receive the financial, emotional and mental health support they need. Whether it’s through counseling, material assistance or simply offering a shoulder to lean on, Just One Life is committed to standing by these women and their families during this incredibly difficult time.
The Urgency of Our Work
The ongoing war has intensified the need for our services. Every day, the number of women facing crisis pregnancies continues to rise. These women are giving birth under the most unimaginable conditions — fleeing rocket fire, living in shelters or hotels, and managing without the presence of their husbands who are fighting to defend our country. The work of Just One Life is more urgent than ever as we tirelessly provide these families with the essential financial, emotional and mental health resources they need during these incredibly difficult times.
A Call for Support
As I reflect on my first month with Just One Life, I am struck by the strength and resilience of the families we serve. Despite the overwhelming challenges, these women and their families show incredible courage in the face of adversity. And we, as an organization, are proud to stand by them, offering not only financial assistance but also emotional and mental health support that is critical in these times of crisis.
Now, more than ever, your generosity is necessary to ensure that every family facing these unimaginable hardships can receive the help they need. Whether it’s a donation, volunteering or simply spreading awareness about our work, your support is vital in allowing us to continue our mission.
To help support Just One Life in providing these essential services, visit justonelife.org/donate. Together, we can make a lasting difference in the lives of these families.
Just One Life’s work is a testament to the power of compassion and commitment. We are helping to secure the future of Israel, one family at a time, even in the face of war and uncertainty. I feel blessed to be part of this journey and look forward to continuing to advocate for these remarkable families.
Together, we can ensure that every mother and child receives the care and support they need to thrive in the land of Israel.
Ari Greene is the director of development at Just One Life/Nefesh Achat B’Yisrael. He is passionate about supporting Israeli families and ensuring they receive the care they need during times of crisis.
