Please read the two letters below recently shared by Just One Life’s leadership here and in Israel.

April 2024 / Adar 2, 5784

This letter marks one of the most challenging communications I’ve drafted in my 34-year tenure with Just One Life.

Six months have passed since the invasion into southern Israel by Hamas, resulting in the tragic loss of hundreds of people, babies and children included. Hundreds of thousands of soldiers have left their homes to protect and fight for Israel in both the south and north. Additionally, around 200,000 Israeli families have been displaced from these regions, moving towards Jerusalem and Eilat, with many expecting mothers among them.

Recognizing the urgency, Just One Life (USA) and Nefesh Achat B’Yisrael (Israel) have been steadfast in their support for displaced families, with a particular focus on pregnant women in crisis and recent mothers. Over the past six months, Just One Life has extended assistance to over 500 mothers from these displaced families, offering vital social services and financial aid.

The strain on Just One Life workers is considerable as they allocate tens of thousands of dollars to address the financial needs of displaced families. This includes households where husbands are serving on the battlefront, rendering them unable to work for extended periods and in dire need of urgent financial assistance.

It’s paramount to acknowledge that these families are enduring crises, displaced from their homes and facing significant challenges. Many find themselves residing in hotels without even the most basic necessities, having left behind their possessions and familiar surroundings. In this unprecedented situation, it becomes our collective responsibility to rally support for Israel’s most vulnerable, especially its children.

To contribute to our Emergency Passover Campaign, we invite you to visit the special campaign page at www.onebabychaifund.com.

Just $1,800 can save JUST ONE LIFE. Your donation, no matter the amount, will be deeply appreciated and utilized to alleviate the distress of these families.

The children of Israel express their gratitude in advance for your support.

Sincerely yours,

Rabbi Martin Katz, Executive Vice President

Jack Forgash, Chairman

Steven Adelsberg, Chairman

Letter From Just One Life’s Israel Director

Dear Rabbi Katz, Jack Forgash and Steve Adelsberg,

Since Simchat Torah, October 7, we have had the privilege at Just One Life to provide financial support to more than 475 families through our Project Chai, from cities including Sderot, Ashdod, Ashkelon, Eilat, Haifa, Tel Aviv, Kfar Maimon, Kiryat Shmona, Ofakim and multiple kibbutzim. Many families in the South of Israel have been able to return home recently, although adjustment has also been difficult for them. We are also still providing support to families from the north who remain evacuated with no return date in sight.

This week we received a referral for a young woman, Shira A, whose husband was killed in Gaza, leaving her to care for a newborn baby. Unfortunately, this is not a unique situation. We have received and are supporting multiple war widows with babies.

Sadly, this is the reality for many families, dealing with overwhelming sorrow and fear in every aspect of their lives. Every year we launch a Pesach Tzedakah fund for a small group of our families that are really struggling. This year, I truly hope we will be able to expand the amount we can give out so that many families who are still evacuated and find themselves away from home for the holiday can continue to receive financial aid to alleviate some of the pressure. Additionally, we aim to support some of the many young moms who need to prepare for the holiday while their husbands are still away on the battlefront.

Since my time with Just One Life, I have never experienced such dire need. These past five months have been the most emotionally intense period of work any of us have ever experienced. On top of daily struggles, the war has impacted every aspect of our families’ lives.

As we approach the upcoming holidays with heavy hearts, we know that we are doing our utmost to help many families, discreetly providing basic necessities and perhaps even something special for the holiday.

On behalf of the many families who have reached out to thank us for the support of Just One Life, I want to express my gratitude to our incredible donors in the US who have given us the opportunity to help and support families whose lives were turned upside down by terrorism and war, both financially and emotionally. I also want to extend my gratitude to you on behalf of our professional staff. More than ever, we feel grateful and humbled to be part of Just One Life and to serve as your emissaries in this critical mission.

All the best, Chag Sameach!

Chaya Katzin

Director, Just One Life Israel

Where is the baby? Yes, where is the baby? Have you forgotten him? He is a hostage.

We, the Jewish people, select life, life for babies. Just One Life is there for the babies in Israel!

Just One Life / Nefesh Achat Biyisrael has cared for them, assisted with financial aid, social services and trauma therapy. Close to 500 babies were born just in the last six months.

What can we do? We have to continue supporting the families of these mothers who courageously gave birth to their babies with strength and determination to continue living.

To donate go to
www.onebabychaifund.com.