FZS Update – Fall 2025

FZS Update – Fall 2025

“For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not rest…” (Isaiah 62:1)

Shalom Friends of Israel and For Zion’s Sake!

Israel has finally begun to envision a new normal – what many considered “The Day After”. The October 7th massacre and the 2 years that followed have affected the nation in so many ways and will be remembered for generations to come. Since we have welcomed home the remaining 20 living hostages this past October and are still awaiting the remains of the rest of the bodies still held in captivity, families are adjusting to their new circumstances with the released hostages receiving medical treatment while also struggling to find their place and return to life again. Many have sighed a breath of relief, while others have only recently been able to give their loved ones a proper burial in Israel as they continue to mourn the brutal, inconceivable, and tragic loss. Thousands have been injured, young men have lost limbs, and hundreds have even sacrificed their lives, paying the ultimate price to fight to bring their brothers and sisters home from captivity in Gaza, while also protecting the rest of the country from other foreign and domestic threats. Israel has endured thousands of missile attacks from multiple enemies in Gaza, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, as well as terror attacks within Judea and Samaria and other locations throughout the country. Countless homes were left in rubble from Iranian rockets, thousands of citizens have been displaced, and hundreds of businesses were forced to close… Residents of the Kibbutzim near Gaza and Nova Festival survivors are yet another group of Israelis who have to deal with the severe trauma of the horrific experiences and sights they have witnessed. Tourism has been at an all-time low and many are wondering how they can begin to pick up the pieces. Nevertheless, relief and joy is felt in the air and we praise God for the newfound  hope that Israel may now begin to heal and rebuild lives! The people of Israel have endured unbearable tragedies over the years, yet are so resilient, and most importantly – we have God on our side!

In that vein, we at FZS continue to reach out to the many who have lost so much, from loved ones to homes, to employment, and we strive, with God’s help, to meet the seemingly endless needs here in the Holy Land. It is especially during this time that we have been committed to continue our mission of helping, supporting, comforting and encouraging the Nation of Israel as it finds itself surrounded by increasing false global narratives, evident hate, and physical violence. Following are the latest ministry updates as of fall 2025, where FZS continues to reach out wherever God guides and provides. This Thanksgiving season we truly have so much to be thankful for!

Aid Distribution to IDF

Since the terrorist slaughter of October 7th, 2023, FZS has been working closely with the brave IDF soldiers, many of whom have been wounded both physically and emotionally in their undying love and service to their homeland – Israel. These Heroes of Israel, with courage, tenacity and dedicated service to their country have experienced horrific scenes and suffered some of the most devastating injuries one can imagine.

Aid Distribution to IDF

We began by partnering with ELAL Airlines to bring in literally tons of supplies to the soldiers in the months following October 7th: Field cots, sleeping bags, blankets, protective eyewear, tourniquets, medical supplies, thermal clothing, socks, protein bars, and so much more.

Certificate of Appreciation from the Elite Undercover Counter-Terrorist “Duvdevan” Commando Unit

FZS Blesses Wounded IDF Soldiers

Eventually, as the war continued, time revealed an even greater need. As so many IDF soldiers were and are recovering from life changing injuries, FZS has been there to encourage and refresh with a beam of hope. Through the support of many, the project evolved and we have been able to take groups of young Israelis in recovery for a retreat to a beautiful location where they get to enjoy incredible, God-created scenery, once-in-a-lifetime experiences, like skiing (if their injury allows) and scenic flights, as well as becoming part of our family.

(Left) “Returning to Life – The Rehabilitation Center for War Casualties”, Sheba Hospital, Tel Aviv
(Right) Friends from Lone Soldier’s unit trade off in shifts so he is never alone and sleep on the floor

Hospital visits and continuous contact with these brave soldiers has been a huge blessing to us as we build relationships with these young men and facilitate rest and rehabilitation away from all the medical treatments. The mental and physical wounds these IDF soldiers have endured have driven many of them to rely on prescribed sleeping and anti-depression medication, as well as other substances – not only to sleep through the night and silence the terrifying dreams, but also to cope with daily life. Some of the wounded have married and managed to settle down and start families, while others are still fighting the depression and trauma caused by the war, making it difficult even to get through the day, let alone maintain a relationship. In an environment full of love, understanding, patience and care, they are able to lay down their “vest” and unpack heavy burdens piece by piece through conversations with each other, as they can relate to each other better than anyone else, and all who will lend an ear to listen. What we have observed in all these young men is a remarkable toughness and resilience. They do not seek pity; instead, they demonstrate humble strength despite everything they carry within them and strive to get up every time they fall, and carry on the memory of their fallen comrades.

Hospitalized Wounded IDF Soldiers

Wounded IDF Soldier praying at the Western Wall before transferring to another Hospital

Crutches and Leg Braces won’t stop them!

Retreat and Enjoying Nature

Relaxing and Adventurous Activities

Panel Discussion with Wounded IDF Soldiers

These young men also acknowledge their responsibility to represent Israel and the truth, as they have witnessed it for themselves on the frontlines, and feel the need to keep the memory of their fallen brothers in arms alive. We are honored to host speaking engagements and coordinate gatherings where these brave heroes can share their inspirational stories of survival, as well as the struggles of their recovery process.

Reunion with Multiple Groups Post-Retreat

We are also privileged to continue to stay connected, accompany and support these Israelis who have sacrificed so much of their time, energy and health, throughout their treatment, host reunions in different locations in Israel, as well organize desert tours for them in a peaceful environment, as part of their long recovery process.

FZS Distribution Center in Jerusalem

Our Distribution Center has always been at the core of our mission at FZS. With the rise in global antisemitism, Jews continue to make Aliyah in large numbers. Despite the war, many Jews from around the world have realized there is just no safer place for them to be than in Israel.

Our FZS Distribution Center is located in Jerusalem and is the hub of all of our aid distribution and outreaches. It is here that we store the many tons of humanitarian aid we receive, and have our clothing and food distribution program for Olim, to support and encourage them in the first years of making Aliyah. Holocaust Survivors, single parents, lone soldiers and others in need are also invited to receive clothing and needed supplies. We continue to partner with other organizations abroad in order to ensure that the supplies are sufficient for those who require assistance and are so grateful for our partnership with GAIN (Global Aid Network) in Holland, IAT (International Aid Trust) in the UK, and HH (Hanseatic Help) in Germany, along with the prayers and support from the faithful who love Israel, who all make it possible to continue to provide aid and financial service to God’s chosen!

Although our facility is very much a warehouse setting, we are thankful for this “haven of rest” which the Lord has provided for us to serve the needy in Israel and the nations. What a privilege it is to be here in the center of Jerusalem to offer some hope and a place of refuge for those seeking comfort! Oftentimes, we see faces who come dejected and seemingly hopeless, leave our distribution center with smiles and the peace of being touched by the care and love they receive here…

FZS Blesses Holocaust Survivors

FZS takes every opportunity to reach out to these precious souls and support their needs with clothing, food, shut-in visits and sponsoring survivor gatherings for various events.

 

Ukrainians waiting for treatment at the Israeli Field Hospital