The Wave of Refugees has Begun!
- Leon Mazin
- May 27, 2022
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 25, 2022
Haifa, Israel
The whole world is focused on the situation between Ukraine and Russia, where both good and evil spiritual forces are active and giving rise to a flood of refugees. Among them, many are returning to Israel, bringing to mind this prophecy: “…For I will RESTORE them TO THE LAND I gave their ancestors. But now I will send for many fishermen, declares the Lord, and they will catch them. After that I will send for many hunters, and they will hunt them down on every mountain and hill...” (Jeremiah 16:15-16 NIV)
Thirty years ago, when the Soviet Union fell, there was a big wave of Aliya as Jews were at last able to leave the former USSR and come to Israel. Everyone said it was the time of “fishermen.” And many believers (like fishermen), traveled around the former Soviet countries seeking out and encouraging Jews to return to the land of their fathers. Today, due to the war, in Europe there are already 4.5 million refugees from Ukraine. It is estimated that over 200,000 Ukrainians are Jewish or have Jewish ancestry and can (AND SHOULD!) come to Israel. We can see that many are already “running from the hunters” – fleeing from devastation and death.
This influx of people seeking refuge in Israel has greatly affected us here at Shavei Tzion. For many years we encouraged people to return to Israel (our very name means Return to Zion!). Up until now, immigration was in slow mode – most weeks we would help 2 to 4 families. In the last month at least 15 families a week knock on our doors, and we are getting non-stop phone calls regarding more who are on their way. We must enter the mode of intense mass Aliya.
So now we are gearing up to assist many. This means updating our stock of essential household goods (bedding, blankets, kitchen utensils, etc). We are also recruiting additional volunteers. We want to see how our people serve, not only in practical ways, but also how they shine with the Light of the Lord.
I want to recruit you as well. Partner with us on this project! Our goal in 2022 is to release $50,000-100,000 worth of assistance for new olim/refugees. To give, please go to www.ritg.org/shaveitzion
This “exodus” from Ukraine is reminiscent of the one from Egypt. God allowed us to be born for these days and it is important to fulfill OUR ROLE in His great plan.
I want to end with these ancient prophetic words which are still so true today: “And you will again see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not.” (Malachi 3:18 NIV)
Testimonies from those we have been blessed to help:
One refugee who left Ukraine with hardly more than a change of clothes thanked us in this way: “…I needed practically everything; the help was very important for me. Thanks to the humanitarian warehouse at Return to Zion. But also important were the kind words and the warm attitude of the hearts that I met here. Moved to tears, thank you!”
Another said: “We came from Ukraine. Return to Zion helped us with what they had. Wonderful friendly people who responded and helped us. Thank you very much! Having arrived from the war in Ukraine, this was very important, since a lot [of our possessions] had to be left there. Thanks to those who help and donate towards this project!”
