For two and a half years, our dear friend Tsivi, a member of the Antwerp Jewish community, has been waiting for her freedom.
Two and a half years of hoping.
Two and a half years of exhausting every possible avenue.
Two and a half years of living in painful uncertainty.
An experienced activist who has handled many painful and complicated cases said that this is one of the most difficult situations she has ever seen.
As time went on, the control did not stop.
One rabbinical authority sided with her husband. Another refused to allow anyone to act as a witness in court. Instead of support, she was left isolated. Instead of protection, she was left exposed.
She feels abandoned.
She feels exhausted.
She feels alone.
And yet — every morning she gets up for her two young boys.
For two and a half years, she has been carrying the financial responsibility for her children entirely on her own, while their father has not contributed financially and continues not to contribute.
Now the fight has moved into the civil court system. Her husband has received permission to proceed, and she must defend herself and protect her children.
High-conflict proceedings can stretch on for years, and the court costs and legal representation required are extremely expensive.
She lies awake at night wondering how she will afford the next step.
She worries about protecting her children.
She fears being financially drained into submission.
But she keeps going — because she is their mother.
Helping an agunah is not only an act of kindness; it is a communal responsibility. We cannot stand by while a mother in our community is trapped, isolated, and financially overwhelmed.
All funds raised will go directly toward legal expenses, including court fees, legal representation, and the ongoing costs of defending herself and her children.
She has carried this burden for 2½ years.
She cannot carry it alone anymore.
Please help Tsivi and her two boys.
Your support gives her strength.
Your support gives her protection.
Your support gives her hope.
Please see below for additional info and more ways to donate.
More on Tsivi's story:
More on Agunot:
Ways to give:
If you prefer to Zelle Tsivi directly, please reach out to get the email address associated with her account.
For tax-deductible donations of $500 or more, please call +32 488 46 96 54 to make arrangements.