We are reaching out on behalf of Shlomie and Yael, a young couple living in a settlement near Jerusalem, and the proud, devoted parents of an 18-month-old boy who is the center of their world.

Over the past few years, their lives have been deeply impacted by mental illness. Shlomie has battled a severe psychiatric condition that required extensive care, making it impossible for him to work consistently. During this period of crisis, the couple fell into credit card debt—not from overspending, but simply trying to survive, pay for urgent care, and keep their family afloat.

Israel’s public mental health system is overwhelmed, with long wait times for appointments. In order to avoid another painful hospitalization, Shlomie and Yael made the difficult decision to pay out of pocket for private psychiatric care on a weekly basis. This was a heavy burden—but one they carried out of love and commitment to healing.

Thankfully, their persistence paid off. For the past two years, they have been under the care of an American psychiatrist within Israel’s subsidized health care system, who helped stabilize their treatment plans. As a result, both Shlomie and Yael have been emotionally stable for two years, and are now fully focused on rebuilding their lives.

Their son now attends daycare with the help of social services, allowing them time to work and plan. Yael recently completed a vocational training course and is full of drive and determination to launch her own business. She’s ready to build something meaningful—but the weight of their past debt is holding her back, and the stress continues to take a toll on her mental health.

Now, the situation is becoming urgent: if their debts are not addressed immediately, the young couple is at risk of facing legal actions—something that could further destabilize their hard-earned recovery and jeopardize their family’s future.

They are doing everything right:

They are enrolled in a budgeting program that tracks their expenses weekly

They have created and are sticking to a monthly budget

They’ve cut spending down to the bare minimum, which is incredibly difficult while raising a toddler

They are determined to start fresh and never return to this place of financial fear

We are hoping to raise $98,000 to:

Pay down high-interest credit card debt from two years ago

Avoid imminent legal proceedings that could harm their stability

Support Yael in launching her business

Maintain access to essential psychiatric care

Provide stability and peace of mind for their young son

Your donation, no matter how small, will help lift an enormous burden and give this family the fresh start they’ve worked so hard for. If you're not able to give, please consider sharing this campaign with others.

Thank you so much for your kindness and compassion.