Dear Friends and Kind Souls,

We are the Shemesh family from Israel—myself (Aviv), my husband Idan, and our precious baby, Tohar. On the very first day of the war, we were evacuated from our home on the Israeli border with just a single suitcase, clinging to the hope that we would soon return. Unfortunately, our beloved kibbutz remains a war zone, and we have no idea when we will be allowed to go back.

Since the war started, we have faced an incredible journey. Initially, we headed to Cyprus and then to Costa Rica, where we were told accommodations would be provided, only to find none available.

In the last eight months, we've lived in uncertainty, moving between 12 different houses in 4 different countries since the war began in search of stability.

Our business in Israel has been halted, and our savings have been exhausted in trying to navigate this challenging new reality. The cost of living here is significantly higher than in Israel, adding to our financial strain. Due to the war, we will need to remain here for at least another six months, but it may be far longer that we are uprooted and unable to return. We have no idea what we are returning to. We live in uncertainty these days, not knowing what the future holds.

We are grateful to have connected with a generous couple who have offered us an apartment at half price. This will allow us to stay in one place for the next 6 months and help create a bit of stability for Tohar. In addition to rent and utilities, we will need to cover the basics of life such as transportation fees, groceries, furniture, and other essentials.

Restarting our lives from scratch in a new country, with higher living costs and no immediate income, is daunting. We are working hard to rebuild our lives and establish new sources of income, but this takes time. Your support will help us bridge this gap.

Your donations will provide us with the stability we desperately need as we work towards a brighter future for our family. Any additional funds that surpass our goal will go towards utilities, furniture, groceries, and other essentials.

Any contribution, no matter how small, will make a significant difference in our lives. Your generosity will not only provide us with a roof over our heads but also with hope and the strength to keep moving forward.

If you can help or know someone who can, please reach out. Your kindness and support mean the world to us during these challenging times.

Thank you, and may you be blessed for your generosity.

With heartfelt gratitude,

The Shemesh Family (Aviv, Idan, and Tohar)