Hugs for Israel

• By SHALLE' MCDONALD

sraeli youngsters traumatized by terrorist attacks often find it

I difficult to recapture the innocence and freedom of childhood .

But Brenda Giles, founder of Hugs for Israel, is determined
to meet that challenge .
Hugs for Israel (www.hugsforisrael.org) is a Christian non -
profit ministry based in Jerusalem which helps children "to
laugh again, to smile again, to love again, [and] to find hope ,
by showering them with gifts and love ."
Giles began the ministry a few years into the second
Palestinian intifada, which witnessed hundreds of suicide
bombings, roadside shootings and other horrific attacks that
claimed over 1,000 Israeli lives and wounded thousands more ,
both physically and mentally .
The first time Giles went to help a child came after a terrorist
attack in which two teenage boys were shot and seriously
wounded. She only had 30 shekels at the time, but decided to
buy the best bouquet of t10wers she could and took them to the
hospital. One of the boys died, but the nurse allowed her to
visit the other, still in intensive care. The father was
overwhelmed and showed great appreciation. Not only were
family members touched by her simple yet heartfelt visit, but
BRENDA GILES, founder of Hugs for Israel (Courtesy)
other farnilies in the waiting room who heard about her act of
kindness asked for Giles to come to them as well .
"What God did that day was absolutely phenomenal," Giles thought, "these kids have not experienced terror in the
recently recalled for The Christiqn Edition. "When people see traditional sense." However, she was "reminded that they
that you love. them, and that you're willing to come along have indeed experienced terror. Terror in their homes,
beside them - not preaching; but just coming along beside where they should have felt safe, may be the ultimate
them in their time of grief, in their time of sorrow - then they terror."
will reach out tb you ." After realizing that "their capacity to love has been
One of·the fundamental beliefs behind this initiative comes tremendously damaged," she left Bet Elazraki with a new
from Psalm 68:19: "Blessed be the Lord, who daily loads us determination to help comfort every one of these children.
with 1 enefits, even the God of our salvation." Some Hugs organized a large fair on the basketball court of the
translations say He loads uS with good or bears our burdens . children's home, which included activities and games, arts
No matter how you read it,the vision for Hugs for Israel was and crafts and obstacle courses. It also donated a brand
birthed with the purpose of lavishing love on Israelis, in new ping-pong table, puppet theater, big jumping castle,
particular on chi1dren scarred by terror attacks . sporting equipment, a violin and many toys.
Over the years, Hugs for Israel has provided gifts, toys and Bet Elazraki was thrilled with the event. "Our biggest,
fi.nancial support along with home and hospital ;yisits while heartfelt thanks are extended to our friends from Hugs for
establishing ongoing relationships with the traumatized Israel, for what was truly a magnificent afternoon. The
children and their families. In addition, Hugs has several wonderful time we all shared will long be remembered by
projects that connect Christian adults and children from all of us," one of the staff wrote on their Web site.
abroad with Israeli children by partnering with schoolsand Giles hopes all Christians understand that they also can play
community centers . a part in giving children who have suffered from terror "a sense
Today, Hugs for Israel is branching out to include of hope, that there are people around the world who love them
children who are victims of violence in the home. Giles and are praying for them."
was introduced to Bet Elazraki Children's Home' in "God has made it explicitly clear that He's chosen Israel
~. Netanya, which cares for 213 children, from infants to 18- forever, and if you love God, you have to love what He loves,"
year-olds, who come from abusive homes. Initially she she concluded.
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20 THE JERUSALEM POST CHRISTIAN EDITION I MARCH 2010 w·ww.jpost.com/ ce