The Elisha Fund

The Jerusalem Connection has established The Elisha Fund out of necessity.

Sadly, over the past few years, hundreds of thousands of Israelis have been pushed below the poverty line. According to Israel's latest Poverty Report, nearly one in every five Israeli families lives below the poverty line. Over the past five years, Israel's population increased by about 8 percent, but the number of poor increased by 45 percent. That percentage represents 100,000 families. The number of poor Israeli children has risen considerably. In 2000, 25.2 percent of Israel's children were poor, but the figure jumped to 33.2 percent in 2004.

Jerusalem is the poorest city in Israel. 40% of Jerusalem's children and teenagers live below the poverty line. Through our support we are directly affecting these children by helping them off the street, giving them food to eat and by finding them ways to begin working and/or getting education.

Many of the new immigrants (Olim) that we have helped to get back to Israel have found themselves in impoverished situations. While the Israeli government does help initially with financial support, often it is not enough. Many of these people suffer from 'culture shock.' To sustain themselves in their new land, they have to learn Hebrew and often need job training. This all takes time. Some fall through social safety nets and are in need of real assistance. That is one more purpose of The Elisha Fund.

We take care of Israel's most needy through our Elisha Fund. But for us to continue caring for God's covenant people, we need your prayer and financial assistance. Please be in prayer for the growing number of Israelis in poverty and consider giving to The Elisha Fund.