How We Help

We rescue Jewish families from danger and poverty, as well as Jewish families who desperately want to return to Israel but do not have the means or ability.

What does this mean in practice?

Rescuing families – rather than helping them albeit out of very difficult situations – following the outbreak of war between Russia and Ukraine and following the rise in anti-semitism in countries like France and Turkey has become much more real and much more urgent.  Ezra teams are literally helping families and individuals leave war zones in Ukraine, sometimes at the risk of their own lives.  Jewish families are leaving France and Turkey in increasing numbers as they are afraid for themselves and for their children.  As anti-semitism is rising in many countries across the globe we expect aliyah to increase.  

We return Jewish families to Israel by obtaining and paying for passports and other documents, transport to Consular appointments and departure points.

What does this mean in practice?

Before leaving for Israel every Jewish person has to be able to prove their Jewish identity.  In former Soviet Union countries these checks are done by Israeli Consuls, outside of the fSU the checks are done by Jewish Agency offices.  This requires people to have documentary evidence of their Jewish roots, and the papers are often hard to find; it also requires every family member to attend consular appointments.  Ezra gives advice on finding the necessary documents; helps with some of the payments involved, including passports, police clearance certificates, apostilles and transport to the Consular checks.  Where people have changed their names (which many did after WWII) this can be a lengthy and expensive process.  Not only do families need financial support, but they often also need moral support.  The Jewish Agency or the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews pay for their flights and can give a lot of advice on special education or employment programs and other aspects of life in Israel but they do not cover these pre-flight costs.

We restore hope and a quality of life for Jewish families in their ancient homeland.

What does this mean in practice?

The ministry of Ezra restores hope to Jewish people in need.  Once in Israel the new immigrants receive help from a variety of sources – from government agencies to Christian organisations.  Ezra partners with Ministry to Israel and Bridges for Peace who, as well as other projects, give help to many new immigrants who are finding their feet in Israel  Even more than the practical help received these people are often restored to their ‘Jewishness’ or to the freedom to live as Jews without fear.  As the Jewish people return to the Land the prophet Ezekiel (among others) promises that they will also be restored to their God!

Ezekiel 20:41-42

“I will accept you as a fragrant incense when I bring you out from the nations and gather you from the countries where you have been scattered. I will show myself holy among you in the sight of the nations.  Then you will know that I am the LORD, when I bring you into the land of Israel, the land I had sworn with uplifted hand to give to your fathers.”