A Life of Strength and Gratitude: Marina’s Story of Survival and Service

Marina, 85, learned about HaTikva Dental through her work at a non-profit organization, where she is still employed. Maher was her dentist, and she greatly appreciated both the quality of care and the warm, welcoming atmosphere the HaTikva Dental team creates for every patient.


Originally from Donetsk, Ukraine, Marina doesn’t clearly remember how the war began, but she vividly recalls the evacuation by train, where people were sometimes left behind at stations in search of food or water. Marina, along with her mother and two brothers, managed to escape to Kazakhstan when the war broke out, while her father was immediately sent to the front lines. Their survival depended on boarding that train—everyone else in Donetsk perished.


Twenty-four years ago, Marina and her family moved to Israel, where she began working and continues to work to this day. We praise God for stories like hers.

Following the outbreak of the October 7th war, Israel rapidly mobilized tens of thousands of reserve soldiers and abruptly thrust them into combat with a depraved enemy.

The Willams Family | Blog | HaTikva Project

Israel’s Weariness and the Power of Compassion

Israel is weary. We’ve become accustomed to this new normal of endless waiting—waiting for news of hostages, for the political echelon to make impossible decisions, listening to the nations of the world lecture us on how we could be more virtuous in defeating terrorism, all the while trying to pick up the broken pieces of a society that has endured more than its fair share of trauma.

When pain and suffering persist, threatening to overwhelm an individual or, in Israel’s case, a nation, compassion is an antidote. Compassion draws near and declares, “You are not alone. Your pain is my pain. Your future is my future.” This is the example set by Yeshua’s incarnation—the ultimate act of compassion.

Philippians 2:6 says of Yeshua, “Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!”


Our beautiful king left the heights of glory to take on our frame… covered in dust, weary from the journey of life, frail under the weight of a sinful world pressing in around us. Jesus came close. He lived our pain, bore our burdens, and, at the cross, transformed the human condition forever from a cause of despair to one of triumphant hope! 


Recent studies have revealed that over 3 million adults in Israel are struggling with anxiety, depression, and PTSD as a result of the past year and a half. This staggering number reflects the deep impact of recent events. The trauma of October 7th has left an indelible mark on the Jewish people, with some unable to function in daily life, leading to the loss of businesses and jobs as their mental health has deteriorated.

Israel needs compassion. Each of the 3 million adults suffering requires the investment of compassionate men and women who will sit with them in their pain, listen to their stories, carry the heavy burdens of financial strain, and mourn the loss of loved ones, time, and peace of mind.

This kind of investment is costly—not only financially but also in terms of time, energy, influence, and more. It requires entering into another person’s suffering, which doesn’t come naturally to us. But at this moment, it is necessary. If Yeshua chose to reveal Himself as a servant to a lost and dying world, we must do the same—bearing witness to Him and serving the Israeli people in their suffering and anguish.

HaTikva Project is working tirelessly to expand our trauma counseling services, recognizing the immense need for emotional healing and mental health support in the days ahead. With the heavy burden of pain and suffering, there is also a significant opportunity to share the Lord’s hope and compassion with Israel. With your support and prayers, we will draw near to Israel and bear witness of His compassion.

Israel is weary. We’ve become accustomed to this new normal of endless waiting—waiting for news of hostages, for the political echelon to make impossible decisions

A Melody of Hope Ibrahim’s Path to Healing

Because of your support, hope is reaching those in need.

Ibrahim, a 58-year-old single Christian Arab with permanent residency, lives with his elderly mother. A talented pianist, he volunteers his time playing in various communities for different events. Recently, he lost his hearing aids—the very tools that enable him to play and serve others. Unfortunately, his health insurance would not cover replacements.

In this time of need, HaTikva Project was honored to step in and provide him with new hearing aids, allowing him to continue sharing his gift of music.

Ibrahim, a 58-year-old single Christian Arab with permanent residency, lives with his elderly mother.

A Family’s Restoration Nehaya and Galeel’s Journey

Hope is being restored for Nehaya and Galeel.

Nehaya and Galeel are Arab Christians from Jerusalem and parents to two boys, ages 12 and 13. Nehaya works as a teacher, while Galeel, after struggling with substance abuse, is currently in an eight-month rehabilitation program at a Christian center in Haifa, where he must stay full-time. Before entering the program, his past choices led to significant bank debts, leaving Nehaya searching for a higher-paying job to support their family and pay off their debts.

During this difficult season, HaTikva Project has been able to support them, offering hope and practical assistance.

Nehaya and Galeel are Arab Christians from Jerusalem and parents to two boys, ages 12 and 13. Nehaya works as a teacher, while Galeel, after struggling with substance abuse.

A Life of Strength and Gratitude: Marina’s Story of Survival and Service

November 8th, 2024 |HaTikva Dental

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Israel’s Weariness and the Power of Compassion

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