On March 11, Israel observed “Good Deed Day” on which over 550,000 people participated in more than 8,000 projects, in hundreds of communities, performing various acts of kindness from feeding the hungry to painting worn buildings. Israelis, known for their volunteerism, draw from the biblical mandate to love your neighbor as yourself. And their desire to help others is exhibited in a huge variety of ways.
While 550,000 is a lot of people, it’s even more significant in that Israel has just over 8 million citizens. That’s just under 7 percent of all Israelis taking a break to do something good for others, all at once, not including all the other ways we, Israelis, volunteer and serve one another and our country on a day-to-day basis. It’s certainly something about which to feel proud.
Not included in the 550,000, thirty Christians from the U.S. and several other countries, under the auspices of the Friends of Israel “Hesed” program, also took time out of their day to do something extraordinary. They visited Israel’s national blood bank to lend support, donate money, and even more interestingly, eight donated blood. Friends of Israel (FOI) is a 75-year-old U.S.-based ministry that exists simply to support and bless Israel. Among the partners it supports is Heart to Heart, a virtual blood donation program that allows people, who live outside of Israel or are not eligible to donate blood, the opportunity to help save lives in Israel by sponsoring a unit of blood.
Jim Showers, president of FOI, said, “Our visit to the blood center will be a lifelong memory for our Hesed group. Being able to give blood in the same land where Jesus shed His blood for us is a special experience,” he said. “This sacrifice of blood doesn’t compare to the blood Jesus gave, but is a deep connection to the Jewish man who died for us 2,000 years ago. This is the core of Christian theology and the event that all Christians put their faith in. What a blessing for the men and women of the Hesed team, on the day Israelis set aside to do good deeds, for them to give back to His people the gift of life – their blood; the gift of love.”
Indeed, for all the FOI guests, the visit was meaningful. The warmth, love, and support for Israel that was expressed was extraordinary. Not all Israelis understand the heart for Israel that runs deep with many Christians. So for me, it is a blessing, to bear witness to and share that.
Some of the deepest emotions expressed were by those who donated blood themselves. For instance:
- One expressed that he would only give his blood for two flags, “the Stars and Stripes and the Star of David.”
- One expressed the love of Jesus, giving His blood, as a model and motivation for Christians to give their blood in Israel.
- Another understood that the risks and needs are just greater in Israel, and it was a privilege to donate here.
- One woman, donating for the first time in her life, shared that she’d always been scared to donate blood, but as soon as she heard that they’d be donating blood, she said she would and she never hesitated.
- The only woman who was turned away for medical reasons, broke down in tears in not being able to do so in Israel.
The FOI “Hesed” group’s volunteering was not limited to the blood services. Many came in medical scrubs after volunteering at a hospital. And, in that moment, we witnessed something unique; how donated blood was helping patients in hospital. Proof of the lifesaving qualities of donated blood.
It’s a blessing to be able to work with ministries and individuals who express their heart for Israel by leaving behind the most personal donation they can make: the gift of life. It’s gratifying for so many others to join us and donate blood virtually through Heart to Heart. Israelis benefit enormously and are grateful for this support, and we look forward to many others joining us, donating in person, and virtually.
Jonathan Feldstein
