This Rosh Hashanah, Help a Child like Gilad Find the Light
Gilad’s story, which you can read below, shows what Emunah makes possible. He did not need one moment of care. He needed people who stayed with him at every stage: a safe home, emotional support, education, guidance and opportunities that helped him build a future.
Across Israel, Emunah is there for children and families who are too often unseen, unheard and forgotten.
Every child’s story is different. Some need a safe place to sleep. Some need therapy after trauma. Some need food, clothing, education or family support through crisis. Some need someone to notice the pain behind their behaviour.
Emunah is there for all children, dreaming for them until they are ready to dream for themselves.
From Darkness to Light: Gilad’s Story of Faith
Gilad Katz was only eleven years old when he made a decision no child should ever have to make.
“When I was 8 years old, my mum fled Israel to escape an abusive relationship. For three years, we hid in England and Switzerland. When we had to return to Israel my mum could no longer look after me properly. I needed to live in a safe environment and made the tough decision to move into Emunah Afula, which became my home.”
Gilad Katz was only eleven when he arrived at Emunah Afula. He had already lived through fear, upheaval and instability. He knew what could happen to a vulnerable child left without safety or support.
At just eleven years old, Gilad understood that if he stayed where he was, the street might become the place that raised him. So he chose Emunah Afula. A place where he could be safe. But this choice did not make Gilad feel brave. It made him feel alone.
That first night, he lay awake in a strange room, terrified and trying not to show it. He knew he was where he needed to be, but he was still an eleven-year-old boy who wanted the comfort and love of his mother.
“For the first three days, a counsellor stayed with me, showed me warmth and made me feel safe.”
That was the start of Gilad’s Emunah story.
Not a placement. Not a project. The beginning of a home.
Gilad’s story shows what Emunah makes possible
Please donate today and help other children like Gilad find their light. Your gift could help provide:
£50
an hour of support through Emunah’s helpline.
£100
essential supplies for a family in crisis.
£250
a vulnerable child the educational support they need to believe in their future.
£500
beds, furniture and essentials to make an Emunah home feel safe and welcoming.
£1,000
one-to-one educational support for a vulnerable child.
£5,000
music, creative and therapeutic activities across Emunah day care centres.