Blessing Israel with Ambulances Against Missiles through Heart to Heart

WASHINGTON, Sept. 3, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- With the June kidnapping of three Israeli teens, Israel united in prayer and solidarity that was joined by millions worldwide, in the hope that the boys would be found quickly, and returned to their families safely.  That was not to be. Israel and its supporters united in grief and mourning.

As millions prayed, Donna Calcaterra's 613 Foundation took a different approach. She donated funds to sponsor a new ambulance for Israel so that no matter the outcome, the tragedy would be met with something life affirming, and lifesaving.

As a kidnapping and murder escalated to hundreds of rockets being fired at Israel daily, with millions of Israelis in range of fire, living with trauma and fear close to their bomb shelters, Israel's army launched a ground operation to end the threat and uncover and destroy tunnels being used for terrorist attacks.  Dozens of Israeli soldiers and civilians were killed as rockets continued to rain down on Israel, more than 4600.

Donna wanted to do more.

She contacted Heart to Heart and heard about the outpouring of love and support for Israel, as well as donations, that enabled Israel's national ambulance service to keep running and Israel's national blood service to keep a safe blood supply flowing, keeping all Israelis safe. Donna decided to support this, to magnify the blessings.

"What can I do?  How can I help?" turned into a meaningful gift in its own right. The 613 Foundation donated $100,000, the cost of a new ambulance, but to use this as a matching grant to subsidize ministries and others with a heart for Israel to sponsor an ambulance of their own.  Rather than costing $100,000, this donation will be used to offset the price of sponsoring an ambulance for up to $10,000 for up to ten ministries.

Heart to Heart director, Jonathan Feldstein noted, "We are grateful to the generous support of the 613 Foundation. We look forward to others taking up this challenge and joining us.  On behalf of the people of Israel for whom Israel's ambulances and blood service are a lifeline, providing comfort to all Israelis in case they get hurt, thank you to all who support us so far, and those who will now."

For information please contact [email protected] or visit www.saving-lives-in-israel.org.   

Contact:
Jonathan Feldstein
In Israel: 057-761-4220
In the US: 201-203-0983
[email protected]

SOURCE Heart to Heart