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Samaritan’s Purse Provides Essential Relief Amid Ongoing Conflict in Israel
In a nation embroiled in conflict, the Christian humanitarian organization Samaritan’s Purse is making significant strides to support those affected by the violence. The organization has deployed aid in various forms, from establishing armored ambulance stations to initiating a new trauma recovery center in the heart of the crisis. As fears linger daily, this organization steps into perilous areas with a commitment to help.
Edward Graham serves as the chief operating officer of Samaritan’s Purse and is the grandson of the late Rev. Billy Graham. On June 2, he visited key conflict zones in both northern and southern Israel. Graham’s mission involved meeting survivors, local leaders, and medical professionals who continue to grapple with the aftermath of recent assaults perpetrated by groups like Hezbollah and Hamas.
“We go where other people don’t or won’t,” Graham asserted during his visit to Arab al-Aramshe, a village in northern Israel affected by missile and drone strikes. He emphasized the mission of Samaritan’s Purse is driven by their love for the people, rooted in a deeper belief that God loves them too.
Flying low over the Jordan River Valley, just adjacent to the West Bank, Graham noted that the areas he was flying over had been significantly impacted by the violence. He referenced the disregard many communities face and affirmed that Samaritan’s Purse has not forgotten them. The organization’s strong ties with local leaders and churches enable them to offer unwavering support during these challenging times.
In Arab al-Aramshe, residents continue to confront the consequences of a deadly drone strike that severely damaged the community center and claimed the life of an individual attempting to shield it from harm. Visible scars from shrapnel still mar the structure. In response, Samaritan’s Purse is constructing a new ambulance station in the nearby town of Shlomi to serve not only Arab al-Aramshe but also its surrounding communities.
“We’re delivering ambulances throughout Israel to support communities like this one,” Graham stated. He went on to explain that the organization is also setting up ambulance exchange points, which will serve as secure locations for medical teams to store ambulances and respond to emergencies effectively. This initiative aims to restore a sense of safety and confidence, encouraging residents to return to their homes.
Mayor Moshe Davidovitz of the Matte Asher Regional Council shared his insights on the region’s plight. He remarked, “Thousands of people evacuated. They are refugees in their own country. While they were gone, they didn’t know what happened to their homes or pets—a devastating reality they continue to face.”
(Living as Refugees in One’s Own Land)
The incoming relief takes the shape of 42 armored ambulances donated from Samaritan’s Purse to Israel’s national emergency service, Magen David Adom (MDA), with one ambulance already assigned to serve Arab al-Aramshe. Local medics like Ali Wahid have expressed their relief regarding the new ambulance. “We are not afraid to respond. But now we will feel safe when we do,” he shared.
After visiting northern Israel, Graham proceeded south, flying over the Gaza Strip towards the southern border. He observed the direct impact Hamas assaults have had on both Jewish and Arab communities in those regions. Highlighting another ambulance exchange point, he acknowledged that many displaced individuals remain in limbo. The organization aims to foster a sense of security so these communities can repatriate with confidence.
In the kibbutz of Nir Oz, Graham noted the devastation left by the brutal October attacks. The community has endured profound loss, with one in four residents either kidnapped or killed. He described the scene, indicating that numerous homes are now charred remnants, filled with haunting memories. Posters reflecting the faces of those lost serve as a stark reminder of the violence—justice for victims like baby Kfir Bibas and his 83-year-old grandfather Oded Lifshitz hangs heavy in the air.
“This is where they burned houses, pulled children from their parents, murdered babies,” Graham expressed, standing amongst the ruins. Yet, despite the overwhelming heartbreak, he found resilience in the community leaders who strive to rebuild. Those leaders aspire to bring people back home by summer, with the continued support of Samaritan’s Purse, which has committed to assisting through the establishment of a community clinic and resilience center.
Mayor Michal Uziyahu of the Eshkol region provided a tour of the destruction, sobered by the knowledge that her area had lost 244 lives during the tragic events of October 7. She noted that a staggering half of the hostages being held by Hamas originate from her communities. “Seventy percent of the massacre happened here,” she stated firmly, emphasizing the toll on her community.
Yet, Uziyahu remains optimistic and determined that her region is more than just a narrative of terror. “We are determined that this tragedy won’t shape our identity,” she insisted. “This place will be filled with life again. The thing terrorists fear most isn’t tanks or fighter jets. It’s the sound of children laughing in our streets.”
Deeply moved by the stories shared, Graham conveyed an essential message. “There’s been so much pain, murder, and brokenness here,” he said. Despite the hardship, he found that survivors did not harbor hate. They continue to express love for their neighbors and desire for peace. Graham urged those following the situation to continue their prayers for Israel, highlighting the importance of sustained support.
Samaritan’s Purse is actively constructing resilience centers in the Eshkol region and the nearby Merhavim area, which is home to approximately 4,000 children who have endured significant trauma. Uziyahu reiterated the philosophy of her community: “We never define ourselves through tragedy; we define ourselves through life and hope.”
In a broader effort to bolster emergency response, Samaritan’s Purse is also setting up two emergency medical services stations, specifically one near the Gaza border, where the loss of life was exacerbated in the October attacks due to the inability of medics to reach the injured in time. Furthermore, the organization is implementing the installation of 25 bomb shelters across the nation, with 11 positioned in the north and 14 in the south, fortifying communities against future threats.
Lastly, during his travels in the north, Graham came across a mother named Sara Kleiman and her young son, who had just returned home after fleeing from the threat of Hezbollah rockets. She voiced her intention to remain hopeful, stating, “We try not to think about what could happen. But we wanted to come home. This is our home.”
Rebuilding Together
As the conflict persists, the efforts of Samaritan’s Purse exemplify the power of compassion and resilience in times of hardship. Their commitment to aiding communities facing unimaginable struggles serves as a beacon of hope for many.
