In June of last year, some you learned about Ruti and her 3 year old son. How they were on their way to his pre school graduation when they were struck by a Kassam. Ruti’s son died in the attack and Ruti lost part of her right leg. Just having to deal with the loss of a leg is one thing, but the loss of your only son? I can’t imagine. 

I wish I could say she is doing well, but I can’t. This nightmare is still very much alive.

We visited her this week, sitting in a dark house, the TV on; her eyes were red from crying. Just the day before she came home from the hospital for the second time in two months; they had to cut a little more of her leg off.  Life is hard for Ruti and our hearts break for her.

“As long as I am in this (pointing to her wheel chair), I won’t go out.”

Maybe you can help her. Could you find the time, make the time, to write her a card. Nothing special just a “Thinking about you, get well soon” card. And while you are writing that card, could you write one to Matan.

Matan was fourteen when he was hit by a Kassam. Matan enjoyed playing soccer and looked forward to the day he would be joining the IDF with the rest of his buddies. But all that changed when the Kassam took off part of his right foot. The doctors did not amputate the foot totally; instead they tried to save it so he could at least walk in as much as they were able to save his big toe. He has spent the last two years walking on his foot with the help of a crutch but that came to an end this week.

Tonight Matan is in the hospital recovering from the amputation of his leg just below his knee. We wanted to go and visit him, but he does not want to see anyone. He lived with a hope that just maybe his foot would heal and tonight he is faced with the reality of even more of his leg gone.

In both cases, they feel less then a whole person, and rightly so. Will you take the time to drop them a note? Would your kids take this story to their school; will you take this story to work? Will you let them know that there are people out there who even though you don’t know them care and feel for them?  If so, the mailing addresses are:

Ruti c/o
Hope for Sderot
P.O. Box 618
Sderot 87016
Israel

Matan c/o
Hope for Sderot
P.O. Box 618
Sderot 87016
Israel

Both understand English well and we have a Hebrew translator if need be – so don’t let that stop you!