The minute Yosef’s his head hits the pillow at night, the tears start to flow down his cheeks, wetting his whole face. They embody his tremendous loneliness and despair.

He is, after all, just an eight year old boy. He doesn’t really understand why, davka, he doesn’t have a father..someone to greet him after school, hug him and lift him high up into the air. Someone to lovingly stroke his cheek or reward him with a prize for getting a good grade on his test. A father, who he could proudly and happily walk down the street with, to shul and to Avos U’Banim. He feels so alone, yet always trying his best to show everyone (especially his mother) that he is brave and strong-that he doesn’t even really need a father.

But at night, when the darkness of the universe envelops him, and there are no lights to distract him from reality, he breaks down and cries. He wishes and hopes. Hopes that his mother will at least get an answer from Yad Eliezer, that they’ve found someone for him. Someone who could be just like a father, who will learn with him and accompany him on trips. Maybe sometimes they could play a game together; Yosef would even be willing to lose--on purpose.

He heard that right now, Yad Eliezer doesn’t have enough money for their mentoring program, the one that could give him a Big Brother. And that they are asking all kinds of people to help. Having a Big Brother is Yosef’s greatest wish. He hopes that someone out there will help Yad Eliezer, so that his wish can come true.

***

More than 13,000 Israeli children at risk rely on the meaningful relationships they have with their dedicated Big Brothers/Sisters. The relationships that help extinguish the darkness in their lives and in their hearts. 

Yad Eliezer’s Big Brothers/Sisters program was established about 20 years ago following the request of a widow, who asked to exchange the food basket she received, for the help of a mentor who could work with her son.

“What good is a refrigerator full of food, if my son is empty of knowledge?”

Ever since, 38,179 mentors have provided 43,823 children in need throughout Israel with educational and emotional support. This amounts to 5,345,291 hours of learning and companionship!

Unfortunately, this program is in danger. It is lacking the budget necessary to ensure it can continue providing life-changing help to children who need it so badly. Not only are its daily functions at risk, there are 1,743 children who are being turned down for the program due to lack of funds.

Please help us. The next 36 hours are essential-they will determine the future of the next generation. Donations to the program are supported by the Gedolei Yisroel, who note “Those who contribute to this vital initiative will be zoche to children who are Talmidei Chachamim.”

Remember: each dollar in this campaign is tripled, due to the generosity of donors. Please help us reach our goal and reach the children who rely on their Big Brothers and Sisters!