When it Comes to Assimilation, Prevention Is the Key
February 05, 2025
An extraordinary story of rescue and redemption came to light this week, following the tireless efforts of Yad L’Achim on behalf of a young woman who had been cut off from Judaism for nine years.
The mission was crowned with success, with G-d’s help, due in large part to the resourcefulness and dedication of the woman’s mother, who in her youth had also taken a spiritual detour that saw her leave Judaism, and then make her way back.
The young woman, we’ll call her Zahava, comes from a traditional family in the Judean foothills. At one point, her life began to spin out of control, leaving her in a state of severe spiritual and physical distress. Her mother tried to reach out to her, without success. However, she knew from her own experience to never to give up, and continued to hope and pray for her daughter’s well-being.
“As someone who went through a similar process, I knew that we had to wait for the right moment,” the mother said. “We waited patiently until a window of opportunity opened, and then we acted quickly and decisively.”
As soon as the mother spotted such a window, she called the dedicated social worker at Yad L’Achim who had been a strong source of support over the years. Together they formulated a plan of action to help the young woman turn a new page in her life.
The legal department at Yad L’Achim, which was brought in to help the young woman cope with significant debts, says the case is particularly complex. “We are working on several levels at the same time,” explains Attorney Avishai Grady. “On the one hand, we are trying to settle her debts, getting some of them outright cancelled; on the other, we are providing her with comprehensive legal protection.”
The young woman is currently being helped by a multidisciplinary professional team at Yad L’Achim. The team provides emotional support, assistance in making up significant gaps in the woman’s education, and spiritual guidance. The organization is doing everything to ensure her safety and well-being, while providing for all her physical and spiritual needs.
“This moving case illustrates the enormous importance of strengthening Jewish identity, especially in our challenging times,” Yad L’Achim said in a statement. “We see this as a sacred mission to save souls, and thank G-d for every Jew who merits to return home.”
Meanwhile, Yad L’Achim continues its important efforts to increase awareness among the general public. “Prevention is the key,” the organization explains. “We invest a lot of resources in outreach and strengthening Jewish identity among Israeli women.”
