Adoption and Foster Conference in Israel

September 25th, 2019 |HaTikva Families

Early this month, HaTikva Families had the honor of partnering with Branch of Comfort to put on the first Adoption and Foster Conference for the Messianic, Ethiopian Community. Ethiopian Congregations from across Israel gathered in Tel Aviv at House of Generation Congregation to learn about the orphan crisis in Israel and their community. After a moving time of worship, our Founder, Evan Levine, shared his personal connection to adoption and the vision behind HaTikva Families. Then our Manager, Rebecca Rikhi, explained how we carry out our goal of placing children into families through adoption and foster care and how that relates to the Ethiopian Community.

Beni Moges, a family and youth law social worker, was our keynote speaker for the event. He started by taking us to Ephesians 2:10 for the reminder that God created us to do good works, emphasizing that caring for the children in their community is good and important work. He also shared detailed information about the welfare system, foster and adoption processes in Israel, and the importance of volunteering in preparing yourself to take a bold step into adoption or foster care.  Due to discrimination against the Ethiopian community in Israel, many capable individuals and families are hesitant to voluntarily connect with government agencies. Beni was able to address their questions and concerns with his trusted expertise.

It was also moving and encouraging to hear from Yehudit Reuven, who successfully fostered three at-risk children who were removed from their homes by the Ministry of Welfare. It wasn’t easy, but her willingness to trust God through it all made her experience a success. All three children she fostered are now living good and stable lives as adults.

The Lord moved mightily at this conference. He answered our prayer for individuals who are open to His heart for the fatherless. Pastor Tsebaot, the pastor of House of Generation Congregation, is dedicated to getting his congregation involved to serve at-risk children in Tel Aviv. Many individuals and families made a big step by taking Beni’s advice and signing up to volunteer. We also have a few families interested in moving forward with the foster care process! We are so grateful to walk hand in hand with the Ethiopian community as they catch the vision for the fatherless in Israel.