Shirel’s Story of Overcoming Life’s Obstacles

January 6th, 2025 |HaTikva Aid

Shirel is 38 years old and a single mother of 5 children (18, 17, 15, 10 and 5). She immigrated to Israel from Azerbaijan at the age of 15 with her family. At the age of 17, they set up an arranged marriage for her with the father of her first 4 children. She was then trapped in this abusive and violent relationship for many years. She eventually went to a battered women's shelter with her children, and during this time her ex-husband wracked up mounds of debt to her bank account that she is still trying to pay off.

After finally escaping, she wound up in another relationship and had her last child. This relationship eventually ended as well.

Shirel has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder due to the violence she experienced, and some of her children also have a complex mental state.

Her eldest son was recently diagnosed with cancer, a degenerative brain tumor that affects his ability to function and is worsening over time. Most days of the week they are in hospital for treatment and she cannot work due to his treatment.

Thank you for partnering with the Lord to help people like Shirel!