CBN Israel Restores Dignity Through Aid

In the heart of Tel Aviv, CBN Israel has partnered with a congregation that is serving the community by providing shelter during the war and running a store for groceries, clothes, and essentials free of charge for people in need. CBN Israel’s Nicole Jansezian, on the premises of the International Christian Fellowship, asks Natasha Mazhuga about her organization, Generous Basket: "You have an organization here, and you said this was your dream?"

Natasha explains, "16 years ago. We moved with small kids, for, luggage bags, nothing else. No money. We move to build the church for young generation, specially here in the Tel Aviv. The kids are growing fast. You need to change clothes, in need of everything." 

Natasha's personal journey fuels her current passion for helping those in need. 

She recounts a specific instance: "We actually have a lady, she's 82 and her husband is in a wheelchair, and she said, this is the only food she can get. It's here for free. That’s why we are always open, and we have a nice music in the store. It smells good. We create the atmosphere of rest. People can come and just relax. Or we treat them with the coffee, with the tea, with some sweets. This is our mission that the people in the crisis never felt that they value less. No matter how big the crisis in their life, that they still, precious in our eyes, in the God's eyes."

Natasha continues, describing her long-held vision: "It was my crazy dream that I can come and do my shopping and pay zero money. Just experience that, and the people can experience who maybe have the same issue, the same situation." 

Nicole responds, "This was your dream come true. Like, and you've made it come true. What a selfless dream. It's amazing. I want to see your shop. I haven’t seen it yet." 

Natasha warmly replies, "We welcome. Thank you."

The need for their services has significantly increased. 

Natasha shares, "Before this war, we cover 650 families. For just the last week. We have 50 more families. So it's just growing and growing. Sometimes people come and we don't have enough and it's always break our hearts. So thank you so much for CBN that for now we have enough to give people. And especially now when the people in the line three hours before we open the store. CBN actually provide us to bring people to help in such a time as this. It's stressful enough already. And we see how people desperate for this. It's really help us be sure that we can cover people. Yeah. And they won't be struggle and they won't be hungry or even more stressful. They don't have not enough for their families. So it's really a relief to us and a huge help.”