Hope for Single Mothers in Southern Israel

Bringing Hope to Mothers in Southern Israel

In Be’er Sheva, a city in southern Israel that was hard hit by the recent war with Iran, CBN Israel has partnered with the local ministry Streams in the Desert to bring essential food and encouragement to struggling families.

“CBN Israel is in Be’er Sheva right now, which is a city in southern Israel that was really hard hit by the war with Iran,” says Nicole Jansezian, reporting for CBN Israel. “Right now we’re doing a food distribution. And, you know, the food here is for single moms and widows who live on the periphery. Some of this might be the only food they will be able to put on the table this week.”

A Biblical Vision for Helping Families

At the heart of the distribution is Mariana Gaul, founder of Streams in the Desert. Her organization serves underprivileged families across southern Israel—from Eliad to Ashkelon—focusing on widows, orphans, and “strangers in the land.”

“We take widowhood in that expanded biblical definition that includes single moms,” explains Gaul. “The word ‘widow’ in the Bible does not just mean a woman whose husband is dead—it means a woman who has lost her covering.”

Streams in the Desert provides humanitarian aid, counseling, small groups, and parental guidance, working closely with other organizations. CBN Israel, Gaul says, has been a faithful partner for years—especially in supporting single mothers.

“Erick [from CBN Israel] is helping us to find subsidies for different things that they might need. He comes every couple of months to meet with our moms and see how we can help them better,” Gaul shares. “Because of everything our families just went through in the recent weeks, we’re trying to support and encourage them. CBN has brought food parcels for them. Some were not able to work and found themselves in an even greater economic struggle. What makes a difference is for them to know that they are loved.”

Partnership with Purpose

For Gaul, this collaboration is more than a charity drive—it’s a testimony of unity.

“I think some of these groceries mean the difference between food on the table or no food on the table,” she says. “The partnership we have with CBN brings people together—ministries with the same vision and focus. I just want to say thank you for this work.”

Through this shared mission, families in Be’er Sheva are receiving not only nourishment but also the reassurance that they are not forgotten.