Connecting Israel's Deaf Community with Hope

Did you know that for more than 10,000 deaf Israelis, life is experienced through sign language? And recently, the government of Israel recognized the official sign language. I am outside of the Helen Keller Building, the center for the Association of the Deaf here in Tel Aviv. Recently, CBN Israel funded the Media Room for the Deaf Association, providing a way for them to connect with the community, receive life-saving information, and experience resources in their own language. Let's go take a look and meet some new friends here. 
When speaking with members of the association, Roberto Torres-Cedillo asked about the main goal for the media room and why it was so important. "It's very important that we will have the media room because at the time of the war, so many deaf people were so thirsty to get information they didn't have 24 over seven translations, so we took the initiative," one representative explained. "We wanted to give them some more content that is suitable for them. It was a very sad time. You know, we brought the chefs like a deaf chef that he can teach them how to cook in a time of war, something very important, because it's in our language and we give it to our community in their language. We really appreciate this partnership." 

Another member emphasized the long-term impact of the contribution: "This donation was given really for something so important for us that we use every day. And it's something that we're going to use for long term. The Deaf Association is 80 years old. For 80 years, we didn't have anything like that until you came. And then you brought this big donation for the deaf community. And we really want to say thank you." 

"There's so many people around the world that love to support what's happening here in Israel and love to support you," Torres-Cedillo told them. "So it's a joy for me to represent all the donors that are behind you and cheering you on." 

Discussing the broader challenges faced by the community, one leader noted, "People in Israel. The Jewish people already feel alienated and like the world's against them. And now you are like—the deaf community is even a smaller portion of that. I can only imagine how much more that weight may feel. So, we're trying to fix it now through this media room, because we know there's a big influence through this room, and maybe through that, we can kind of like, in drops of water, you know, like bring our opinion and make things happen." They added, "Our dream is that this channel, that the government and the state will actually bring us our own channel. Something that people can see from television that every deaf person can, you know, take his remote control and just know he has a sign language channel of his own." 

During the visit, the community presented a special gift. "I also wanted to give you a gift," a member said, handing over a sign language book. "Wow, a sign language book from the deaf association! Wow, it's great. It's also in English. Yeah, this is really cool. Wow." 
When looking at it, Torres-Cedillo realized it is not just the media room. It is how they feel seen, how they feel supported. And this is a value shared at CBN Israel: to reach the most vulnerable in Israeli society. 

Reflecting on the space, Eti, the CEO, shared: "We had a dream to have our own channel. For years we had this dream together and we never gave up on this dream. We waited that it would happen and now it's happening. And I want to say thank you to the CBN for the donation. I have no words. I come here and I come with a big smile." 

As Torres-Cedillo talked to Lev, the media guy here at the Association of the Deaf in Israel, he noted, "I couldn't help but wonder if you might be thinking, 'This is kind of a small space. This media room doesn't seem like much.' But no, it's from this small space that all this information, all this connection to the deaf community is happening, where they're receiving emotional support, life-saving tools, and information. And that's how it starts, isn't it? It's when you plant a small seed, when you show connection, empathy, and go to the most vulnerable—the communities that need it the most." As he heard Eti, the CEO, express her gratitude, he saw how, as Christians, they were showing the love of Jesus. 

"I wish you also your organization that you will continue to donate the people with your big heart," Eti concluded. "You're making the world a better place. Without you, so many things would not happen. So, thank you very much. In the name of the deaf community in Israel. Toda. Toda." 

This is why they are here in Israel. This is their mission. Torres-Cedillo noted he was challenged to remember: What is he asking of God? Is he asking too small? Is he willing to reach out and touch the hem of His garment? Is he willing to stretch himself and give beyond the things he feels comfortable with? What is God asking you to do? To reach the most vulnerable? To reach those who are in need, right where it becomes uncomfortable? Are you willing to step out in faith and trust and bless people right now here in Israel? Many communities need your support—the vulnerable. This is why they are here. They are here to show the love of Jesus to the least of these, and they are here because of you. They are here to give this aid in your name and in the name of Jesus.