Have you ever been so close to home but felt so far away? I was born in Netanya, not so far from where I am now, but that home felt nothing like what a home should be. I’ll explain…

My mother, my one and only mother who is supposed to show me love and admiration, constantly abused me. She neglected my siblings and me using both verbal and physical violence many many times.

My father, who also suffered her abuse, couldn’t stand being a victim anymore and divorced her, but he left us all behind. When the pain became unbearable, I would often escape to our neighbor, who knew me and my suffering all too well. After living with my neighbor for a couple of months, she got me in touch with House of Hope.

This was the first time that I really felt at home. Here I am surrounded by the care, love, and warmth a real house should have. House of Hope helped me with my studies and even bought me new clothes. Thank you, Hashem, that I finally found my home.