Operation: Refuge

A Daystar Television Project  

He who dwells in the shelter of the most high shall abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” (Psalm 91:1-2)  

Israel is still facing a war on four fronts: with Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and Iranian-backed terrorist organizations in Syria and Yemen. Due to this war, over 500,000 Israelis have been evacuated from their homes and are living in temporary shelters across the country, especially those who lived in communities near the border of Gaza and Lebanon.  

Many of these displaced families have been gripped with fear and uncertainty, not knowing when they will return home — and some of them have no homes to return to. Daystar, in partnership with FIRM, launched Operation: Refuge and has actively helped host thousands of these displaced Israelis in hotels and communities across the country.  

Operation: Refuge has provided these displaced families with more than just their basic needs — food and shelter. It has also created a vibrant community with activities for children and adults to create a sense of normalcy in a frightening season.  

From cooking and art classes to game rooms and movie nights, to petting zoos and concerts – each center provides activities for the whole family every day. In addition, Operation: Refuge has partnered with the Ministry of Education to access kindergarten and school classrooms so that children can continue to learn, despite the war that is being waged just a few miles away.  

Daystar, through Operation: Refuge has funded housing, food, and activities for over 4,000 people including over 1,000 children in 7 locations across Israel.

Thanks to Daystar and Operation: Refuge, you are providing stability and comfort for these families whose lives have been turned upside down.  

In each of these centers of refuge we have placed “Walls of Hope” with pictures, drawings, and notes of encouragement from kids around the world. This serves as a reminder that Christian friends around the world love them, are praying for them, and are giving financially to bless them in practical ways during this crisis. 

Hotel Yehuda:

Kibbutz Afik: