You know us...there's always something good going on! Three of our six latest refugee renovations have just been completed. Because of the shortage of manual labor in Israel, the second half of this project is behind schedule (as is all construction right now). We're hoping to come up to speed in the very near future, but it all depends on politics. Meanwhile, every available worker certainly has his hands full and can pretty much name his own price in terms of salary. Maybe at last, the construction trade will catch on as a nice Jewish occupation in Israel, a well-paying, macho-thing that inspires pride among mothers-in-law!

In Israel, when you buy an apart- ment, you get the walls, ceilings,
floors, and the front door. Not
much else. Okay, a window or two,
and bathroom....

Operation Restoration has
to buy a clothes closet, small
refrigerator, stove, a bed or couch,
couple of chairs, a table, lighting
fixtures, and a mezuzah (blessing
for the doorpost). These are the
basics that add anywhere from
$2,500 to $5,000 onto a home's cost.

Perhaps your group of friends, or
office mates, or those from the
same study group would like to
"Furnish from Afar" one of
our refugee homes. While you can't
ship the actual items (we'd have to
pay duty on them), you can send a
donation for our teams to purchase
new or used furniture.

Groups doing a day of volunteer service with Operation Restoration often have openings for others to join them. Most are 9- or 11-day tours featuring touring, accommodations, international airfare, and most meals. Price per person is usually around $2000. E-mail Operation Restoration and we'll put you in touch if this is something you're looking for.... Let us know if you're interested in a Jewish or Christian emphasis.