I’m Iris, I am 49 and a single mother to 9 children. I work in a nursery school for children. We’re a one income family.
I met Roni from Bet Nehriya and he introduced me to Leket Israel.
I’ve had a difficult life and I thank God that I was able to get to where I am today after all I’ve been through.
I got married at 24 and got pregnant a year later. After my third child, everything turned upside down. I try not think about that time. That’s when all the insults and verbal abuse started. There was a lot of profanity shouted at me and it was very hard for me.
I kept having children until my ninth child and I realized that I couldn’t do it anymore. Not anymore.
By the time I gave birth, my husband had already left me to raise them all alone. And I didn’t even know how I was going to make a brit milch (circumcision) until I met Roni.
I’m very emotional. I never thought I’d be in this situation. I thought I would have a different life, a better life. I didn’t think I would get to the point of needing to get divorced, and being divorced is also hard.
It’s very, very difficult to be divorced. Everything is difficult. But I wake up each morning with a smile. I thank God every morning for the strength to get up, to go to work, to feed my children with the food I receive from Leket Israel and all the organizations that help me.
It’s unbelievable.
I’m able to stand on my own two feet. I don’t want people to say to me “You’re pathetic.” I’m the opposite. I want them to say “Good for you.”, “Look how well she’s doing.” Like my oldest daughter who says “Mom you’re a lioness,” “Mom you’re larger than life,” “You’ve had a hard time but you’re standing on your own two feet.” “We’re proud of you.”
Once a week I get fresh produce, potatoes, cabbage, tomatoes, sweet potatoes from Leket Israel. I also receive cooked food which really helps me.
There are some days where I’m not able to cook and Roni calls and says, “Iris I’ll be there in 5 minutes,” and he’s brining me cooked food through Leket Israel. And I’m so grateful.
Sometimes I get orzo, schnitzel, baked potatoes, chicken, olives. For example, avocados are very expensive, and I appreciate it when I receive them from Leket Israel, so I don’t have to purchase.
I want to say thank you again to Leket Israel. To all the supporters, I truly thank you, and everything you provide me with.
Chad Sameach! (Happy Holidays!)