When an Israeli woman received a phone call from an unrecognizable number two weeks ago, she never expected to be told something that destroyed her life in a matter of seconds– That her husband was in prison.
Shmuli*, father of six kids ages 3-14, had been implicated with fabricated tax evasion charges after falling prey to identity theft, and he is currently being detained in a harsh prison in Poland. His wife was in for yet another blow a day later when told that the legal fees and fines towards release would cost her an astronomical $90,000, and that she had until his hearing, this July 27th, to come up with the funds.
Not knowing where to turn, the frantic woman made an emergency crowdfunding page, hoping that someone would notice it and help her out.
That’s where something incredible happened.
Donations started flooding in from Jewish communities all over the world– Mexico, London, Miami, Vienna. Complete strangers were moved by the family’s story and donated generously with blessings and supportive messages. It’s moments like these that remind us of the incredible compassion that flows through the veins of every single Jew.
According to the authorities closely monitoring the case, the severe conditions of Shmuli’s incarceration in Poland are exacting a significant toll on his mental wellbeing. Simultaneously, his family is grappling with his absence, as he serves as the family’s primary economic support.
“We are just a regular family – we never thought anything like this could ever happen to us…I am cracking under the strain…,” she wrote in a desperate letter.
“If you are reading this I beg you to understand, we have no hope without your help. Please help us bring my husband home. G-d listens to the prayer of the broken hearted and I pray that G-d grant you wealth in abundance, health and happiness from your kids.”
*Name has been changed to protect the family’s privacy