What it’s like living under missile fire—and why our mission continues
This week, we share something deeply personal—a reflection from Sel Shuster, who recently returned from Israel with her husband, Make A Difference Foundation co-founder Aaron Shuster.
Aaron and Sel traveled to Israel to deliver warm meals and essential supplies to IDF soldiers and communities deeply affected by the war. But their plans were halted when Iran launched a large-scale missile attack on Israel, plunging the country into a heightened state of emergency.
Sel shares:
“We have returned from Israel on the recovery flights—which were hectic in themselves. Israel was in a state of lockdown due to barrages of ballistic missiles from Iran, Yemen, and Syria.
The sirens would go off at all hours of the day and night. With sometimes less than a minute to react, we’d grab our go-bags and run to the nearest shelter. Some were in basements. Others were underground communal rooms—cramped, hot, and filled with frightened children, pets, and elderly neighbors.
Israelis are amazing people. Sadly, and heroically, they are used to this. Life doesn’t pause—it adapts. Schools and workplaces were closed for two weeks, but people carry on.
Still, each attack leaves another scar. The pain of October 7th still lingers. The hostages are not home. Families continue to grieve. The wounds are deep and daily.”
One of Many Miracles
In the midst of the chaos, we witnessed moments that could only be described as miraculous. One such moment: a maternity ward in an Israeli hospital took a direct hit from an Iranian cruise missile. The building was completely destroyed—but every single patient and staff member had been evacuated just 24 hours earlier.
This is exactly why Make A Difference Foundation exists.
While in Israel, Aaron and Sel had hoped to serve meals and deliver gear directly to soldiers—but the meals had to be postponed. The needs, however, have not disappeared.
So many soldiers, families, and communities are still in urgent need of:
✅ Hot, nourishing meals
✅ Protective gear
✅ Emotional support and solidarity
Thanks to your support, we are continuing to provide essential gear, fund protective equipment, and prepare for the meal missions that were postponed due to the attacks.
Looking Ahead
We are already planning to return to Israel for postponed meal distributions and gear hand-delivery. Your donations allow us to be nimble—ready to respond, even when plans shift due to unpredictable threats.
Please consider a donation today in honor of those still sheltering, still recovering, still standing strong.
🔗 Donate Now
In Sel’s Words
“We pray so hard for peace and acceptance.
May we all just be able to live a peaceful and positive, productive life.
Blessings to all, always.”
With gratitude,