Shalom everyone!

Ironically, this post took a long time to publish. Why do I use the word ‘Ironically’ ? Because this is a post about problem solving – and I had to overcome so many problems that kept delaying me from publishing it. If you have been following my work on Tweet Your Prayers, you probably know that I run this operation from a rather old PC. Guess what old PCs don’t excel at? Well, amongst other things – video and more precisely – video editing. It was a massive strain on my computer, and it crashed a lot (a lot!), but I persevered, looked for alternative solutions, and finally found a way to make it happen. Tenaciousness and perseverance are extremely important traits, don’t forget that.

In this video blog I talk about problem solving – what should we do if we are faced with an obstacle, and I use a problem I’m facing myself these days as an example.

Without further ado, here’s my video blog. I’d love for you to tell me what you think and if possible – extend some help. Thank you.

Thank you for watching,

Blessings from the Holy Land,

Alon

Shalom everyone!

Please watch this video blog, in which I detail how to bring The Kotel to the sick:

So, if you think it’s a good idea, and would like to take part, contact me.

Here are some photos from the event at Tel-Hashomer Hospital. To respect their privacy, I did not include many of the photos, which showed the sick children’s faces. Please understand.

(Click on any photo to enlarge. You can also click on a photo and slide to the next by clicking on it’s right side).

Some of the above photos were taken by Star Rajuan. Thanks star .

Let me know what you think of my idea.

Best regards from the Holy Land!

Your friend,

Alon

Shalom all!

Today is Thanksgiving day. Though it is an American holiday, I want to take a few minutes and share with you what I, Alon – the guy who takes your prayers to the Western Wall – am thankful for this day.

First of all, I’m thankful for being given such an incredible gift. I was given the ability to give people hope, and giving hope is perhaps the greatest thing I’ll ever do. I know I helped people, I know I gave hope, belief, self-confidence, and I’m thankful I’m in a position to help people in a such a profound way.

I am thankful for your trust. Complete strangers trust me – a guy in a far away country they don’t know – with their most personal feelings, wishes, aspirations. Sometimes I can’t believe it myself. Thank you.

I am thankful I created something truly great (or at least I consider it to be truly great). Not many people are so lucky to create something that affects so many lives, and I am grateful I managed to help the thousands of people I did. I know I play a small role, but I also know it’s a meaningful role.

I am thankful I made a change. Many of you write in and tell me your prayer was answered, tell me your life is better now, and thank me for my help. I am the one saying thanks, because I’m happy to know I had a part in making small changes that make some people’s lives somewhat better. I only wish these people would “pay it forward” and help the people around them. If they would, the world will quickly become a slightly better place to live in. Think about it.

I am thankful for the people who came through for me and helped with this project: my brother, parents and beloved ones, old and new friends, including the many new friends on Twitter who pinched in and helped from where they are in the world. (Read, for instance, this)

I am thankful for the love I get from you. I feel that some of you really care about me, and I am thankful for that. Maybe it’s not right for me to feel this way, but the truth is that your love is truly important for me.

UPDATE: Just now I received this tweet:

This Thanksgiving, I count you as a gift for which I am thankful. Thank you, and you are appreciated!

That’s the love I’m talking about!

I am also thankful for the optimism, happiness, and self-confidence the success of this project had given me. (Read this, for example). I am thankful I learned that I can achieve whatever I set my mind to (read here).

I am thankful my life was saved. (read more here)

♦

Feel free to write in the comments what you gives thanks for – I’d love to know.

I’m calling it a day. Going to sleep in a few minutes. The past two days haven’t been easy. It has come to a situation in which there’s an actual chance I’ll have to shut down operation. I don’t want to do it, but for reasons I’d rather not get into it might be the least bad option.

However, despite walking around with a sad face throughout the day, I’d like to go to sleep with a sense of optimism. I see once again how much this service means to you, and how eager you are to help. It is you guys why I keep going and it would be a great thing if you’ll also provide the solutions that would help me stay around. I started this whole thing with an intent to do something really big, that would touch people’s lives and make a change. I see how it has brought the best of you. I’ll try, I promise. The past few weeks have been amazing, and I truly feel this has great, incredible potential to make something extraordinary happen. You are why I feel this way, and you’re why I’m going to fight for a solution.

Whatever happens next, thank you for being a part of this amazing journey. I hope this project made a change, even a small one, in your lives. It certainly changed mine.

Good night my friends,

I cherish you all.