Moving Story: "I Arrived Broken, Starving, and Desperate, Then Everything Changed"

On the last Passover Eve, Ora Hatzroni felt something was wrong with her body. She managed to tell her daughter to call for urgent help and then collapsed. "The neighbor who arrived first found her without a pulse and started resuscitating her. Emergency teams joined him soon after," says Rachel, a family friend. "The protocol is to stop after 20 minutes, but they couldn't give up. They kept resuscitating while taking Ora to the ambulance. It took long 50 minutes before her pulse returned."

Chain of Miracles

This was the first miracle in a series of miracles surrounding the Hatzroni family in the following days. "There's no medical explanation for a person being dead for 50 minutes and coming back to life," Rachel says excitedly. "When Ora reached the hospital, they found a blocked artery and performed an angioplasty. Doctors warned the family that even if she survived, she might be paralyzed or mentally unstable and certainly not return to full health. Hundreds prayed for her recovery, and it was time for the second miracle."

Defying grim forecasts, Ora awoke. "To understand the miracle, a woman in the maternity ward who was resuscitated for 10 minutes remained comatose. Ora began slowly responding. Even then, the family was told she would need constant ventilation, but surprisingly, days later she began to breathe on her own. Doctors also said she'd need a feeding tube, but she soon parted with it. A brain scan showed almost no damage. The doctor reviewing the results was shocked. It's time to thank the medical staff for treating Ora with great sensitivity."

Nonetheless, her memory was affected. "In this regard, Ora is like a newborn," says Rachel. "Doctors talk about 8 months of rehabilitation to relearn everything. Already, miracles can be seen - she remembered family names when she came home for Shabbat. She heard a rooster one day and remembered her grandfather who kept one. Her condition improves as prayers continue, and study and strength conferences for her recovery intensify, as her husband Harel constantly requests - 'Prayers, prayers.'"

'We found her in a dire state, broken in pieces': Ora Hatzroni in an inspiring talk with Moran Coors. Watch

"I Broke Down, They Continued to Believe"

Ora is married to Harel Hatzroni, the founder of 'Hatzroni's Haven,' and who has helped save and rehabilitate countless girls from unbearable circumstances. Ora wrote 'Captives,' detailing women's stories rescued from Arab villages to new lives. Harel's extensive work, typically leaving him home rarely, has decreased significantly. "He is always by Ora's side, helping her, and the impact of his absence is felt by the girls he assists," Rachel says with pain.

Harel Hatzroni

Rachel (alias) also received the Hatzroni family's help. "My life situation necessitates hiding my identity," she begins her story. "I came from a broken home, abused by a relative since age 5. By 13, I was on the streets, my body exploited. I met Harel in my teens, and he kept close contact. A difficult silence agreement made me hide everything, yet he always helped me rise. I lived with the Hatzroni family during long periods in a room for girls like me. The people who harmed me dared not come, fearing Harel. The Hatzronis showered me with goodness, not stopping when they saw me fall, not understanding why. I'd given up on myself, yet Harel believed in me, calling me a sacred Israeli daughter. At 21, that's what gave me the strength to escape. I rented a place only Harel knew. He helped me rehabilitate, and today I’m happily married with three children."

For years, Harel took Rachel to rescues from Arab villages. "That gave me faith in goodness and myself," she says.

What’s the connection?

"First, it showed me I could do good for someone else. It lifted me from misery to giving, boosting my self-worth. I saw Harel's genuine conduct in unseen places. After all the harsh individuals I met, this man, all about helping others, restored my faith in good people. I witnessed him selflessly rescue a girl from an Arab village. Two days later, she exposed her location to her boyfriend, who came with his clan to take her back. Harel risked himself for her again and again - four times. That girl now is a woman of special strength, married, observing commandments, guiding girls in similar situations."

Witnessing more of the Hatzronis' behavior solidified Rachel's trust. "I saw Harel repeatedly use his credit card for girls lacking basics, paying their rent, furniture, bills - everything. There's an understanding between Ora and Harel when Israel needs, they give. Their helping restored my trust in people and was the basis for my personal recovery."

For years, Rachel repressed her state, but after her third child, everything erupted. "Harel and Ora supported me, managing my home and kids through my crisis. They took me to rabbis, offering much technical help. Thanks to them, I overcame the crisis and moved towards healthy living."

Where was Ora in all this for you?

"Ora is like a mother to me. She taught me to be a mother myself - cooking, washing, even relaxing. From her, I learned to live healthily, something I didn’t see where I grew up. She taught me respect for everyone. Their long Shabbat table hosted various people. I didn’t often have patience, but she found a place for everyone. She never treated people as needy, learning from each one while maintaining healthy boundaries at home—a true art. I often consulted her, yet she never told me what to do. She always gave me the freedom to choose, showing genuine respect for who I am."

Ora Hatzroni

Five and a Half Years of Close Support

Adi (alias) is excited to share Hatzroni couple's impact on her life. "I came from a shattered home, physically and mentally damaged," she starts. "I entered a relationship with a non-Jewish drug dealer. At 19, during my second pregnancy, I found myself with a toddler, severely hungry for a week in a neglected apartment. A concerned friend introduced me to Harel, and since then, everything changed. The first time he came, I was desperate to return to someone harmful out of no choice, but after three long hours crying before Harel, he said: 'It will be okay, we'll get you out,' fulfilling it the same day. He gave me 2,000 NIS with food, formula, diapers, moving me to a special family treating me like royalty. Later, Harel rented me a place, paid bills, attended my birthing with Ora, and arranged care for my baby."

At any hour, Adi felt there was support. "I called him with needs at odd hours - he was always there. I nearly gave up my second pregnancy but kept going thanks to him. He resolved daycare issues for my daughters, took me to the emergency room for asthma attacks regardless of the hour, paid the unpaid bills."

Even when Adi doubted herself, Harel was there: "I’d tell him of terrible things I did, saying 'I eat pig, go away'. Yet he persisted - 'Adi, you're pure, a holy daughter of Israel'. My confidence is thanks to him. It's not a one-time help, but five and a half years of close support."

Each time Adi thanked him, Harel reminded her who enables all. "He never forgot to say - This is thanks to my dear wife, who makes it possible."
Today, Ora Hatzroni takes her first rehabilitation steps. Please pray for the recovery of Ora bat Reina, that she may regain her strength and continue her amazing work for the people of Israel.