Our History and Vision

Founded in 1992 by Yeshi Reinhardt, a Vietnam War veteran, Hands of Mercy (HOM) began as a lifeline for victims of war and terrorism in Israel. Deeply compassionate and driven by a vision for healing, Yeshi established HOM with an international reach, securing registrations in Israel, Norway, and the USA as a 501(c)(3) organization. In 2009, with HOM’s move to Sderot, a city under constant threat of rocket fire, Yeshi opened Tents of Victory, a center dedicated to reaching and comforting trauma-affected communities.

In recent years, Yeshi sensed a new season emerging for HOM. Recognizing that this ministry would require fresh leadership, he entrusted Yariv Goldman to continue and expand the work. Just before his sudden passing, Yeshi asked Yariv to take up HOM's leadership. As he had foreseen, the time had come for Hands of Mercy to evolve and deepen its mission, reaching both into the heart of Jerusalem and outward into new areas of need.

Following Yeshi’s last wishes, HOM’s headquarters returned to its origin in Jerusalem in 2019, the city where HOM was initially conceived as a source of hope and blessing. In alignment with Yeshi’s vision, Yariv Goldman, along with his daughter Halel, redirected and expanded HOM’s outreach. They took HOM’s legacy of compassion into the dark streets of South Tel Aviv, where the team now works to rescue individuals caught in cycles of drug addiction and sex trafficking. By combining HOM’s established resources with their expertise in these urban outreaches, Yariv and Halel opened doors for service not only in South Tel Aviv but also in Jerusalem, engaging at-risk youth and young adults.

Inspired by Yeshi’s final encouragement, Yariv and his team began envisioning a broader strategy for disaster preparedness, recognizing the importance of community resilience in the face of potential crises. Rather than focusing solely on immediate relief—which often faces logistical and financial limitations in international contexts—they embraced Yeshi’s insight into empowering local communities and ministries. This direction emphasizes practical preparedness training, mental and spiritual resilience, and trauma therapy rooted in biblical principles.

Today, Hands of Mercy is not only providing aid but also partnering with local entities and ministries, building a network of trained, resilient communities prepared to serve and support each other. By prioritizing collaboration over competition, Yariv and the Hands of Mercy team are fulfilling Yeshi’s legacy in a way that maximizes impact across regions and generations.

Through practical mentorship, compassionate outreach, and the continued strength of Yeshi’s vision, HOM remains dedicated to uplifting those in need, both in Israel and beyond.