“Tzedakah Saved My Family”: A Miraculous Story from the 12-Day War

With the 12-Day War thankfully behind us, numerous miraculous accounts have begun to emerge. One particularly remarkable story—widely shared in the media—tells of a family who survived a direct missile strike by hiding under their dining room table.

R’ Daniel Stein, a Belzer Chassid from Chaifa and a professional air conditioner technician, recently shared the incredible story of his family’s survival in an interview with Merkaz Mosdos Belz – the Belz Institutions in Israel.

In the weeks leading up to the war, R’ Daniel had made a steadfast commitment to support a Kollel Yid through monthly donations to the Belz Institutions. In response to the Belzer Rebbe shlita’s recent heartfelt appeal, he also contributed $250 as part of the “Kollel $250 Campaign,” aimed at supporting avreichim (young Torah scholars) affected by government funding cuts. The Rebbe had given a heartfelt promise that those who participate in the campaign would be acknowledged—“מכיר טוב”—and receive blessings and divine protection.

Just a few days before the missile strike, R’ Daniel found himself working on a high-rise building, precariously perched on a ladder in the sweltering heat, attempting to fix a complex air conditioning issue. After multiple unsuccessful attempts, he made a heartfelt promise: if he succeeded in completing the job, he would double his donation to the Kollel. Minutes later, the system began working, and the job was completed.

The following Sunday morning, at the Belz Shtibel in Chaifa, a gabbai (charity collector) from the Belz Institutions was collecting funds after Shacharis. Remembering his vow, R’ Daniel approached the gabbai and fulfilled his promise, giving the doubled donation.

Just hours later, his phone blared with an emergency alert—an imminent missile attack. Unbelievably, the warning sirens failed to go off during the strike. Acting quickly, R’ Daniel gathered his wife and children from their bedrooms and led them to shelter under the dining room table—the only place available, as their apartment building lacks a miklat (safe room).

Seconds later, a deafening explosion rocked their home. A missile had directly struck their apartment, destroying the children’s bedrooms and much of the house. Miraculously, the entire family emerged from beneath the table completely unharmed.

As R’ Daniel concluded his story, he quoted the timeless words of Chazal:
“צדקה תציל ממות” – Tzedakah saves from death. Indeed, he says with deep emotion, “Tzedakah saved my family.”

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