My name is Netanel, I’m 37 years old. I was born and raised in the capital of Russia, Moscow, in a secular Jewish family that still kept some traditions. Seven and a half years ago, I moved to Israel (made Aliyah). I came alone—my family and loved ones are still living in Russia.
I started drinking alcohol in my teenage years, but in Israel, where I was completely on my own without anyone to hold me accountable, my alcoholism got worse. I started having serious drinking binges, became socially withdrawn, and had conflicts with family and friends. Things kept going downhill. Eventually, I ended up on the street. I had completely cut ties with my parents and friends—and at that point, I didn’t even want to talk to them. I felt like I was beyond help and only caused them pain.
One evening in October 2024, when I was living at “HaGagon” (a shelter in Tel Aviv for people struggling with alcohol and drug addiction), God touched my heart. He sent people into my life—Valery Katsman, the director of a rehabilitation center, and Andrey Lobanov, a man who had already completed rehab himself and later became my friend.
That’s how I ended up at the Bait Ham Hesda rehabilitation center in the city of Karmiel. I had never been in a place like that before, and of course, I had doubts. But the atmosphere, the community, and the mentors there made me want to dive into the rehabilitation process. It was there that I found my Savior, Jesus Christ. He gave me a spiritual rebirth and set me free from my addiction to alcohol.
Right now, I’m in the second stage of the rehab program. I volunteer with the organization and am also preparing to be baptized in water.
