World War II. Rabbi Yehoshua and Rachel Godlewsky escape war-torn Europe via Shanghai, China, and survive the Holocaust.

The Godlewskys settle in New York.

The Godlewskys receive letters from relatives in Israel describing the rampant missionary activity in the transit camps for new immigrants.

The Godlewskys begin raising money to send food and clothing to immigrant children. The money is used to counter missionary efforts and to provide needy families with basic necessities.

The Godlewskys establish Keren Hayeled, an organization dedicated to helping disadvantaged Jewish children in Israel.

The Godlewskys move to Israel.

The Godlewskys open a network of daycare centers in Tel Aviv-Yaffo. Missionary activity ceases in the area.

Keren Hayeled establishes afternoon classes for underprivileged children in Tel Aviv-Yaffo.

Mrs. Godlewsky suffers a heart attack. She promises that if she recovers, she will open a home for children from dysfunctional families in Israel’s central region.

Mrs. Godlewsky fulfills her promise. Keren Hayeled opens a rehabilitative center for girls, serving 10 children in its first year.

Keren Hayeled opens a similar rehabilitative center for boys.

Keren Hayeled founds a boys’ school for its children and others in the community from broken homes.

Keren Hayeled establishes a school with dormitory for boys who have left traditional educational frameworks.

Keren Hayeled establishes a community-style living facility, in which children with “extra special needs” live in a family setting.