686

The creation of Meet Me Where You’re At, started by JWI/Aish LA Momentum Alumni Alissa Haroush and Loren Puterman, and its involvement in the Jewish Community for women in Los Angeles has been a dream come true. To date, over $13,000 has been gifted to different charities worldwide!! Learn more about this fantastic organization of Jewish Women in Los Angeles.

Lunch, dinner, and tons of fruit were delivered to multiple fire stations and community centers in Los Angeles to assist fire victims.

SparkIL empowers micro-lenders globally to offer crowdfunded, interest-free loans to small businesses located in Israel’s geographic and social periphery. In the wake of the October 7th attack and continuous rocket barrages, many Israelis experienced significant disruptions that halted business operations and destabilized the economy. In response, SparkIL launched an emergency loan fund.

JWI Aish LA, through “Meet Me Where You Are” (Alissa Haroush and Loren Putterman), hosted an event with alumni and future participants, raising $4,000 to help injured soldiers.

In collaboration with several partners, the Cape Town Kollel is organizing a powerful event featuring Noa Argamani, with an expected attendance of over 1,000 people.

Chabad of Suffern is hosting an Israeli Artisans Fair to support and showcase Israeli businesses.

Rabbi and Bruchi Cheplowitz of Gardens Jewish Experience have been dedicated to raising funds for an IDF unit throughout the year, successfully raising over $75,000.

Chabad of Suffern hosted Simchat Torah celebration with Soldiers

Hafrashat Challah in Marseille, France, alums hosted 100 women!

The Detroit community was invited to drop in at the Jospey Learning Annex (Aish tent) to light one of 1,189 memorial candles, each honoring a soul tragically lost on October 7. They were also invited to take a card with their name to remember and honor them by performing a mitzvah in their merit on October 7 and sharing their story.

BAYT Synagogue planted 1,200 Israeli flags in memory of the 1,200 innocent Israeli victims of October 7th

“Although we are a small community in Madrid, we have taken to the streets multiple times to demand the return of the kidnapped individuals and to amplify the voices of Israeli women who feel abandoned by feminists worldwide. We have organized marches and demonstrations, and have reached out to the press to share our perspective on the events.” – Blanca Sissa Capon, Fundación Hispano Judía

Momentum Marseille’s Alumni hosted a Challa Bake and Prayer Evening with the theme of “Ahavat Hinam.” A total of 150 women registered.

West Hills Torah Center held prayer and Torah class to mark one year since 10/7

Buffalo Jewish Federation hosted 2 Nova Music Festival survivors.

Audrey Cruciani, a Marseille alum, held a huge quiet march in honor of 10/7. Our alumni created the balloons and bows.

JCC Mid-Westchester held Teen-Led Commemoration for 10/7

CTeen participated in the community-wide event at Boulder Stadium. As we close this difficult year, it is so important to stand with our Jewish community in solidarity and strength.

Yael Ben Harroche participated in a conference with families of hostages, followed by a meal with the 2023 and 2024 alumni. Profits from the evening will help Hayalim.

Selling wine for a unit of 4 fallen soldiers, including the grandson of our beloved Rav Avraham Meimoun ZL. Profits of 17000€ will be entirely donated to a special unit.

West Hills Torah Center Host Renowned Speaker, Journalist, and Author

JCC Mid Westchester will host an Israeli running program in memory of the victims of the October 7th tragedy. Inbal Ron, the executive director of the Dror Educational Centers school network, will virtually join us on Monday, October 7, to share her story of the 2023 event and its aftermath.

The community of Kibbutz Beeri, located just three miles from the Gaza Strip, suffered significant loss, with 10 percent of its residents perishing in the tragedy. Traumatized survivors were relocated to temporary homes in the Dead Sea area, and Dror Israel played a vital role in aiding their recovery by establishing educational programs that have offered hope, focus, and support for the children’s healing and resilience.

Chabad of Suffern and the Federation of Rockland County jointly hold a memorial on 10/7.

After her trip, Lina Ferber from Latvia was inspired by the strength of the Israeli people. To support Israel and its people, she organized an event in Jūrmala with the themes “No time for drama” and “We will dance again.” The event brought together four different Jewish Latvian organizations, showcasing unity.

Survivor Rachel Edri, who is a 10/7 survivor, will be speaking at the Chabad of Suffern Mega Challah Bake event.

JWI and JMI hosted an event focusing on resilience, rebuilding, courage, and hope. They were honored to have a former MK, a brigadier general in the IDF, a hero from Kfar Aza, and two other individuals from Journey 4 Hope in attendance.

Alissa Haroush and Sara Jacob’s, alumni with JWI and Community Leader with Maman, brought Tami, the mother of one of the hostages, Rom Braslavski, to speak in a church in LA.

Momentum alum, Lisa Schreiber hosted a community yoga event in Orlando, FL to raise money for the family members of IDF soldiers and reservists. Karuna Yoga in Israel offers free yoga instruction and support to wives and children experiencing the trauma and stress of war. Approximately $800 was raised, and 100% of the funds were donated to Karuna Yoga to help ensure the continuation of yoga classes for those in need.

Aish LA/JWI and Momentum Alumni organized an event to pray and raise awareness, together with the mother of one of the hostages.

Supporting Israeli businesses and IDF. 100% volunteer. Forty-six thousand businesses may have to close by the end of the year.

Maman Nonprofit co-hosted an event with O7C and actress Patricia Heaton to encourage Christians to stand visibly and vocally against antisemitism and in support of Israel.

Following the resounding success of the first event, which saw the participation of almost 500 Pastors and Christian leaders, we are excited to announce the 2nd such event in the LA area.

Neshama Care alum Melissa Arking hosted an event to hear from the father of a fallen soldier.

Alissa Haroush and Loren Puterman from Aish LA/JWI, through Meet Me Where You Are, the organization they started at the Orlando fellowship, hosted a bingo night to raise money for the Israeli Children’s Fund; over 30 people attended and raised $4000.

Nicole Rosenthal from Neshama Care presented to her community and followed up with a message providing resources on where to donate.

Joshua Burgin, a Men’s Unity alum, has made it to Israel for a month with my family. We are staying at an Airbnb on Sheinken. His wife, Angie, will be volunteering, and their son Xander is doing a 3-week BBYO trip with volunteering and educational activities. Joshua’s op-ed has been published in the Jerusalem Post: https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-809302

Jane Faynshteyn has started a fundraiser for a woman she met during the May Unity mission.

The fundraiser is for a 6-year-old child who survived an attack on Kibbutz Holit. Jane met the child’s mom, Anat, during her first trip in May and visited her and her family before the mission started. The experiences they went through are simply unbelievable. You can read more here: https://www.spotfund.com/story/0a41aaa0-0423-4a43-a50a-d8415e54aabd

Jill Butensky, a participant in the July unity mission, is working in a warehouse, packing, sorting, and breaking down boxes. She is also helping to promote events to raise money for IDF, displaced families, and families who have lost relatives on Oct 7.

270 days have passed since the Israeli hostages were taken captive. It’s devastating to think about how long the hostages have been away from and missing their families and loved ones. People were asked to show their support by stopping by Aish Detroit and taking a sign for their yard.

We are so proud of the numerous partner organizations and Momentum alums who took part in Canada’s “Walk with Israel”, which saw a turnout of over 50,000 people

JLEV Panama is hosting a Zoom meeting for the Panama community where the 54 women who joined the May mission will share their incredible experience and how it impacted their lives.

Fundación Hispano Judía took part in a global event to bring the hostages home

Maman Nonprofit, in collaboration with Bel Air Church and the October7Coalition (a Christian group supporting the fight against antisemitism), hosted an event in Los Angeles. The event featured actress Patricia Heaton and survivors of the Nova Music Festival, who shared powerful testimonies. The night was dedicated to supporting the Jewish community and included a special performance by Israeli country music star and IDF soldier Omer Netzer

Chabad of Suffern hosted Moran Steliana as a speaker. Moran is an Israeli woman who was held hostage by Hamas for 54 harrowing days. This impactful presentation focused on the resiliency of the people of Israel.

JWI/Aish LA recently held its annual luncheon. At the event, Patti Spindel, a 2017 alumna, a recent Unity participant, and the mother of a lone soldier, shared her story. Attendees also wrote letters for soldiers’ mothers to send to Israel.

Over 20 women from different trips gathered for a Shavuot flower arrangement event with Adrienne Gold, joining in for an inspiring talk over Zoom.

JWI LA alumni, organized by Loren Putterman and Alissa Haroush, came together to create floral maps of Israel and listen to the testimony of 2 survivors.

On Yom HaZikaron, JCC Mid-Westchester hung 132 yellow ribbons to symbolize the 132 hostages held in Gaza.

Belinda Schneeweiss, a Toronto Fellowship attendee, was inspired to help survivors of the attack on Kibbutz Be’eri. She organized the Mezuzah Mamas group to create Mezuzot for the community. The group has raised funds for over 300 Mezuzot and over $40,000 for early education centers in Be’eri. Their efforts have gained momentum, drawing support from countless women in the Toronto community.

JCC Bridgewater brought the Shufuni Band to the community. This group of young musicians from Otef Aza, Gaza Envelope, bravely shared their stories of surviving the October 7th massacre through music.

Sari Romano, Community Leader, Aish México hosted Luis Har, one of the saved hostages

One hundred people came together at a Hadassah Event in South Jersey. Momentum staff member Haleh Rabizadeh spoke about our collective Identity post-Oct. 7th from the perspective of having lived in Iran and then being forced to move to America in 1979. 

Nikki Vernon went on the January unity mission, returned to Sydney, and spoke to 200 people to share her experience. Because of her inspiration, four women came on the May unity mission.

Today, the Israelis are crying for the lost of the heroes that died while fighting for our freedom and the existence of the state of Israel. It’s a very difficult day since we all have a connection to a family that lost someone. We are all a big family as you all, my sisters know. The war made us sensitive to gestures, especially from you all. We thought we were strong enough- but the fact is that your help and support lifted us so many times in the last 7 months!

Today, I want to share a gesture that Traci Portnoff and others did. I got a massage that she wanted to help, and she sent me a package. It took time for it to arrive, but when it did, I was so touched. Today, we gave the staff the beautiful paintings and letters we received.We wanted to thank you, Traci, for doing that. There is nothing like family, sharing the bad as well as the good. Hope to have only good news ahead.

Yifat Kuperman – CL for Israelis Healthcare Heroes

Allison O’Mara, Community Leader for the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County, shared what she is bringining for our IDF soldiers on the May Unity Mission trip.

During a recent initiative to support Israel, Hillary Bressler spearheaded the collection of medical supplies from Orlando and arranged for them to be transported to Miami, where they were flown into Israel for distribution. An article was written about the collection, accompanied by a photo. Additionally, Renee Freidman and her husband were featured in the magazine for printing ‘I Stand For Israel’ signs. 

Two participants from Jabad Uruguay who went on the March mission have created a video in support of Israel. Lili and Silvia are the amazing women who created this video along with an accompanying article.

Susan Isenberg is taking action by attending a Unity Mission to Israel and continuing to support pro-Israel advocacy efforts

Cindy Perlow walks every Sunday for a mile in honor of the hostages

Robyn Slot is helping start up a Jewish Wellness Network for Cape Town Jewish Community members to find out where they can get help & improve their well-being on a physical, mental, emotional & spiritual level.

Judi Horowitz is helping injured IDF soldiers improve their English so that they can travel to the US and share their stories.

Let’s Talk About Israel hosted a discussion with Shalom Orzach and Omer Friedland that brought together over 100 Buffalonians to discuss confidently “calling out what is wrong”.

More than 300 people gathered to listen to Leat Unger, cousin of Omer Shem Tov, speak in Sarasota, FL. Her words were so inspiring that a local fund has pledged to subsidize ten men for an upcoming Unity mission. It’s amazing to see how much of a positive impact one person’s message can have on a community.

JCC of Staten Island supports awareness of Israel and hostages

Jewish Federation CEO Ari Rosenblum spoke to the JCC Adult Life Group about the complexities of the situation in Israel.

Alumni from Aish San Diego participated in a walk to raise awareness for hostages in the city.

Upon returning home to Uruguay after participating in the March Spanish Mission, Lili Miedzowicz felt compelled to share her experiences and knowledge with the non-Jewish community. She organized a speaking event and over 50 non-Jewish individuals from Uruguay attended to hear her presentation.

Mission participant Brian Seigal, Momentum Educator Yehuda Reiss, along with Motti Gallam, an Israeli mental health officer, are organizing an event.

The purpose of the event is to provide practical tips for resilience to a global audience. Motti will share his experiences and stories in this discussion, focusing on offering support to Nova survivors, IDF soldiers, and families affected by the events of October 7th.

Amara Kaiyalethe, who participated in our January Unity Mission, organized a fundraiser that raised $2500 for Israel. Second and 4th-grade students from the Donna Klein Jewish Academy raised $126, and they also made hundreds of cards.

Amara’s grandfather matched the amount that was raised, so a total of $5,000 was raised for displaced children in Israel in just 24 hours! Additionally, she is selling the jackets shown in the photo to raise funds for Israel.

Canadian board member Marla Buck recently showcased her latest artwork titled “UNEARTHED; We Will Dance Again” at the Petroff Gallery in Toronto. The event was a huge success, with a great turnout of supporters from all over. It marked the end of a dark time and the beginning of a new chapter. All profits from the event will be donated to organizations like Brothers For Life and Thank Israeli Soldiers for PTSD recovery.

Temple Beth El of Boca’s sisterhood is hosting a special Women’s Passover Experience titled “Soldier On”, which will be attended by 150 participants. The event will feature a true story of Bracha Horovitz, which highlights the transformational power of hardships, strong character, and a purposeful life. Bracha will share her story of growing up in Israel when it was just becoming a country, serving in the IDF, participating in the Miss Israel beauty pageant, and raising a family in Israel. After moving to the US, Bracha’s son was born with severe disabilities, and she had to confront permanent hardships in her life. However, instead of feeling defeated, Bracha embraced resilience and asked herself, “Why not me?” This attitude enabled her to lead a life of strength and purpose.

HCH alum Stacey Kellar spoke out against the proposed ceasefire resolution at the Virginia Beach City Council meeting.

Alissa Haroush, JWI alumni and Momentum fellow is hosting an event to protect Jewish children in LA public schools.

Alumni participated in a run for their lives in Baltimore are continuing to raise awareness for hostages.

JLev Panama’s women gathered for a special coffee morning to share their experiences after their unity mission.

Maman, a nonprofit organization, partnered with local high school students to pack bags for soldiers.

A mother named Debby shared that her son is a paratrooper serving in Gaza with a group of 130 soldiers. They are all between the ages of 18 and 21 and require special vests for protection. These vests are not the standard issue from the army, as they only protect against small bullets. The vests needed are lined with ceramic, which provides full protection against stronger weapons.

Debby mentioned this and how she is trying to get donations for these vests. Nathalie Riess, one of our educators, mentioned that her husband in Tsfat has been helping with the manufacturing of these vests. As a team, we are making it happen together. The need for 130 vests is not cheap, as each vest costs $580 US dollars.

We are sending this message to ask for your help. The total cost of the vests is $75,400 US dollars, and we are currently at the $18,000 mark. We have been sending out messages to family and friends, where every dollar helps. Nathalie Riess and her husband are helping gather the funds through their Kabbalah Center in Tsfat.

We have a video of a group of soldiers thanking everyone for this effort. We are calling on you, reading this, to be part of saving a young man’s life in the battlefield. You can donate any amount that helps by clicking the link provided. If you want to donate a full vest, costing $580 dollars, you will be literally saving a life.

Together we can make a difference in saving lives. Donations are tax-deductible in the US, and there are many ways to donate, such as via PayPal, credit card on the donation site or transferring funds in Israel.

On April 1st, Sheba Grobstein and Lisa Kodimer from JWI/Aish LA held a session with Meira Cowland. Meira spoke about the situation in Israel to the community, with many alumni will be attending

An alum of the Unity Mission has organized a community event in Sarasota, FL, to raise awareness about hostage-taking. Leat Corrine Unger, the cousin of 21-year-old hostage Omer Shem Tov, will share her family’s experience. The event is expected to feature a speech by the organizer’s mother, who will talk about how her experience with the Unity Mission inspired her to take action.

JCC Bridgewater has started a new tradition: they will recognize one of the hostages every Tuesday and Friday with recipes that represent them.

Panamanian women provide soldiers with coffee made with love.

Beth Jacob Irvine had a gathering to make Hamantaschen while discussing Purim and its relation to Israel in the aftermath of 10/7.

JCC Mid-Westchester welcomed a group of Israeli teen swimmers who came to share their personal stories on October 7.

Stacey Maiman and Michelle Conwisar, alumni of AISH LA/JWI, volunteered and participated in a mission with Hadassah.

Michelle Auslander Cohen posted a Facebook fundraiser for her friend from Israel. The goal is to surprise him and his family with an adventure at Disney.

Suzie Mossa and Lisa Pinto, AISH LA/JWI, recently contributed to a fundraising campaign for Israel organized by Alissa Haroush (JWI) and Maman Nonprofit. As part of the campaign, they received yellow pins to help raise awareness about the hostages. During their 2021 momentum trip, they developed a strong connection with Israel and are actively supporting its causes.

Healthcare Hero Karin Schor-Schteinfeld has shared a picture of a yellow display on social media to bring attention to the hostages.

Kehila Uruguay organized a project to support mothers of IDF soldiers by handmaking 100 bracelets that were personally delivered to them in Israel.

Jody Comins, a volunteer from Hadassah and HCH, helped out at a horse farm located in the south.

Ellen Simon, from the Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey, wrote a blog for The Times of Israel about the red pins worn by celebrities at the Oscars.

Rosie Rubin has taken it upon herself to draw portraits of our fallen soldiers. Her first drawing was of Lavi, and it gave her the strength to continue with this task. She has since drawn portraits of more soldiers. The local newspaper interviewed her about her work, and an article was written.

Recently, JAFI (Jewish Agency for Israel) Marseille organized a conference aimed at addressing the issue of anti-Semitism and promoting knowledge about Zionism.

Momentum alumni from JAFI Marseille are baking special Moroccan pastries to support Israeli soldiers during Purim.

A group of Aish LA/JWI alumnae and madrichot attended a fundraiser for Friends of IDF where they were impressed by the resilience of the Jewish people, as demonstrated by the DJ who survived and performed that eveningt. Am Yisrael Chai.

Jody Comins has been volunteering in Israel – pictured here helping at a BBQ at Sheba Medical Center

Marla Buck, a member of the Village Shul community, unveiled her latest art pieces at Petroff Gallery in Toronto. Her artwork pays tribute to and is inspired by the events of October 7th, highlighting the themes of brokenness and wholeness, anti-fragility, and the hope that comes from knowing that we will dance again.

AISH LA/JWI held their annual Shabbaton with over 60 participants, including alumni from Beth Jacob Irvine. Each woman was assigned a soldier’s name to honor during Shabbat.

Gevura Davis, part of JCC Kaiserman/Aish Chaim, participated in a Hafrashaet Challah with a group of Israelis, many of whom took part in this ritual for the first time.

Jewish Federation of Sarasota Organizes Women’s Day Run for Their Lives

Amy Kaminsky used donated shoeboxes to create a Western Wall at her synagogue for an annual fundraiser

Kibbutz Gevim in “Otef Gaza” is close to the fence with Gaza (0 – 4 Km). On October 7, the kibbutz came under rocket fire for 30 hours while terrorists came to their gates gate. Whole families were in their safe rooms, at times in total darkness, without the possibility of getting food, drinking, or using the toilet. On October 8, with only 15 minutes to prepare and pack, the people of Kibbutz Gevim were evacuated in an armored bus, with an army escort, to Kibbutz Mizra.

The community lost three residents, and the chief of security and a resident who came to his help were severely injured, as were others who joined them later.

Maman Nonprofit learned of this community and adopted it in partnership with “Smiles for the Kids” to bring some smiles and happiness to the children while they were still in Mizra.

JEM Miami Selling Mishloach Manot for IDF

JAFI Marseille participates at a walking in Marseille for the release of the hostages

Many teenage kibbutz survivors and southern communities affected by the war have had their happiness stolen from them by the massacres of October 7th. Because of this unspeakable trauma, these kids are falling through the cracks.

Our mission with this project is to promote the tools necessary to cope, and to help them instill life skills and coping mechanisms.

Maman has created a 3-part program for teenagers.

Jane Toledano returned from a Momentum mission feeling inspired and is now encouraging others to join future missions.

Eve Levy organized the L’Chaim Center to participate in Run for Their Lives.

Merri Shapiro Cohen, with Torah Links of Monmouth County, lit an extra Shabbat candle for her assigned hostage that she received from attending Momentum on the Road – NY.

Nikki Vernon facilitated an impactful evening for the community with over 150 people turning up to hear “Stories for the Homeland” with Nikki sharing her day-by-day itinerary and the stories she heard, all while promoting the next Momentum Mission in March.

JCC Chicago has launched a new initiative called Ema to provide support to the Mothers Helping Mothers and MOLS programs, as well as the alums of Chicago Momentum.

Momentum alum Bonnie Vozar: “Momentum taught me to take responsibility, which led to me taking action. Upon returning home, I asked my partner organization, JCC Chicago, to host a program for mothers to help mothers, including lone soldier moms and other leaders of the Chicagoland Momentum partner organizations. The JCC Chicago community creators agreed to the proposal, and they created opportunities for the community to learn more. Recently, Pam spoke to JCC staff and board at a luncheon about her experience as a lone soldier mom and her experience on the Momentum Unity trip. Today, her son, whose job is along the Gaza border, spoke to 110 people in the community about Israel before 10-7, during those first few days, and now.

The group will meet monthly to support each other and work on service projects to help Israeli soldiers.

Aish Chaim Philadelphia hosted Millet Ben Haim, Nova festival survivor.

Aish Chaim Philadelphia – Men chaired a strategic regional briefing on Israel.

Boca Women Inspired/Liumi hosted family members of Luis Har and Fernando Simon Marman, who shared their stories with their community. We must hear their stories, share their pain, and give them love, and we must tell the world! Tom and Natalie, thank you for allowing us to welcome you and give you love and support today at Liumi. #BringLuishome #BringThemHome #StandwithIsrael. Am Yisrael Chai!

Jewish Philanthropies of Southern Arizona hosted 81 individuals representing 24 unique family units at a Shabbat of Love dinner.

The children had a special project decorating flowerpots in advance of Tu B’Shevat and writing letters to IDF soldiers. While the children participated in their project, the adults (and older teens) heard from a woman, who happened to be visiting Tucson’s community shaliach, share the story of her husband who was murdered on Oct. 7 (he was a police officer). It was a moving and impactful program – and a launching off point for more programming engaging young families to come!

Traci Portnoff and Kimberly Fenton-Zeira, from our new partner Neshama Care, hosted a Zoom for healthcare heroes professionals with Adrienne Gold Davis. 

Sivan Kobi, from Aish LA/JWI, hosted survivors from Kfar Aza and raised awareness for the hostages.

Maman Nonprofit adopted a Miluim community in Carmel Gat and organized a carnival to raise funds for women and children.

Making beautiful blankets to be sent to Israel

Lala, the mother of a lone soldier who was in the January Mission, started an online support group for mothers of lone soldiers.

Join the WhatsApp group “5 Minutes Today,” fighting antisemitism and supporting Israel, started by a Momentum LA Retreat participant in San Diego.

Maman organized an art therapy session in LA for survivors of the Nova festival with Tomer Peretz, a local Israeli artist who volunteered for Zaka.

Israel Community ambassadors are leading the Mompreneur project together with SparkIL, creating a strategy to involve the rest of the community and the women abroad. Currently, we have nine women steering this forward.

A group of 50 members from the Israeli community recently came together to take action. The event was initiated by the Vice President and Chairwoman of the Israel Committee, Racheli Chefetz. The program began with a beautiful learning session prepared by Jessica Berkowitz, followed by a teaching session led by Dana Sender Mulla. After this, the attendees were invited to become ambassadors for the #KeepTheLightGoing campaign and the Momprenuer project, which aims to support three Israeli businesses in need, along with Committee member Naama Ore.

During the event, each woman was gifted a candle to add to their Shabbat candles. The candles were chosen to be lit for 24 hours, so that the light for hostages would stay with them throughout Shabbat. It was hoped that this act would bring merit and safety to the hostages and help them return home soon.

On 1/18/24, in front of the UN building in Geneve, Switzerland, “celebrating” Kfir’s first birthday, Yael Donath, our Swiss CL with JAFI, sang Hatikva out loud.

In response to the Israel-Hamas war and growing anti-Semitism worldwide, a group of Jewish women organized the “You Plus 2” event to educate and promote understanding among Jewish and non-Jewish women. The event featured an expert panel and was attended by 275 women. The success of the event has inspired the organizers to plan for future events.

Alumni and their school-aged daughters made and sold bracelets, raising almost $4,000 in just two days. The money will be used to host IDF soldiers with therapists in the coming months.

JWC Atlanta had a Zoom call with an Israeli mother whose child was kidnapped by Hamas. They heard her story and spread the word in hopes of finding help.

Mindy Berger, a former Momentum staff member and a Unity mission alumna, mobilized the community to support Momentum Israel sister, Adi Shachar. Adi’s brother-in-law, Tal, is still held hostage while eight other family members are released from captivity.

Alumni mothers from various partners came together for a Challah Bake event at the University of Pennsylvania.

Tifara Tiri, a bereavement officer, and Poreshet CL alumni, connected with Miriam Peretz, one of our members of the Israel Public Council, to provide comfort during this time.

The founder of https://livebraid.com/ is now encouraging all her followers to bake two Challahs and give one to a friend/neighbor

Fifty members of the Israeli community joined forces to take action. Following this, we invited them to become ambassadors for the #KeepTheLightGoing campaign and the Momprenuer project, which aims to support three Israeli businesses during their time of need.

Patti organized Momentum alum, sending dozens of messages to their Israeli sisters from the trip offering support and love.

Eve Levy was on her way to the Unity Mission and she brought along 250 pounds of luggage. Her luggage included hundreds of cards for soldiers, letters for mothers, wives and families of hostages, gifts, winter coats, hats, gloves, sweatshirts, hand warmers, warm socks, protein bars, M&Ms, and chocolate kisses

AISH LA alum Cheryl Benton went to Israel to bring supplies and volunteer.

Maman Nonprofit partnered with a local Chabad to create an event for women supporting Israel. One of the activities included making mezuzot for displaced families.

On January 18th, 2024, Yael Donath, a Swiss CL with JAFI, celebrated Kfir’s first birthday in front of the UN building in Geneva, Switzerland by singing Hatikva.

Maman has joined hands with a local LA farm and others to develop an all-encompassing trauma-therapy program for Nova survivors, displaced kibbutz families, and teenagers who have been directly affected by war.

Pick a Mitzvah, launched by Panamanian Jewish organization Shevet Ahim, encourages users to honor and keep Shabbat by fulfilling a new mitzvah of their choosing without fear, social pressure, or stigma.

A Momentum Healthcare Hero, co-founded Physicians Against Antisemitism, a popular Instagram page combating harmful misinformation around Israel and the Jewish people from a medical perspective. Many of her fellow Healthcare Heroes alumni are now contributing content.

Momentum sister and pharmacist Ann Laure Cohen contacted over 80 colleagues, who sent 78 boxes of medical supplies, including medicines and other hygiene products, to Israel.

An Instagram influencer and blogger with over 133,000 followers, Momentum sister Melissa Chapman shares content about the painful reality of life in Israel right now, and highlights worthy causes that need our attention.

“I am not religious, I never publicly display my love for Judaism or Israel. But something is awakening inside of me.” In this moving op-ed, Momentum sister Heather Kafetz shares how deeply she has been affected by the terror attacks in Israel and the rise in antisemitism around the world.

Silvia Oppenheim-Findling, a Momentum sister from B’nai Aviv of Weston, collaborated with her young daughters to make and sell bracelets – and raised almost $4,000 in two days. The money will be used to sponsor therapy for IDF soldiers in the coming months.

Lisa Cook, a Momentum sister whose 2023 MOMentum Trip to Israel was postponed due to the terror attacks in Israel, organized a night of shopping in her community where all proceeds were donated to support Israeli families.

Momentum Educator Ruchi Koval and her community are lighting up the night with love and prayers for peace. Outside the Jewish Family Experience building in University Heights, Ohio, 240 lights stand as beacons of hope. Each light symbolizes solidarity, resilience, and unwavering support for those affected by the war in Israel.

Dr. Louis Profeta is an ER doctor who came to volunteer at Galilee Medical Center.

Bonnie Vozar raised funds to buy 50 breast pumps from an Israeli supplier. These pumps were donated to Magen David Adom, Israel’s national emergency services, to be distributed among new mothers in need. The pumps were provided to soldiers on the front lines as well as single parents whose partners were not present. Bonnie also brought two large duffle bags of donations along with her during the Momentum Israel Unity Mission.

Momentum Alumni took part in the Run for Their Lives event.

Marking 100 days of Hostage captivity at Parque De Madrid.

Momentum sister Sara Jacobs mobilized her community to send supplies to Israel – soliciting donations, ensuring that all items were pre-approved by the IDF, and packing the items. She then secured three chartered planes, arranged logistics with El Al, and ensured that there was a system in place in Israel to get the supplies directly to soldiers.

Darren Finke and Scott Grossman, who attended the Momentum Men’s Israel Unity Mission, were invited to share their reflections from the experience with the Denver Jewish community.

Debra Mesnick studied with her HCH group to mark 100 days of Hamas captivity.

Moran Lev-Ary is a speech therapist who discovered her own voice during her MOMentum Trip to Israel in May 2022. She currently hosts daily storytelling sessions for children aged 3-9 in both Hebrew and English, which more than 500 children regularly attend.