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In a powerful show of support, the American Friends of Migdal Ohr (AFMO) community raised over $2 million in just 36 hours to ensure that Israel’s orphaned, at-risk children have their needs cared for at the end of the year. With Israel still navigating the emotional and economic impact of two years of war, this incredible show of support was an extraordinary statement of responsibility for the lives of 10,000 children in Migdal Ohr’s care.

“This campaign reinforces a powerful truth,” said AFMO Executive Director Atara Solow. “Even in difficult times, when our community has been approached to give repeatedly, the Jewish People show up for each other because we are family. This is not an abstract cause that may or may not make a difference. These are real children, with names, stories, and a future that we are all responsible for.”

Thanks to AFMO’s incredible ambassadors, 30 energized teams sprang to life, each one rallying its own network to ensure that every child in Migdal Ohr’s programs continues to receive essential care, education, therapeutic services, and support.

“Our ambassadors truly led the way,” shared Solow, “inspiring giving, amplifying our mission, and reminding our community what it means to show up for Israel’s most vulnerable children.”

While the campaign was grounded in community-wide support, one of the most uplifting aspects was the involvement of students and young adults who stepped forward with enthusiasm and heart.

{LeadOhr Young Professionals Take the Reins and Grow the Community

Just five years ago, AFMO launched “LeadOhr”, a young professionals committee to cultivate a new generation of supporters who would bring fresh ideas and energy to Migdal Ohr. After multiple sold-out events and Shabbat dinners, the committee members used this campaign as an opportunity to launch independent events for young professionals in New York City and Tel Aviv bringing their peers into their Migdal Ohr family.

In Tel Aviv, Committee Member Michele Freund, who made aliyah six months ago, hosted a rooftop wine-and-cheese gathering for 40 young professionals. Attendees heard from Migdal Ohr alumnus Daniel Rosenberg and his wife, Esther Chen, whose personal stories were a shining example of the impact that Migdal Ohr has on its students. Daniel came to Migdal Ohr’s Zoharim Youth Village from a life on the streets, involved in crime and drugs, and ultimately became an officer in the IDF. His personal example and mentorship have inspired many other teens like himself to enlist in the army despite dropping out of high school and getting in trouble with the law.

In New York City, Committee Members Hudis Moskowitz and Steven Bernstein, hosted young couples in their home. They shared their meaningful journey as founding members of LeadOhr and talked about their experience of twinning their wedding with a Migdal Ohr couple’s wedding in Israel. That same week, Committee Member Laura Brown organized a sold-out event that brought out 130 people and raised over $4,000 for her team!

“These events didn’t just raise money,” Mickey Flaumenhaft, AFMO’s Director of Development, said. “They created new ambassadors and showed that our LeadOhr Committee members were ready to take on a new level of ownership for helping the children. It was amazing to see their commitment and passion.”

Although prioritizing the war effort pushed this year’s BASHMO event to the spring (stay tuned!), the families who got involved didn’t wait. They formed a team to rally for Israel’s vulnerable children. These dedicated ambassadors made it clear that, just like family, we must continue to “show up” consistently for the children of Migdal Ohr; and through their efforts, they raised an incredible $100K that went straight to Migdal Ohr!

It was amazing to see that the feeling of family and love for the children that are so central to the in-person event translated to this larger fundraising effort at the end of the year. Although the effort was digital, the committee wouldn’t miss an opportunity for its signature BASHMO raffle and give-aways! Everyone who joined and those who gave over certain amounts were entered to win premium wines and exotic vacations.

Very special thanks to committee members: Jamie and Shmully Ash, Shani and Daniel Finn, Dahlia Goldbrenner, Jenna and Sam Goldstein, Ronit and Shlomo Hagler, Daniella and Dovid Katz, Batya and Nachman Paul, Elissa and Steven Seltzer, Tal Singer and Debra Paul Singer, Erica and Tzvi Solomon, and Aliza and Shloimie Zeffren. Your hands-on approach and advocacy are shaping the future of Israel!

The Torah Academy of Bergen County (TABC) hosted a buzzing call center where dozens of students, guided by faculty and alumni, spent hours calling donors, rallying support, and sharing Migdal Ohr’s story. Among the volunteers was Sammy Haberman, who has been connected to Migdal Ohr for many years. Inspired by his own bar mitzvah experience raising critical funds for the children, Sammy encouraged his teammates on the TABC Varsity Basketball team to join the effort and help care for the children of Migdal Ohr.

TABC alumnus and AFMO Board Member, Tzvi Solomon, shared his personal story of discovering Migdal Ohr in high school, showing the students how youth-driven chesed can become a lifelong mission. We are very grateful to Head of School Rabbi Josh Kahn, Executive Director Judah Rosenbaum, and Director of College Guidance Keren Weinberger for facilitating this meaningful collaboration and helping to make the campaign such a huge success!

Yeshivat He’Atid has been a great partner to Migdal Ohr in the past and spearheaded a toy drive for displaced children with many other participating schools during the height of the war. A group of their eighth-grade girls joined the effort at the call center, showing their maturity as they prepare to enter high school and taking their commitment to the children to the next level.

It was heartening to see the conviction of our youngest ambassadors taking to the phones and making the case for their peers in Israel!

The crowdfunding campaign energized so many people, and there are still many opportunities to make a difference. This Chanukah, you can send gifts to orphaned and underprivileged children at Migdal Ohr, ensuring that they feel the embrace of a family that cares for them. Each gift goes directly to a child letting them know that they have people who care for them around the globe and truly brings them light during the chag.

Every gift comes with a customizable certificate that you can tailor and give to your children/grandchildren and loved ones, letting them know that a donation has been made in their honor. Get involved and give at http://migdalohrusa.org/gifts.

Migdal Ohr is one of Israel’s largest and most impactful nonprofit organizations. Its vast network of social welfare and educational institutions cares for over 10,000 orphaned and underprivileged children each year. Migdal Ohr provide children with the essentials, education, and empowerment to become engaged citizens and the next generation of Jewish leaders. To get involved and sponsor a child, visit migdalohrusa.org. 

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