Ahava Tomer sits outside the ICU at the Hadassah Hospital in Jerusalem. Her son, Yonaton, the youngest of Tomer’s 11 children, was recently rushed there, victim of a terrorist stabbing.Yonaton is slowly improving physically, but the lingering effects of the attack, and the psychological effects on so many Israelis, are expected to last some time.
During these troubled times, critical programs that provide financial and emotional support to individuals and families can make the difference between a bright or troubled future. The Associated: Jewish Community Federation of Baltimore, through funds provided to its global partners – the Jewish Agency for Israel and Jewish Distribution Fund – as well as direct grants to programs in Israel and Baltimore’s sister city, Ashkelon, is providing this light.
Most immediate, the Jewish Agency for Israel is providing emergency financial and long-term grants to help victims overcome trauma and develop skills for success. Tomer recently received one of these financial assistant emergency grants.
“It is very special that there are people around the world who care about someone like me,” says Tomer, whose husband is handicapped and cannot visit their son.
But caring about our Israeli friends comes year round, not only when times are tough. By creating support systems for vulnerable populations throughout the year, these individuals become more resilient and able to cope during times of terror.
That is why The Associated also funds a number of these programs in both its sister city, Ashkelon, through the Baltimore-Ashkelon Partnership, as well as throughout Israel. Its Global Peoplehood Grants support innovative projects outside of Ashkelon that have a major impact on Israeli communities.
Yad Eliezer and Oraita, a program of the Orthodox Union, serve the needs of disadvantaged and troubled youth. Oraita has established a network of clubs with positive role models and mentors, in many ways similar to the Big Brother Big Sister model offered through Jewish Community Services in Baltimore.
“These clubs help children stay off the street or avoid challenging home circumstances,” says Yehuda Neuberger, co-chair of The Associated’s Israel and Overseas Committee. “Aside from the direct effect of stress and fear on these children, the tense situation affects the environment in which these children live. Especially with the current situation in Israel, these services are needed more than ever.”
In fact, in Yaffo, the club is located in a mixed Arab-Jewish neighborhood where tensions are on the rise. According to Laya Bejell, development officer of OU Israel, this club offers Jewish youth a safe place to spend time after school. Counselors, social workers, and staff lead discussions so they can share their concerns and feelings.
Ashkelon, meanwhile, has often been in the crossfire, situated less than eight miles from the Gaza border. During Operation Protective Edge, in the summer of 2014, residents were alerted on an almost daily basis, and sometimes multiple times a day, about rocket fire. All that takes a toll on residents, and in particular, on teens and children who are already vulnerable.
Today, Lev Echad, an Israeli nonprofit, with the help of The Associated, is training a corps of volunteer youth in Ashkelon to work closely with the local government in times of crisis. Among their many responsibilities, these teens will assist the elderly and disabled who may not be able to leave their homes and play with young children in shelters.
“The project will not only save lives but will empower youth to believe in their ability to do good,” says Hemi Banner, CEO of Lev Echad.
The Children’s Home Neve Haroeh, meanwhile, funded in part by the Baltimore-Ashkelon Partnership, is an innovative model that helps children suffering from trauma such as they experienced last summer develop self-esteem. Through the use of animal therapy, children learn to love and care for something, as they bond with the animals.
“This program provides them with something to love and helps them fulfill their potential,” says Susan Posner, chair of the Funding Subcommittee for the Baltimore-Ashkelon Partnership. “I love seeing the role The Associated plays in changing people’s lives.”
Caring for Our Israel Friends
by Rochelle Eisenberg
Ahava Tomer sits outside the ICU at the Hadassah Hospital in Jerusalem. Her son, Yonaton, the youngest of Tomer’s 11 children, was recently rushed there, victim of a terrorist stabbing.
Yonaton is slowly improving physically, but the lingering effects of the attack, and the psychological effects on so many Israelis, are expected to last some time.
During these troubled times, critical programs that provide financial and emotional support to individuals and families can make the difference between a bright or troubled future. The Associated: Jewish Community Federation of Baltimore, through funds provided to its global partners – the Jewish Agency for Israel and Jewish Distribution Fund – as well as direct grants to programs in Israel and Baltimore’s sister city, Ashkelon, is providing this light.
Most immediate, the Jewish Agency for Israel is providing emergency financial and long-term grants to help victims overcome trauma and develop skills for success. Tomer recently received one of these financial assistant emergency grants.
“It is very special that there are people around the world who care about someone like me,” says Tomer, whose husband is handicapped and cannot visit their son.
But caring about our Israeli friends comes year round, not only when times are tough. By creating support systems for vulnerable populations throughout the year, these individuals become more resilient and able to cope during times of terror.
That is why The Associated also funds a number of these programs in both its sister city, Ashkelon, through the Baltimore-Ashkelon Partnership, as well as throughout Israel. Its Global Peoplehood Grants support innovative projects outside of Ashkelon that have a major impact on Israeli communities.
Yad Eliezer and Oraita, a program of the Orthodox Union, serve the needs of disadvantaged and troubled youth. Oraita has established a network of clubs with positive role models and mentors, in many ways similar to the Big Brother Big Sister model offered through Jewish Community Services in Baltimore.
“These clubs help children stay off the street or avoid challenging home circumstances,” says Yehuda Neuberger, co-chair of The Associated’s Israel and Overseas Committee. “Aside from the direct effect of stress and fear on these children, the tense situation affects the environment in which these children live. Especially with the current situation in Israel, these services are needed more than ever.”
In fact, in Yaffo, the club is located in a mixed Arab-Jewish neighborhood where tensions are on the rise. According to Laya Bejell, development officer of OU Israel, this club offers Jewish youth a safe place to spend time after school. Counselors, social workers, and staff lead discussions so they can share their concerns and feelings.
Ashkelon, meanwhile, has often been in the crossfire, situated less than eight miles from the Gaza border. During Operation Protective Edge, in the summer of 2014, residents were alerted on an almost daily basis, and sometimes multiple times a day, about rocket fire. All that takes a toll on residents, and in particular, on teens and children who are already vulnerable.
Today, Lev Echad, an Israeli nonprofit, with the help of The Associated, is training a corps of volunteer youth in Ashkelon to work closely with the local government in times of crisis. Among their many responsibilities, these teens will assist the elderly and disabled who may not be able to leave their homes and play with young children in shelters.
“The project will not only save lives but will empower youth to believe in their ability to do good,” says Hemi Banner, CEO of Lev Echad.
The Children’s Home Neve Haroeh, meanwhile, funded in part by the Baltimore-Ashkelon Partnership, is an innovative model that helps children suffering from trauma such as they experienced last summer develop self-esteem. Through the use of animal therapy, children learn to love and care for something, as they bond with the animals.
“This program provides them with something to love and helps them fulfill their potential,” says Susan Posner, chair of the Funding Subcommittee for the Baltimore-Ashkelon Partnership. “I love seeing the role The Associated plays in changing people’s lives.”
