What began during COVID as an outdoor alternative to a gala has become Migdal Ohr’s widely anticipated “BASHMO” - a festive outdoor “bash” in support of Migdal Ohr. Last week, American Friends of Migdal Ohr hosted its fifth annual event - an absolutely electrifying, sold-out evening that raised $150,000 for over 10,000 orphaned and at-risk children at Migdal Ohr in Israel.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          This year’s Mexican-themed BASHMO was the largest yet, with more than 350 attendees from communities across the region, including New Milford, Teaneck, Englewood, Bergenfield, Monsey, Riverdale, and New York City. 

The night was like none anyone had experienced, with a mariachi band roving throughout the crowd, Chef Giora of Hummus Elite sending out a seemingly endless array of gourmet Latin street foods, and a mix of unique cocktails at the bar. Sommelier Gabe Geller of Royal Wines added to the upscale atmosphere, pairing unique wines with the entrees leaving the kitchen.

Most importantly, the evening gave attendees the opportunity to make a direct and tangible impact on the lives of children healing from poverty, neglect, and trauma. Throughout the night, guests enthusiastically sponsored necessities and life-changing opportunities, including Shabbat clothing, schoolbooks, baby formula, therapeutic services, tefillin for a bar mitzvah boy, and much more.

A silent auction managed by Digital Dov added to the fun and featured luxury vacation packages, fine jewelry, rare wines, and other sought-after experiences. Every dollar raised is already helping children at Migdal Ohr thrive with everything from food to clothing, a home, to education, extracurricular activities, emotional support, and therapies.

After nearly three years of war and continued rocket fire in Northern Israel, the outpouring of love and concern felt especially needed. For many, events like these have been the impetus for twinning a bar or bat mitzvah, sponsoring a wedding, and involving the entire family in a connection to Israel that is much more concrete and deeply personal.

Executive Director Atara Solow addressed the energized crowd, saying, “The most powerful testimony of your impact are the stories of Migdal Ohr alumni themselves!”

She read a moving letter written by alumnus Chaim Dan Blumkin about the impact that Migdal Ohr had on his life. Chaim Dan was an orphan from Ukraine whose parents were tragically killed in a car accident when he was just two years old.

He grew up between relatives who were unable to adequately care for him, feeling alone and unloved. That is, until he turned 14 and met Rabbi Grossman who brought him to live at Migdal Ohr. After rising to the rank of commander in the IDF, Chaim Dan returned to Migdal Ohr’s Zoharim Boys Youth Village with his wife and four children to serve as a dorm parent and mentor to boys at risk. Today, he trains leaders in the army and often brings them to Migdal Ohr to see the power they have as mentors, showing unconditional love and teaching young men how to chart a new course in life.

The crowd leaned in as Atara read from Chaim Dan’s words: "You didn’t just change my life. You gave me a new life, a future, a family, and a purpose. Though thank you is not enough, I hope seeing our four children and the path we’ve chosen gives you nachat. Your legacy continues to impact generations."

Chaim Dan’s story is one of thousands.

Thanks to the dedication of supporters around the world, tens of thousands of Migdal Ohr alumni are now soldiers, educators, parents, entrepreneurs, community leaders, and role models across Israel. The children that we are raising today grow up and use the skills that they learn at Migdal Ohr to strengthen Israel. They embody Rabbi Grossman’s vision of unconditional love and responsibility for the Jewish People. 

Events like the BASHMO are not stand-alone gatherings but rather an entry point for individuals and families to get involved and join us in raising the next generation of active, engaged Israeli citizens. For ambassadors who are already deeply invested in our mission, it's an opportunity to bring in new people and expose them to the community and energy around Migdal Ohr. 

We want extend our heartfelt thanks to our gracious hosts Arianne and Moshe Weinberger for opening their home, to the dedicated staff whose tireless efforts made the event possible, and to thank the exceptional event committee whose vision and hard work helped make this year’s BASHMO the most successful yet: Jamie and Shmully Ash, Dahlia Goldbrenner, Jenna and Sam Goldstein, Ronit and Shlomo Hagler, Daniella and Dovid Katz, Atara and Avi Kaye, Amira and Zev Markowitz, Batya and Nachman Paul, Elissa and Steven Seltzer, Ariella and Chaim Silbersten, Tal Singer and Debra Paul Singer, Erica and Tzvi Solomon, Etti and Jordan Stavsky, and Aliza and Shloimie Zeffren.

Special thanks to our generous corporate sponsors IDB Bank, Hummus Elite, Royal Wines–Herzog Wine Cellars, and our silent auction partner Digital Dov.

Inspired?

Bring the BASHMO to your community! Join a growing movement of supporters committed to raising Israel’s most vulnerable children into our future leaders! For more information, contact Executive Director Atara Solow at atara@migdalohrusa.org.

About Migdal Ohr

Migdal Ohr is one of Israel’s largest and most impactful nonprofit organizations. Through its extensive network of educational and social welfare programs, Migdal Ohr raises more than 10,000 orphaned, vulnerable, and underprivileged children each year. Tens of thousands of Migdal Ohr alumni are already leading the way to a better Israel, committed to uniting the Jewish People and using their skills and talents to improve society.

To learn more, visit migdalohrusa.org or call 212-397-3700.

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