The very first Night Under the Stars in the Five Towns was an unforgettable evening that was as much about connection, heart, and impact as it was about extraordinary cuisine and ambiance.

The evening was brought to life by AFMO Director of Development, Mickey Flaumenhaft, our hosts, the Mishaan family, and a dedicated planning committee, which included ​​Shira and Jeff Eisenberg, Freda and Scott Englander, Daniel and Jenny Gerber, Elizabeth and Rob Kurtz, Yael and Gary Mandel, and Miriam and David Solomon. The committee’s hard work and commitment made the evening an incredible success!

The night radiated a sense of purpose, with 50 guests in attendance, many of whom were new to the organization, and raised $100K to benefit Migdal Ohr. The event highlighted thousands of orphaned and underprivileged children growing up at Migdal Ohr and welcomed people to join the growing family across the world that is making their futures possible.

Guests were treated to an exquisite menu crafted by Chef Sol, and each course was paired with wines selected by M & M Importers. Party planner Samantha Chetrit transformed the Mishahans’ backyard into an elegant setting under the night sky.

After two years of war in Israel, the evening celebrated the power of family, generosity, and our unshakeable connection to support the most vulnerable children and families, helping them to not only survive but thrive through incredible adversity. Guests could feel the impact of their support in every story, every smile, every life touched by Migdal Ohr.

One of the most moving moments of the evening was Vice President of the AFMO Board Jeff Eisenberg, who spoke about the “Kulanu Mishpacha” Initiative, which he helped to create in partnership with the Israel Chesed Center, a project which he founded to unify local grassroots efforts after Oct 7th. “Kulanu Mishpacha” has obtained a vetted list of 350 IDF widows, and identified 72 facing severe financial hardship.

The initiative gives people in America a concrete way to provide stability, dignity, and a reliable source of support to a family that has paid the ultimate price for our nation. Jeff explained that each widow is directly connected to a family and receives $1,000/month ($12,000/year) to operate her household and cover the additional therapies and support that she and her children may need after losing their father and husband. 

Executive Director Atara Solow shared a powerful message about the work of Migdal Ohr, saying that for her, it's more than a job or a calling. "Being part of Migdal Ohr is not just a mission—it is family. And when you are family, you show up. Not only in times of need, but every single day. Our donations are not transactions—they are relationships, moments, and milestones that rebuild lives. That’s why the project with the Israel Chesed Center resonated with us so deeply. Because, if G-d forbid, our family was widowed or orphaned, there is no question whether we would step in financially to make sure that they had what they needed. It’s not a chesed, it's what you do for those closest to you."

Night Under the Stars was an opportunity for people in the Five Towns to connect in meaningful ways with orphaned and underprivileged children in Israel and to consider how they could make Migdal Ohr a part of their lives.

It was a night that sparked connections that will continue to transform fear into joy, scarcity into abundance, and trauma into hope. Thank you to everyone who made it such a spectacular success!

About Migdal Ohr

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. We provide children with the essentials, education, and empowerment to become engaged citizens and the next generation of Jewish leaders.

At the start of the new year, we are raising essential funds to meet the needs of Israel's most vulnerable children. To get involved and sponsor a child, visit migdalohrusa.org/newyear.
Reach out to Director of Development, Mickey Flaumenhaft, at mickey@migdalohrusa.org or call 551.587.3595 with questions.