Dear Friend,

‍
As you know, sirens have been sounding across Israel for the last week, with the north heavily targeted by missile barrages from Lebanon and Iran.

Our children have been forced into shelters for long periods of time, with all school and regular activities canceled.

We are receiving daily updates from Rabbi Grossman and the staff to share with you.

Thankfully, our Mishpachton foster families on campus have individual safe rooms to sleep in. Over the last two years, delegations from the U.S. have brought entertainment and games to make the shelters fun, comfortable places for children and teens.

Little did we know how much use they would get and how important these donations would be!

In fact, two bar mitzvah boys from New Jersey, Natan Kalina and Dovi Mirkhani, recently raised funds for gaming consoles (pictured) that have become a lifeline for their peers!

You can read more about their project here.

As always, our staff and dorm parents are working to maintain a strong morale and keep the children's spirits high despite the alarming booms and sirens.This week, we scheduled special programs to make memories and help children relax and break up the time indoors.The teen girls at the Afikei Ohr had a special arts program, teen boys enjoyed outdoor sports, and our youth groups around the country led crafting activities for evacuated families.

Many Migdal Ohr students have been learning from home, with teachers checking in regularly to help them process the difficult situation.They have also been sending out challenges to keep students helpful and engaged at home. Recently, the students made signs thanking the IDF for keeping them safe and shared these adorable photos!

Despite the war, Pesach is just weeks away, and everyone has started their preparations.Our Chag Saveah food drive is already underway with over 25,000 families, those most impacted by the economic and military situation in Israel, are relying on us for their Passover essentials. Even under rocket fire, we are making sure that everyone has what they need to prepare for the Seder! ‍

‍Now is a critical time to donate and help fulfill orders so struggling families can get ready for the holiday with dignity.I encourage you to please send a message of strength and hope that we can forward to the children and staff, letting them know you are thinking of them.Thank you for your ongoing support!

Atara Solow

Executive Director, American Friends of Migdal Ohr

P.S. To help children and families make Pesach during the war, you can donate securely at migdalohrusa.org/passover.

Thank you for being a source of hope and a consistent, loving friend to Israel's orphaned and underprivileged children.