This past weekend, a team of fearless, passionate individuals woke up before the crack of dawn and boarded the bus for the Spartan Challenge in Mountain Creek, NJ.  

The Spartan Challenge is an epic 5-10K obstacle course pushing through mud, fire, and tough terrain not for medals, but for a mission. Half of the participants returned from last year while others learned about the course from friends and even ads on social media, deciding to join and continue to support Israel and build the future by supporting vulnerable children today.

Warriors for Israel

This year’s Spartan warriors raised an incredible $18,000 for orphaned and underprivileged children who are the rising stars and the future of Israel.Those funds will sponsor 100 children living at Migdal Ohr, providing essential care, education, housing, and emotional support for them throughout the year.

In particular, thank you to Noam Rothner, Eitan Benhamu, Elianna Benhamu, Ajay Jacobson, Yehuda Farkas, Avi and Dov Muller, Eric Suss, Dmitry and Jonah Shargorodsky, Abbie Sophia, and the Zamir family!

Entire Families Came Together

Among the new participants this year was a family from Fair Lawn who joined us after finding out about the Spartan Challenge via social media. The mother signed up her husband Dmitry and their 16-year-old son Jonah, while the rest of the family came out to cheer them on.

Jonah reflected: “The race was harder and muddier than I expected, but knowing that I was doing it for a good cause pushed me to get to the finish line. It was fun to do this with my dad. My mom and siblings were placing bets on who would finish first. I had a better time, which came with some bragging rights. Doing something for ”

The Zamir family from Woodmere also learned about the opportunity online, despite having no prior connection to Migdal Ohr. Parents Seri and Ziv ran alongside their sons, 18-year-old Matis, who completed the longer course, and 14-year-old Uzi, the youngest Spartan warrior in the group.

Matis shared: “I liked that it wasn’t only about me and my goals but that it was actually helping kids, which made it feel more worth it. That part stayed in my head the whole time and kept me locked in. It made the whole thing feel bigger than just the race. If someone’s thinking about doing it, I’d just say go for it. You don’t need to be in perfect shape, just show up and try!”

One Diverse, United Team

The group reflected a diverse mix of participants from families who found the initiative online, to returning challengers, to new recruits from across the community. Despite many meeting for the first time, the camaraderie and shared passion created a powerful and uplifting atmosphere that stood out as a highlight for everyone!

Returning participant Noam Rothner, who completed the race for the second consecutive year, added: “It was honestly hard, but in a good way. The energy from everyone there really pushed me and made it a great experience. Finishing it was probably the best part, just knowing I actually did it. I signed up to test myself and do something different, not just a normal race. It’s not even a question whether I’d do it again because it's so much fun and so meaningful.”

Local influencer and sought-after photographer Abbie Sophie shared: “It was more fun than physically challenging. If you’re even remotely considering it, don’t think about it, just sign up! I did it to show my kids that their mom could be strong and do something meaningful for Israel, even when it’s not popular. It was so special to have them here cheering me on. We. It exceeded all of my expectations!”

More Than a Race, A New Migdal Ohr Tradition

The Spartan Challenge is a new way that people are coming together to support Israel and make a difference in the lives of underprivileged children. As the group grows each year, we are starting to feel the momentum building, involving new members of the community in a cause that has become such a personal and important part of so many families’ lives in the tri-state area in particular.

Riding the success from this year, an interest form has already been opened for next year’s challenge! To be the first to hear about the next Spartan event, sign up here:
https://form.typeform.com/to/VOfSLz9B

About Migdal Ohr
Migdal Ohr cares for over 10,000 orphaned and at-risk children across Israel, providing them with the support, stability, and opportunities they need to build successful futures. Your generosity and love directly impact a child in need. 

To get involved and sponsor a child, visit migdalohrusa.org. Reach out to our Director of Development, Mickey Flaumenhaft, at mickey@migdalohrusa.org or call 551.587.3595 with questions.

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