Our “Fall for Migdal Ohr” Shabbat dinner at the Moise Safra Center in Manhattan was another sold-out success, bringing over 225 of the tri-state area’s young professionals together to benefit orphaned and underprivileged children in Israel. The event demonstrated the growing influence of Migdal Ohr’s LeadOhr Young Professionals Division in the tri-state area as they build on their momentum and galvanize pro-Israel sentiment to rally their peers. The event raised $35,000 for children in need across Israel, building the next generation of philanthropists deeply connected to at-risk youth and building a strong future for Israel!
Director of Development, Mickey Flaumenhaft, shared the story of his friend Elchanan Kalmanzon, an Israel Prize Laureate recognized for his courage. On October 7th, he understood what was happening, heard that people needed help, and went to Be’eri on his own initiative. He helped save more than a hundred people and gave his life doing so. Elchanan didn’t wait for someone to call him; he heard the call and acted. In this week’s parsha, Avraham hears a calling and sets out on an unknown path. The Midrash says God was calling out to the world, but Avraham was the one who listened. More than fifty years ago, after witnessing the miracles of the Six-Day War, Rabbi Yitzchak David Grossman heard his own calling to help others. What began as a small initiative in Migdal HaEmek became a life devoted to chesed.
Mickey concluded by recalling hearing Shira Shapira, a candidate in this week’s election, speak about her son, Aner. Asked why she chose to enter politics, she shared that on October 7th, after throwing out eleven grenades to protect people in a shelter and helping several escape, Aner realized he was about to be killed. He said, “When I fall, continue after me.” Mickey connected Aner’s words to a responsibility we all share: to carry forward the work of those who came before us and answer our own call to do good in the world.
Guests heard from LeadOhr Committee Member Rick Saxe who spoke very personally about the inspiration that he draws from our founder, Rabbi Grossman. “Rav Grossman set (an example) when he went to the roughest town in Israel. Crime was high and the youth were being raised in an environment that could only continue to regress. But instead of matching the dark town he entered, Rav Grossman brought light. Instead of serving as a mirror, he decided to be a projector.
He walked right into those nightclubs dressed in his full rabbinic coat and black hat. People thought he was out of his mind. But he didn't walk in to preach or tell anyone how to live. He walked up to these tough kids with pure warmth, danced with them, gave them hugs, and told them how much he loved and believed in them.
Because he refused to reflect their defensiveness back at them, he completely disarmed them. He flooded the room with dignity, and eventually, the reflection shifted—the town was transformed, those same kids started showing up at his Shabbat table, which ultimately grew into Migdal Ohr, saving and raising thousands of children.
Founding committee member Johnny Hanus stood up and spoke about the responsibility to share our blessings with those less fortunate. He said, “ We sit here tonight in this gorgeous room, with beautiful decor and delicious food and drinks. The Migdal Ohr students are mainly kids who were not dealt the best hand or been blessed with an optimal upbringing. It is our job to try and level the playing field and give these kids a better chance at a better life, so they can help make a better world.”
The success of the evening and the growth of the LeadOhr Young Professionals events is attributed to a dedicated committee spreading the word through their networks and bringing people from all parts of the tri-state area together. Special thanks to our amazing Event Committee: Lisa Akrish, Daniela Amitai, Celia Berman, Chani Bernstein, Sharon Boccara, Chloe Brendlinger, Laura Brown, Will Eisler, Alexandra Gray, Ellin Gurvitch, Alex Haberman, Jonathan Hanus, Brandon Hoffman, Matthew Levine, Jordana Rehany, Rick Saxe, Julia Schneebaum, Sam Shapiro, Elina Sigal, Stephanie Soifer, Avital Tenenbaum, Amanda Trakhtenberg, Jaime Travers, Shaje Weiss, Eden Zafrani, and Aaron Zelikovich.
Their efforts reflect a growing commitment among young leaders to continue building and expanding Migdal Ohr’s impact. In fact, multiple groups have begun to host more intimate events in the city and Tel Aviv. In addition to raising significant funds for orphaned and at-risk, youth, they are engaging people in a more personal way and helping them connect to a truly inspirational and critical cause. Their passion for Migdal Ohr and commitment to the children are absolutely contagious!
About Migdal Ohr
Migdal Ohr is one of Israel’s largest and most impactful nonprofit organizations. Its vast network of 24 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.
There are dozens of meaningful ways to get involved and make a difference in the life of a child. To sponsor a child living on campus monthly, visit migdalohrusa.org.
Reach out to our Director of Development, Mickey Flaumenhaft, at mickey@migdalohrusa.org or call 551.587.3595 with questions or suggestions for how you can get more involved.
