Designer

On the anniversary of October 7th, students from the Zoharim Youth Village undertook a profound journey to honor the memory of those who lost their lives in Sderot and Kibbutz Be’eri.

A community’s strength is tested in times of war. At Migdal Ohr, we have witnessed this strength in our students’ remarkable resilience and determination, who continue to pursue their education even under the most challenging circumstances.

As we approach Rosh Hashanah and mark the somber anniversary of the October 7th tragedies, our hearts turn to the immense challenges our brothers and sisters in Israel continue to face. Rosh Hashanah is traditionally a time of renewal, community, and hope for the future, yet this year, the collective grief and uncertainty are deeply felt throughout Israel.

It is hard to believe that a year has passed since the horrific events of October 7th. The pain and devastation from that day still resonate deeply within Israel and Jewish communities around the world. Our thoughts remain with the families who have lost loved ones, the brave soldiers defending Israel, and the hostages still missing, whose families wait in hope and anguish for their return.

When we embarked on our visit to Migdal Ohr’s Zoharim Youth Village, we expected to witness something special. What we didn’t anticipate was the deep sense of resilience, community, and hope that would touch us so profoundly. Zoharim Youth Village isn’t just a place where boys from troubled backgrounds go to live and learn; it’s a sanctuary where they rebuild their lives and futures, supported by an incredible community of staff, peers, and volunteers.

As we approach Rosh Hashanah, the talented girls from Orot Bemek School have been busy with a special project that brings joy and heartfelt wishes to our incredible donors. Using their creativity and love for the holiday, they’ve crafted beautiful Rosh Hashanah artwork, sharing their hope for a sweet and fulfilling new year with all of you who make their education possible.

This year, we were incredibly grateful for the generous contribution from I Hennig & Co. Limited. Thanks to the leadership of Cindy Shmueli, the company donated brand new school bags to our orphans, and the students were absolutely delighted to receive them!

Even in the face of adversity, we continue to build, grow, and create a brighter future for Israel’s most vulnerable children here at Migdal Ohr. While our enemies may attempt to tear us down, we remain unwavering in our commitment to build up.

Last week, nearly 1,000 young women from all corners of Israel gathered in Jerusalem for an unforgettable Ohr Yisraeli Shabbaton! This special weekend retreat brought together girls from Migdal Ohr’s expansive youth movement, which spans over 160 branches across the country, from the northernmost towns to the southern deserts of Israel.

This week, Morris Benisty, Jack, and Rebecca from our Young Professionals Committee had the privilege of visiting Zoharim Youth Village. They received a comprehensive briefing from Tzachi, the dedicated village director, who shared valuable insights into the youth’s progress and development and the exciting advancements in constructing new dormitories.