Empowering Israel’s Future: Migdal Ohr UK’s International Women’s Day Lunch with Julia Haart
- March 18, 2025
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On Monday, 10th March, Migdal Ohr UK hosted an inspiring International Women’s Day Lunch at Home Grown in Marylebone. The event united leading female voices in the Jewish community to honour the strength and resilience of Israeli women and raise vital funds for Afikei Ohr, Migdal Ohr’s programme dedicated to supporting at-risk young women in Israel.
Julia Haart, self-made entrepreneur, bestselling author, and star of Netflix’s My Unorthodox Life, delivered a powerful address alongside award-winning Sunday Times columnist Sarah Jossel, who hosted the afternoon.
Haart, who has become a vocal advocate for Israel since the 7th October attacks, shared her first-hand experience witnessing the devastation. “I never had an emotional connection to Israel before. And then, in one instant, it all changed. I was enraged. How dare they mess with my country, my people?” she said, recalling her recent time in Gaza with an active unit.
Beyond her advocacy, Haart spoke about her lifelong passion for fashion as a means of empowerment. Frustrated by the lack of innovation in shapewear, she set out to create designs that offer comfort and confidence. “The fabric we create is insanely comfortable. It feels like velvet,” she shared.
Adding to the afternoon’s deeply moving testimonies, Natalie Sanandaji, a Nova Festival survivor and Public Affairs Officer at the Combat Antisemitism Movement, recounted the harrowing events of 7th October. She described the attack in vivid detail, comparing the festival atmosphere to “Coachella, but instead of music, there are rockets overhead, and no one panics. That’s Israel’s reality.” Determined to raise awareness, she highlighted the role of women leading activism today: “The strongest activists today are women. We are lionesses.”
Amit Fraser, CEO of Migdal Ohr UK, emphasised the importance of the charity’s mission: “Migdal Ohr means ‘tower of light’ in Hebrew, and we care for over 10,000 children in need, including orphans, in Israel. I hope today brings us together to support and uplift the next generation.”
This powerful gathering underscored the resilience of Israeli women while raising crucial support for Afikei Ohr, which provides at-risk young girls with the tools, education, and support they need to thrive and build a brighter future.
Join us in empowering Israel’s next generation. Support the young women of Afikei Ohr today.https://migdalohr.org.uk/afikei-ohr-girls-youth-village/
For the media coverage of the event, visit:
