The fight against breast cancer is arduous, both physically and mentally. For many, there are also economic concerns, family responsibilities and more. While undergoing her own treatment, Shari Mendes witnessed many other patients who were obviously struggling with these additional challenges. To help them she began the Israel Lemonade Fund which offers one-time grants for (mostly) housing expenses to those who meet certain specific criteria.
Israel
A New Dawn in the Negev
Jamal Alkirnawi, a member of Israel’s Bedouin community, has devoted his life to helping improve the lives of the nearly 150,000 Bedouins who populate the country’s Negev (and beyond). This Arab-Jewish community-based organization focuses on peace, developing leadership, promoting education and economic success for all residents of the region.
Sport – Bridge to Education
Engaging in sports teaches kids so many life lessons. They learn about rules, discipline, boundaries, cooperation and more. Dr. Rutie Pilz-Burstein has dedicated a good part of her life to sports and research on its impact. Using those years of experience and study led her to begin Sport-Bridge to Education which operates in many youth villages and utilizes different sports activities to reach vulnerable youth who have lost their way.
Collective Lavo B’tov
Often, people with disabilities lack social contacts and meaningful support. Shoshi Margolin and Rachel Kolette Wheeler, originally mentee and mentor, have come together to found Collective Lavo B’tov, a colloquialism that refers to having a good attitude. Collective Lavo B’tov is one project within a larger effort that empowers those with disabilities who are often isolated and provides them with community and support. As Israel navigates the trauma of October 7 and an ongoing war, Lavo B’tov’s programming removes the isolation and provides a community of caring and compassion for disabled people.
Our funds are directed to start-up costs for this new venture.
Waves of Hope
In his youth, Eliyahu Ben Zion was drawn to the power of the sea and became an Israeli surfing champion. At 19, he adopted a more religious lifestyle and eventually was encouraged to use his surfing talents for something new.
Throughout Israel’s religious communities there are disaffected youth who have left school and community. With no support system they often fall prey to anti-social behavior. It is for these youth, both young men and women, that Eliyahu created a unique therapeutic program. “It is amazing to see how with just one small push on the surfboard you can see a child succeed,” Eliyahu says. As he puts it, “The obstacles of the sea teach them to cope with the barriers and difficulties in their lives.”
“When I enter the water, I empty all of my thoughts,” says Dovid, one of the program’s graduates.
Our funds are used for a new class for girls.
Brit Ha’Leviot
When Leora’s daughter Nili was 15, she shared that she felt uncomfortable in her body. For two years, Nili’s mental health deteriorated, until she met with a therapist who helped her through her gender transition.
What do parents do in that kind of situation? Seeking support, Leora came upon the work of Brit Ha’Leviot. “At first it was rough. I cried about…how bad things are…. But “the alliance of lionesses encouraged me … I found people who understood what I was going through,” Leora says.
In 2016, Merav Livni Keish joined with three other mothers of trans kids to address these new challenges. Their mutual support evolved into Brit Ha’Leviot, an organization now dedicated to promoting the rights and well-being of trans and gender diverse children, supporting their families, transforming institutions and educating Israeli society at large.
Our matching funds are directed to administrative expenses.
