After surviving trafficking, prostitution, and exploitation, three courageous women founded Kol Hasordot – Survivor Voices to save others from what they experienced. By sharing their stories, they break taboos, educate the public, advocate for change, and work to ensure that no woman suffers the abuse they endured. Through programs in schools, universities, police units, and other settings, they challenge harmful attitudes, increase awareness, and help build a future rooted in dignity, safety, and hope. Please Note: We keep the names of the founders private for their safety.
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Ma’atzimot – Empowering Ethiopian Women
Racheli Tadessa Malkai emigrated from Ethiopia to Israel in 1991. She was more than familiar with the traditional role played by women in her culture as well as the difficulties faced by people of color in their adopted homeland. She founded Ma’atzimot – Empowering Ethiopian-Israeli Women not only to counter that traditional role but also to address increased sexual harassment and domestic violence plaguing these women.
Racheli’s success can be judged by the more than 18,000 women and girls who have participated in programs run in nearly thirty communities across the country. Those programs promote leadership development, vocational training, entrepreneurship, emotional resilience and pride in their Ethiopian heritage.
Konnection
Sharnese Harris grew up in a loving and supportive household where attending school each day, getting good grades and helping others was instilled in her DNA from the beginning. And yet, in Detroit she witnessed a very different dynamic where chronic absenteeism and the problems that come with it were all too obvious. Kids from broken homes, unstable living conditions and economic challenges just didn’t go to school. In fact, Detroit leads the country in chronic absenteeism.
In 2019 Sharnese founded The Konnection to help youth from underserved communities feel supported and seen. The program focuses on connections and relationships, keeping kids engaged and excited about school. A school-based clothes closet, field trips, personal mentoring along with education, unlock students’ potential and provides opportunities that ensure success in school and life.
Kavod v’Nichum
Our society has become more sensitive to the importance and deeply meaningful aspects of life cycle events, even death. Founded 23 years ago by David Zinner, and now led by Sarit Wishnevski, Kavod v’Nichum helps communities learn how to approach all aspects of end-of-life – serious illness, dying, death, bereavement and mourning – with compassion and meaning.
Our matching funds are directed to the organization’s training programs.
Magen for Jewish Communities
Sexual abuse within Israeli society (and elsewhere) has finally come out of the shadows and is receiving the attention it deserves. As the Executive Director, Shana Aaronson and her staff are deeply committed to providing multiple ways to support victims of this trauma. Working with compassion, they offer victims access to therapy and other communal resources. But, perhaps, most important is their belief in the victim, so often missing in these circumstances. Magen also works to educate the community and promotes full transparency. For them, victims’ needs take precedence.
Our funds are directed to advocacy and investigatory staffing.
My Child’s Cancer
A cancer diagnosis is devastating to anyone, but when it is your child, the grief and confusion can be overwhelming. For Oded Grinstein and his wife, then living in Israel, there was one overarching goal — to find the best possible medical care for their nine-month-old daughter. Their exhaustive research led them to a major cancer center in the U.S. where a doctor with many years of experience with this specific type of rare cancer successfully treated the child. The Grinstein’s journey inspired them to create My Child’s Cancer which provides access to research, advocacy and support to families who are embarking on this journey.
Our grant was directed to funding expert opinions on neuroblastoma cases.
