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New Neighbors Partnership

Refugees arrive in the US from all over the world, for a variety of reasons, but what they are all seeking is a safer life for themselves and their children. Founded by Shoshana Akabas Barzel, New Neighbors Partnership has welcomed families from more than 32 different countries, including Afghanistan and Ukraine. Newly arrived families are matched with local “partner families” with slightly older children that share 2-3 clothing “hand-me-down” packages per year, creating a long-standing personal relationship between families. And through the Summer Book Project each child in their program (more than 400) received a new book to read over the summer.

Our matching funds are directed to the salary for additional staff.

People of the Book

A fluent Arabic speaker and former journalist, Rabbi Elhanan Miller saw that many Muslims he knew didn’t have a clear understanding of Jewish practices and beliefs. What better way to effect mutual understanding and friendship between people in the Middle East with different religious and cultural backgrounds than education? People of the Book uses short animated videos that explain Jewish faith and ritual in Arabic and compare them to similar Muslim practices. The success of Rabbi Miller’s approach is best found in the tens of thousands of subscribers who access the People of the Book social media channels. Our funds are used for website development and administrative expenses.

NechamaComfort

Reva Judas lost her son, shortly after birth, 35 years ago. At the time there were very few resources for families experiencing pregnancy and infant loss. Following this loss, Reva found herself counseling others. Hearing from people across the US and overseas, she quickly realized that there is a dearth of resources available to help those grieving this kind of loss. Her response was to obtain chaplaincy certification as well as certification as an Infant Loss Facilitator.

The organization supports people from all backgrounds and raises awareness of pregnancy and infant loss in the greater community and with professionals such as clergy, funeral directors, medical and mental health practitioners. Our matching funds are directed to administrative expenses.

Nivcharot: Haredi Women’s Movement

It all began with a Facebook campaign. Frustrated by the lack of women’s representation in the Israeli government’s religious parties, Esty Shushan discovered she was not alone and founded Nivcharot (No Voice – No Vote), the first and only organization of its kind in Israel. Nivcharot’s advocacy training and leadership seminars encourage Haredi women to “find their voice” in public, social and political life. As one participant shares, “I want to be a part of a people, a community…I also acquired a community of women like me, who aspire to do good in their sector and beyond.”

Nivcharot raises awareness and allows for open conversations on once-taboo topics such as divorce, birth control and arranged marriage. Despite an ever-changing government and Covid, Esty and the women she has inspired continue to be a driving force for change.

Our funds help underwrite the cost of the women’s symposium.

Necha Malka

In Israel, Shira Gilor, a resident of Hashmonaim, thought she knew her neighbors well until the day she was approached by a local mother. The woman confided that she did not have enough food for her children. Quietly, Shira delivered a package to the family, an event which became a personal turning point, as she pondered the food waste she witnessed around her.

Shira knew that this woman’s situation was not an exception, and so began her grassroots, neighborhood operation to secure food and discreetly feed her hungry neighbors. Necha Malka (named for the mother of a generous community member who wanted to help Shira) serves 24 families vetted by local social workers.

Volunteers facilitate the work and supermarket scrip (which we help underwrite) makes possible the purchase of any food that is not donated.

One Can Help

Paying for a swimsuit helps a boy enjoy summer, but also helps a mom rebuild a relationship with her son returning home from foster care. Paying for cell phone minutes helps a foster care child speak to her dad. When attorney Anne Bader-Martin’s organization makes modest payments like these, filling in where resources are lacking, they stop a cycle that usually deteriorates even further — and secure positive outcomes for vulnerable families. One attorney shares, “Twenty-five dollars [for an ID] might seem like a small way to help someone, but for my client it made all the difference. … She is now employed again for the first time in more than six months!”

Needs increased 40% during the pandemic. OCH served 3,000 children and families, providing emergency assistance in the form of supermarket cards, laptops, rent assistance and more. Our funds are used for a new computer operating system.