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.
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Bagel Rescue
Atlanta’s Erin Steiglitz began Bagel Rescue only a few years ago, but in that short time she and her dedicated crew of more than 100 volunteers have managed to rescue about 15,000 bagels weekly. With more than 36 bagel shops donating, dozens of social service agencies benefit from the daily drop-offs while at the same time, ending waste and supporting hunger relief.
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.
Civic Spirit
As the political climate in America took a sharp turn in 2016, Rabbi Robert Hirt, Virginia Bayar and Dr. Tamara Tweel brought a group of concerned citizens together to try to address this alarming development. The result – Civic Spirit – an organization dedicated to teaching civic responsibility and precepts in faith-based schools across the country. Civic Spirit is now led by Rabbi Charlie Savenor who has long worked in education and leadership development programs.
Our grant was directed to the expansion of the student leadership program.
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.
A Courageous Voice
Veronica, now a teenager, endured years of sexual abuse committed by her uncle. For a long time she suffered in silence. Then she participated in a program called Kids Voices Matter, offered by A Courageous Voice, where she learned that it was okay to speak out about her experiences and seek help.
Amy Ever began ACV to provide education and awareness of child sex abuse both on- and offline. The program works with schools and youth groups in the Detroit metro area, where child trafficking and sexual abuse of children is particularly acute. As a survivor herself, Amy says, “I never want to see another child affected the way I was.” As ACV grows, she hopes to protect the lives of many more kids.
Our matching funds are directed to administrative expenses.
