Did you know that our Federation works with six partner communities in Israel? These communities were devastated by the October 7 attacks, with many residents tragically killed, taken hostage, or displaced. Over the past year, Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest has come together, working tirelessly to support these communities by providing trauma care, medical aid, essential supplies, and funding for shelters. Thanks to these efforts, families whose lives were shattered are now starting to rebuild.
Today, we’re sharing that impact.
Miriam, a resident of Ofakim, is a mother of six, including newborn twins. Her son Asher, 10, has been in the Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI) Youth Futures program, which partners mentors with at-risk children, for two years. Their situation was already difficult. A year and a half ago, Asher’s father passed away suddenly, leaving Miriam alone with four young children and two more on the way.
On October 7, during the 2023 Hamas-led attack on Israel, Ofakim was infiltrated by Hamas forces. Miriam and her children awoke to gunfire. As Asher helped his mother take the babies to the safe room, they witnessed their neighbor being shot. They fled and hid in an inner room. Asher tried to calm his siblings, while Miriam managed the newborns.
That day, more than 50 people were murdered in Ofakim.
Levana, their Youth Futures mentor, stayed on the phone with Asher for hours, guiding and calming the children. Due to the stress, Miriam could not nurse the twins. On October 8, amidst ongoing fighting, Levana brought a breast pump and formula to Miriam and contacted a local civilian organization for more food and supplies.
In the following weeks, Levana kept regular contact with the family, providing an assistance grant and a donated computer for remote learning. Miriam used the grant to buy basic food supplies, expressing her gratitude to Levana. Asher, struggling with severe social anxiety, began therapy with Levana’s help. She organized a group activity at Asher’s house, hosting a small party that helped him reconnect with friends.
Levana visits the family weekly, lending a caring hand to Miriam with household tasks. She even brought her son along to set up Asher’s gaming console, giving him the chance to connect with friends through play. Asher receives extensive therapeutic support at school and home. He has made remarkable strides in his personal and social development, and the family’s bond has grown stronger.
Today, Asher is in a much better place, thriving in ways we once only hoped for.
But Miriam and Asher are just one family among thousands we’ve been able to support over the past year.
Read more about this important work in our Israel Partner Communities Report and see firsthand what we’ve been able to accomplish together.