Daniel Gradus, CEO of Project 24, project24israel.com, returned to Livingston on February 19 with a camera crew to document and reflect on his innovative program, “Thanks4Giving.” This was a weeklong event in November 2024 in New Jersey, New York and Florida. It sent Israelis whose civilian husbands and fathers immediately left their families to protect their kibbutzim from the attacks on October 7, 2023. In a week of activities, relaxation and bonding, 196 families were honored by 196 American Jewish families.

“It made a great impact for Jews to open their doors to Israelis, a mitzvah delivered to them,” Gradus explained. “It’s not about the money. It’s about opening hearts and being B’Yachad. It’s a healing process on both sides. In times like these, we need to collaborate.”

Gradus is visiting 18 of the 33 American Jewish communities that hosted 721 Israelis.

Congregation Etz Chaim of Livingston hosted members of Kibbutz Erez, a sister community of this area. “I’ve known Daniel for a long time,” said Rabbi E. Samuel Klibanoff of Etz Chaim. “When the opportunity arose to create a connection, we were glad to do it. During our Friday-night dinner, we saw secular Israelis embracing Kabbalat Shabbat. Both Israelis and Americans felt supported by each other. One kibbutz member said it was like a trust exercise—she felt like someone caught her. This was one of the best Shabbat dinners we’ve had here.”

Gradus thanked the host families, updated them and asked for feedback. Jonathan Schwartz said: “The guy who stayed with us took bullets in the head. I’m 40-something—this was no different than if your house was attacked.”

Jeanne Waxman recalled the woman who was her guest for dinner. She had helped her children escape on October 7 when her husband was injured. “We need to educate,” Waxman said.

The Reiber family described how this felt like creating a bridge, offering an opportunity to step outside of their lives and give something back to the Israelis. “Their babies were attached to our kids; it was magical,” Sarah Reiber explained.

Rabbi Klibanoff is very proud of this community. “They stepped up. I didn’t have to twist any arms, it was just an ask. When you give, you’re getting, like the deep meaning of the Hebrew word “give,” natan, a palindrome.”

Project 24 is all about American Jews and Israelis collaborating and partnering in projects that foster resilience, empowerment and healing.

The first project launched was “Lifeline: Art From The Shadow,” which raised $63,000 for Kibbutz Re’im. The project is art by Adi Drimer, who was born in the kibbutz, in the form of mandalas that detail the tragic moment in history. Please see lifeline-art.com.

The second project paired Tsuf, a 19-year-old with autism, with Jared Greenman of Funky Monkey, a New York toy store. The Scarsdale Jewish community joined in sending Chanukah gifts to kibbutz Re’im. Tsuf was empowered by delivering them to 40 children there.

“It’s a Date” provides Americans with wine imported from Israel. The profit becomes vouchers sent to Israeli soldiers to go out to dinner. $197,000 has been raised so far. Owners of restaurants in Israel, affected by the war have benefited, too. “It’s a wine/wine!” Gradus said. “Now we have the first wedding buying all their wine from P24.”

There are many more programs. Gradus concluded by saying he needs as much support as we can give, as Project 24 is rebuilding hopes and hearts. More information can be found at at https://www.project24israel.org