(Courtesy of Migdal Ohr) Over $30,000 was raised for orphans and underprivileged children in Israel at the first annual BASHMO Corks and Forks event, where premium wines and food were sampled and enjoyed by all for a good cause.

The event was just the latest in a series of successful benefits put on by the American Friends of Migdal Ohr in New Jersey during the COVID crisis, which included bringing Ambassador Gilad Erdan and Israeli music superstar Ishay Ribo to an event in Teaneck last summer.

American Friends of Migdal Ohr is the U.S.-based fundraising wing of the leading social welfare and educational NGO in Israel. Amongst other programs, Migdal Ohr provides a countrywide network of schools and educational programs that provide a leading education in a warm and home-like environment for children from challenging backgrounds.

Atara Solow, executive director of American Friends of Migdal Ohr, told the guests at the BASHMO event: “We give children from the most vulnerable backgrounds the strength and resources to succeed as engaged citizens in Israeli society.” We provide love, support and encouragement in the most challenging moments of a child’s life.

“We are able to achieve all of this by furnishing our students with what we call the Three E’s,” Solow continued. “Firstly, the ‘essentials’, like food, therapy, clothing, and a loving and nurturing home. Secondly, we provide a high-level ‘education’ through our school system and extracurricular programs. Most importantly, we provide ‘empowerment’ through vocational training, leadership skills, and whatever kids need to develop confidence to succeed in their chosen path.

“The people of Israel are also facing a challenge,” she added. “Recent events have not been kind. But by taking care of each other, building each other up, investing in each other, we build the unity we need to overcome the challenges we face. The money we raise tonight will allow us to keep supporting thousands of vulnerable children in Israel who need us as partners to grow strong.”

The BASHMO event chairs were Daniella and Dovid Katz; Jenna and Sam Goldstein; Elissa and Steven Seltzer; Erica and Tzvi Solomon; Batya and Nachman Paul. The premium wine tasting was led by Gabe Geller, Royal Wines International wine consultant.

All those who attended were excited to back the transformational work of Migdal Ohr and were encouraged to look forward to getting more involved to help empower Israel’s most vulnerable youth. Guests were also invited to tour the Migdal Ohr campuses when they next visit Israel as the Jewish state begins to reopen to tourists after its successful vaccination program.

To find out more about American Friends of Migdal Ohr, visit https://www.migdalohrusa.org.