I come to you today with a heartfelt plea, one that calls upon our shared humanity and deep empathy. As many of you know, Israel has been facing an ongoing and devastating conflict, one that has deeply impacted families, particularly those who have relocated to Israel in the past five to 10 years. These families, many of whom are still adjusting to life in a new country and struggling with the language barrier, have found themselves in incredibly difficult circumstances.

Imagine being in a foreign land, separated from your extended family, and suddenly thrust into a situation where your spouse is called away to fight on the frontlines. This has been going on since Oct. 7. Many of the women in these families, who have already faced the challenges of settling in a new country, are now shouldering the heavy burdens of daily life alone. They are left to care for their children, manage household responsibilities, and navigate a society where they do not yet speak the language fluently — all while grappling with the emotional weight of knowing their loved ones are fighting on the frontlines to protect our beautiful Israel.

In light of these challenges, I am working with members of the Jerusalem Municipality as well as OU Israel to organize a special initiative to give these families a much needed respite. I am raising funds to sponsor a weekend retreat where all expenses will be covered. This retreat will provide these families with a chance to take a deep breath, to relax, and to step away from the stresses that have consumed their lives for far too long.

But this weekend isn’t just about rest — it’s about connection. Many of these families are isolated, without the close support networks they would have in the countries they were born in. This retreat will provide them the invaluable opportunity to meet other families who are going through the same experience; to form a social support network that they so desperately need. It will be a chance to connect with others who understand their struggles, to share experiences, and to build bonds that will last beyond the retreat itself.

Your donation will directly contribute to making this retreat possible — covering the costs of the Shabbaton and ensuring that these families can enjoy a well-deserved break without financial burden. More importantly, your contribution will give them the opportunity to create lasting connections that will strengthen them in the months and years to come.

Please become a partner with me. Every contribution, no matter how small, will make a significant difference in the lives of these families. Together, we can provide them with the support, rest and community they so urgently need during this difficult time.

Are you interested to learn more about this project? Are you ready to make a difference by contributing? Please email
MiluimShabbaton@gmail.com to join me in making this mission a reality. Or visit
https://tinyurl.com/Shabbat4Reservists.

Thank you for your generosity and support.

***This project is L’ilui Nishmat HaRav Mordechai Eliahu Ben Moshe Yitzchak and all of the lives taken during this war.

Dana Rackovsky is a pediatric occupational therapist who lives in Riverdale with her family.