(Courtesy of Migdal Ohr) Over $100,000 was raised for orphans and underprivileged children in Israel at the second annual BASHMO event, where premium wines and food were sampled and enjoyed by all for a good cause.
Following the success of last year’s first-ever BASHMO, this year’s support from the greater Teaneck community was unparalleled, with over 200 guests in attendance and the funds raised more than doubling that from last year’s inaugural event.
American Friends of Migdal Ohr is the U.S.-based fundraising wing of the leading social welfare and educational nonprofit in Israel. Recently, Bergenfield’s very own Nachman Paul was appointed as president of the national organization, already taking it to new heights.
Migdal Ohr means “Tower of Light,” and is a network of programs that provide an unparalleled level of love and care to over 10,000 at-risk Israeli children every year. Today, the organization is nationally recognized for excellence by Israel’s Welfare and Education Ministries. Over the last 50 years, Migdal Ohr, founded by Israel Prize Laureate Rabbi Yitzchak David Grossman, has had a major impact on Israeli society. The organization has raised tens of thousands of alumni who are now commanders in the army, parents, teachers, doctors, lawyers, business and religious leaders.
Today, as the organization celebrates its 50th year, the connection and support from the Jewish community in North America is more meaningful than ever before, as more children face unprecedented hardships due to the challenging climate worldwide. The cost of living has gone up in Israel, and unemployment rates continue to rise, causing more families to fall below the poverty line, directly impacting the children.
“We give children from the most vulnerable backgrounds a chance at life, providing them with 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,” said Atara Solow, executive director of American Friends of Migdal Ohr. “Today, it’s the unwavering support and love from this community that is fueling the success of thousands of underprivileged children. This community is saving Jewish children’s lives and creating a stronger Israel.“
“As a community with children of all ages, we each understand how challenging it is to raise children in this day in age,” shared event chair Dovid Katz. “Now multiply those challenges by 10,000, and with kids who come from poverty, are orphaned and who have no one in their life to care for them.That’s what Migdal Ohr does each day. That’s what we are doing here tonight. We are giving these children a life, and a future.”
All those who attended were excited to back the transformational work of Migdal Ohr and take part in fueling the next 50 years of empowering Israel’s most vulnerable youth. Guests were encouraged to look forward to getting more involved in various ways to help this impactful and critical cause.
To learn more about the transformational work of Migdal Ohr and find out how you can get involved, having an impact for generations, visit www.migdalohrusa.org or call 212-397-3700.
