This year, my youngest daughter Alex is spending her gap year at Midreshet HaRova, an incredible opportunity for a young woman to grow in Torah, spirituality and independence before beginning her college journey. Around the same time, my nephew had the zechut to celebrate his bar mitzvah in Israel. With these two meaningful events, I knew this was the perfect opportunity to visit the Holy Land—a visit that feels more vital now than ever.
On October 7, the world changed for countless families in Israel. Sirens pierced the air as mothers grabbed their children and ran for safety, unsure if they would ever return to their homes. Fathers said tearful goodbyes, leaving for the front lines. Pregnant women, already facing the challenges of bringing life into the world, now found themselves carrying not only their unborn children but also the unbearable weight of fear, loss and uncertainty.
This reality, though difficult to comprehend from afar, became even more apparent as I arrived in Israel. While the news often portrays a country in constant crisis, what I found was a place of resilience, hope and determination. The streets of Jerusalem were quieter than usual, a reflection of the drop in tourism, but the spirit of the city remained steadfast.
We arrived on Friday morning with just enough time to prepare for Shabbat. The bar mitzvah celebration was held at Simchas Hall, located in the Old City, right next to the Aish building and overlooking the Kotel. It was a weekend filled with joy, Torah and connection. I had the privilege of leading Kabbalat Shabbat davening and Hallel the next morning, moments that deeply connected me to the history and sanctity of the Kotel. Watching my nephew read from the Torah with such skill and confidence, surrounded by family and friends, was a powerful reminder of the beauty of tradition and faith.
During our stay, we were based at the beautifully renovated Cassia Hotel (formerly the King Solomon). The spacious rooms and delicious Israeli breakfasts made it a comfortable and welcoming place to unwind. Yet, it was impossible to ignore the stories unfolding around us. More than half the hotel’s guests were families displaced by the October 7 attacks, living in temporary accommodations with no certainty about when they could return home. Over breakfast, I spoke with several families. One mother shared how she was managing life with her young children and elderly parents, while another father expressed gratitude for the community’s support despite the challenges they faced. Their resilience was both heart-wrenching and inspiring.
Our trip continued with the excitement of reconnecting with family and exploring Jerusalem. Walking the ancient streets of the Old City with my daughter was both spiritually uplifting and deeply meaningful. The vibrancy of Israel is reflected not only in its history but also in its people, food and culture. Together, we enjoyed delicious meals at some of Jerusalem’s best restaurants, savoring classic Israeli dishes like shawarma, shakshuka and fresh pita, alongside modern culinary creations.
One afternoon, we wandered into a small jewelry store tucked away in the heart of the city, hoping to find a piece of Israeli jewelry for Alex to commemorate her year in Israel. The store owner greeted us warmly, but it was clear from his demeanor that business had been slow. As we browsed his beautiful handmade pieces, he shared his struggles since the start of the war. “Tourism is almost nonexistent and it’s been so hard to keep going,” he said. When we chose a piece, his gratitude was overwhelming. “It’s such a blessing that you made the trip to visit Israel. You don’t know how much this means, not just to me but to all of us here.” His words stayed with me, a poignant reminder of the impact of showing up and supporting the people of Israel during these difficult times.
The next part of my journey took me to the Just One Life/Nefesh Achat B’Yisrael office on King George Street in Jerusalem. Joining me was my wife, Lauren, as we both had the privilege of experiencing the incredible efforts of this organization firsthand. As the new director of Development for Just One Life, this visit was especially meaningful for me. It allowed Lauren and me to see the organization’s life-changing impact and meet the dedicated individuals who make it all possible. I am profoundly grateful to HaKadosh Baruch Hu for giving me the opportunity to play a role in helping our brothers and sisters in Israel. The mission Just One Life fulfills could not be accomplished without His guidance and blessings, and I feel honored to be part of this journey.
We had the unique privilege of sitting with Jack and Carole Forgash, the founders of Just One Life. Being with the visionaries who created this extraordinary organization over 36 years ago was inspiring and humbling. Their passion for the mission and dedication to supporting families in need remain as strong as ever. It was deeply moving to see them engage with the staff and families, sharing the same sense of purpose that has guided this organization for decades.
The office itself exudes warmth and openness, creating a safe haven for families in crisis. Led by the remarkable Chaya Katzin, MSW, the team of licensed mental health professionals and social workers provides essential emotional and financial support to mothers navigating unimaginable challenges. One mother from Netivot shared her story of being displaced from her home and living in a shelter. “How can I bring a baby into this world when I don’t even have a home?” she asked through tears. She spoke of the financial aid and therapy she received from Just One Life, calling them a “beacon in a dark place.” Another woman, Yael, described her journey through a crisis pregnancy. Without family or friends to turn to, she found hope and support through Just One Life: “Thanks to this organization, I gave birth with peace and confidence. Today, I’m raising four children with pride and love, despite the challenges we face.”
Thanks to Rabbi Marty Katz, my trusted partner and the executive vice president of Just One Life for 34 years, I had the opportunity to visit Shaare Zedek Medical Center, where Just One Life collaborates with medical professionals to provide comprehensive care for mothers in crisis. Rabbi Katz and I work side by side as a team, and his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment have been central to the organization’s success. His ability to connect deeply with donors, healthcare professionals and community leaders has shaped Just One Life into a transformative force, bridging critical gaps for families in need.
At Shaare Zedek Medical Center, I met with Dr. Mazaki, Yehudit Ackerman and their dedicated team of nurses, doctors and professionals. They shared how Just One Life fills critical gaps, particularly by funding tests to assess the health of unborn babies for women who cannot afford them. For expectant mothers, waiting a week for results can feel like a lifetime. Thanks to Just One Life, many women now receive same-day results, alleviating much of the stress during an already difficult time.
In addition, they also refer patients to Just One Life who need financial or mental health support, ensuring that these women have access to comprehensive care beyond the medical setting. Dr. Mazaki reflected on the importance of this partnership: “The ability to provide same-day results for these critical tests is transformative. Waiting a week for answers can feel like a lifetime for expectant mothers. Thanks to Just One Life, we can give them peace of mind much sooner.” Yehudit Ackerman added, “When a woman walks into our clinic unsure of how to face the future, Just One Life gives her the tools to find hope. Whether it’s financial assistance, therapy or just someone to listen, they provide what these women need most.”
The juxtaposition of personal joy and the reality of Israel’s challenges was striking. While my daughter embraced a transformative year of Torah and growth, and my nephew celebrated his bar mitzvah with confidence and pride, I was reminded that countless families across the country are grappling with uncertainty and hardship. These experiences deepened my appreciation for the work of organizations like Just One Life, which ensure that families have the support they need to create and sustain their own meaningful milestones, even in the face of adversity.
Here are some ways you can get involved and make a tangible impact:
Donate: Financial contributions directly support families in need, helping provide therapy, emergency aid and mental health care. Every dollar counts in ensuring that mothers and children receive the support they need to build a brighter future.
Become an Ambassador: Join Just One Life’s team of ambassadors to spread their mission and inspire others to support this life-saving organization.
Spread Awareness: Share the stories of Just One Life with your family, friends and community to inspire others to get involved.
Volunteer: If you’re in Israel or planning a visit, consider volunteering your time with Just One Life.
Organize a Fundraiser: Host a reception, a community event or even a peer-to-peer fundraising campaign to support this critical cause.
Partner with Just One Life: Encourage schools, synagogues or organizations to collaborate with Just One Life, broadening their reach and impact.
Visit the Office: If you’re in Jerusalem, visit the Just One Life office to meet the dedicated staff and see the incredible work they do firsthand. Witnessing their efforts in action is a powerful way to connect with the organization and understand the impact of your support.
Every act of kindness ripples out to create lasting change. Together, we can ensure that every mother, child and family in Israel has the hope and resources they need to thrive. Let’s stand with Just One Life and with Israel.
Ari Greene is the director of Development for Just One Life/Nefesh Achat B’Yisrael, dedicated to supporting families in crisis across Israel. Passionate about making a difference, Ari brings years of experience in nonprofit leadership and a heartfelt commitment to his mission.
