(Courtesy of Migdal Ohr) Top Israeli singer Ishay Ribo performed at a fundraising event to raise emergency funds for Migdal Ohr’s Israel coronavirus relief efforts. The event featured keynote speaker Ambassador Gilad Erdan, Israel’s recently appointed Ambassador to the United Nations in his first official event. The fundraiser was held in New York on August 18.
In an intimate outdoors setting that adhered to social distancing guidelines, the event was attended by prominent American Jewish philanthropists. Ribo played his well-known hits and was joined on stage by Ambassador Erdan for one song.
American Friends of Migdal Ohr is the U.S.-based fundraising wing of the leading social and educational NGO in Israel. Among other programs, Migdal Ohr provides a country-wide network of schools and educational programs which provide a leading education in a warm and home-like environment for children from challenging backgrounds.
In partnership with the Israel government, Migdal Ohr is leading the coronavirus relief effort in the Jewish State.
“I am here as a fan of Migdal Ohr, an organization very close to my heart,” said Erdan. “Migdal Ohr truly impacts Israeli society in a way that few others do. As Minister of Public Security, I saw firsthand how Migdal Ohr sent their counselors into Israeli jails to speak to prisoners from all backgrounds and walks of life. For them, no Israeli or Jew is beyond reach and has potential to do good regardless of their current circumstance. This event demonstrates the unbreakable ties between the American Jewish community and the State of Israel, especially during challenging times,” he added.
Ribo, who recently recovered from the coronavirus, was delighted to help raise funds for the organization.
“Migdal Ohr does so much good and is such an important lifeline for so many Israelis, so I am happy to help and contribute to this vital effort,” said Ribo. “The American Jewish community has once again shown its generosity, even during such a difficult time by coming out and assisting Migdal Ohr’s efforts and its recipients.”
Migdal Ohr provides essentials, including food, therapy, clothing and a home. It also provides a high-level education through its famous school system and extracurricular programs, as well as empowerment through vocational training and leadership skills to help develop the confidence to succeed in whichever path the students pursue.
“We raise Israel’s most vulnerable youth, from the most challenging of backgrounds, to become highly engaged citizens within Israeli society, who will contribute significantly to the Jewish State,” said Atara Solow, executive director of American Friends of Migdal Ohr. “While the government of Israel chose Migdal Ohr to lead the coronavirus relief effort, none of this would be achievable without the contributions of people like Ishay Ribo and Ambassador Erdan and our wonderful supporters in the U.S.
“Since the coronavirus pandemic crisis began, thousands more Israeli families have fallen below the poverty line and the money we raised tonight will allow us to incorporate hundreds more children into our programs,” concluded Solow.
