Every Jew who loves his people and the State of Israel has been shattered, anxious, and bears incredible stress, watching from afar, as Israel endures an existential battle against its cruel and relentless enemies, who attack us from all directions.

Now imagine a young child, perhaps an orphan, at best underprivileged and vulnerable, living 35 miles from the Lebanese border, within striking distance, may Hashem protect us, from Hezbollah’s rockets and explosive drones.

There are 6,000 children at Migdal Ohr that you help clothe, feed, educate, comfort, and give a chance to have a “normal life” in a country that battles for its existence on a daily basis. The children know the situation; every Israeli has relatives and friends who have been decimated from the ravages of war over the last year. We have an opportunity, from the comfort of the Diaspora, to contribute to help deal with their terrors, and provide them with some love, warmth, therapy, and shelter from the storm. We should dig down deep.

I just returned from 2 months in Israel with my family. The Matzav, the “situation” affects everyone, even those who try and lead a “normal” life, while missiles and drones are a constant threat. The children have it the worst.

Rabbi Grossman, from the first days of the war, provided thousands of displaced families from the south with food and shelter, and worked to give comfort, strength, and necessities to battalions of soldiers entering Gaza. Our children are our future, whether in our own families, communities or the State of Israel. The children of Migdal Ohr are our children as well, and they need your generous help.

Migdal Ohr, led by Israel Prize Laureate and winner of the Israel Presidential Award, Rabbi Grossman, raises thousands of “at risk” children each and every day to become successful contributing citizens of Israel. There are over 20,000 alumni across Israel! They all served in the army or did national service.

Today, when you give, you will be, figuratively, saving a child from drowning. You will be taking a Jewish orphaned child, or a child living in extreme poverty and neglect, and setting the child on dry land. You will be placing them on the path to a life filled with love and success.

Migdal Ohr’s capacity is astonishing.

• There are over 6,000 children - from toddlers in daycare through high school, being educated, clothed, and fed at Migdal Ohr.
• There are 2,000 children living on campus, and hundreds in foster homes with their teachers so they can have role models and be nurtured in a warm environment.
• Students graduate and are raised to serve either in the Israel Defense Forces or the Israeli National Service, Sherut Leumi. They contribute to Israel’s security and are an asset to Israel and the Jewish people.
• There are two separate campuses where over 100 ex-Hassidic boys and 100 ex-Hassidic girls live in residences. These young men and women have been rescued from the streets, and want to earn a high school degree, serve in the IDF, establish careers, and join mainstream society.
• There are 16 schools on 3 campuses, where children learn math, science, Torah, and trades. All are raised to be productive, tax-paying members of society.
• Over 80 percent of the staff are graduates who have returned to give back, in appreciation for the lives they have built.
• Migdal Ohr is a religious institution with ballet classes, orchestras, a petting zoo, horse therapy, joint computer and engineering programs with the IDF and a Culinary School for budding chefs.
• And when it comes time to marry, the Bayit Yehudit Bridal Fund provides modest weddings and furnishings for hundreds of graduates, who are in need, each year.

There is nothing like Migdal Ohr, anywhere. It is a beacon of light and a source of hope for Israel’s future.

Thank you in advance for your generous gift. Each donation means so much to us and to the children.

Anat & Louis Menaged