AMERICAN FRIENDS OF MIGDAL OHR

& OPERATION MAGEN ISRAEL

MIGDAL OHR, ONE OF ISRAEL’S MOST IMPACTFUL SOCIAL WELFARE ORGANIZATIONS, IS LEADING ITS LARGEST HUMANITARIAN RELIEF EFFORT YET, CALLED MAGEN ISRAEL, UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF ITS FOUNDER, THE TZADIK AND ISRAEL PRIZE LAUREATE RABBI YITZCHAK DAVID GROSSMAN.

Now, in the difficult and uncertain days of the war, Migdal Ohr has been providing ongoing care for thousands of displaced parents and children, visiting and blessing hundreds of wounded victims and soldiers, inspiring army units, and of course, caring for the 10,000 orphaned and underprivileged children who are a part of the Migdal Ohr family.

In times of national crises, Rabbi Grossman and Migdal Ohr have consistently played an active role in supporting Israel, collaborating with government bodies to deliver immediate relief. When the COVID pandemic struck, Rabbi Grossman was called upon by the Israeli government to lead a significant packaging relief effort. Similarly, during the Second Lebanon War, Migdal Ohr opened its campus doors to host hundreds of soldiers. The commitment to providing assistance remains unwavering during these ongoing times of war in Israel.

OPERATION MAGEN ISRAEL MOBILIZING DURING WAR
With the outbreak of the war with Gaza, the organization mobilized donors all over the world in a massive campaign to provide shelter to over 4,000 evacuees from the Gaza border and to help the families most affected by the massacres in the south of Israel. The Magen Israel initiative continues to quickly expand, responding to immediate needs that are emerging on the front lines and in Israel’s hospitals.

As a unifying and beloved national figure, Rabbi Grossman has always taken the approach that Israel is one family, with one heart and has always been willing to do anything necessary to help Israel with the resources at his disposal. Magen Israel has hosted over a thousand soldiers on Migdal Ohr’s campuses, cooked over 2,000 meals a day out of Migdal Ohr’s soup kitchens, and sent thousands of supplies to soldiers on the front lines, among many other activities.

RABBI GROSSMAN ON THE NATIONAL STAGE
Rabbi Grossman has personally visited dozens of army and air force bases, blessing the soldiers with coins to give to tzedakah upon their safe return from war. His regular visits to Israel’s hospitals provide strength to the wounded and instill hope in their families. Miraculous stories are emerging from Gaza, a testament to the profound impact of Rabbi Grossman’s outreach.

The Rav has been seen on national television multiple times, offering interviews that fortify the nation’s unity and resolve. Following each of these appearances, he returns to Migdal HaEmek in the north of Israel, to be among his beloved children. There, surrounded by thousands of orphaned and underprivileged kids, he imparts his values and actively builds his visionary future for Israel.

MIGDAL OHR’S ALUMNI THE LEADERS IN ISRAEL TODAY
For over five decades, Rabbi Grossman and global supporters have devoted themselves to nurturing orphaned and at-risk youth, transforming them into productive, inspired citizens of Israel. Today, tens of thousands of alumni lead institutions, serve in the army, run companies, and raise families, showcasing the profound impact of Migdal Ohr’s work.

These alumni form a resilient shield in Israeli society, embodying dedication, selflessness, and a Zionistic spirit. Like Rabbi Grossman, they are unwavering in their commitment to do anything and everything for Am Yisrael.

One standout example is alumnus Shai Knopfer, who, on October 7th, dropped everything to enlist in the reserves. Tasked with identifying bodies in Be’eri and ruling out hostage scenarios, Shai leveraged his networks to raise $7 million for gear, aiding evacuated families and treating the wounded. Alongside friends, he organized large-scale BBQs and even orchestrated a wedding for a soldier within hours.

Shai reflects, “Rabbi Grossman has been like a father to me since I was 16. When I met him, I was lost in life, caught up in crime and drugs. That wasn’t me, but I didn’t know how to find my way back. I came to Zoharim Youth Village when it was just a dream. ‘There’s nothing here!’ I said. ‘So,’ the Rav replied, ‘You and your friends will be the ones to build it. If Hashem sent you now, then surely that is your purpose.’”

This ethos pervades Rabbi Grossman’s approach—where there’s a need, build it; where there’s no leader., lead.

Observing Rabbi Grossman’s impact — whether at army bases, hospitals, with evacuated families, or at home in Migdal HaEmek — inspires Shai to question, “What excuse do any of us have not to do more for Am Yisrael?”

The achievements of fellow alumni, whether in leadership positions, the army, or community leadership, showcase the pervasive spirit and drive to help, instilled by the Rav in each and every one of them.

LOCAL SUPPORT FOR MAGEN ISRAEL AND RABBI GROSSMAN’S EFFORTS
In the US, the Magen Israel campaign has seen an incredible outpouring of support from synagogues, schools, restaurants, and local businesses, all raising funds and sending donations to Israel.

During Hanukkah, 14 partner schools and communities united with American Friends of Migdal Ohr (AFMO) to raise funds for gifts and celebrations benefiting children from evacuated families. Notable participants included The Frisch School, SAR, Yeshivat He’Atid, Ben Porat Yosef, HALB, NCSY, and many others, each contributing to bring light to Israel’s children and support the Israeli economy.

The Rav has been profoundly touched by the unwavering dedication and support emanating from the Syrian community. The collective impact of each individual’s personal care, and the solidarity of the community at large, has been truly inspirational. In a remarkable display of compassion, the community has contributed hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of brand new clothes, toys, and essentials, providing evacuated families with the means to endure these challenging days with dignity. Multiple shipments have already been dispatched, and there are more on the way. The community has demonstrated robust support, both in giving, ruach, and physical presence, offering a comforting embrace during this challenging time for Am Yisrael.

“We are all driven to act, and the community has been an inspiration for so much good,” shared AFMO’s Executive Director, Atara Solow. “With needs on the ground that are so vital, the feeling and spirit of Am Yisrael together not only supports but strengthens our resolve.” Among other initiatives, Atara was blessed to take part in missions with the Mikdash Eliyahu Synagogue in Brooklyn and Yeshivah of Flatbush High School. This mission was dedicated to offering strength and support to those wounded since October 7th and to supporting the children of Migdal Ohr during this challenging time. The groups renovated bomb shelters and uplifted the morale of the nation.

“As an Israeli living in the Diaspora and far from home,” says Executive Director, Atara, “it has been extremely comforting and inspiring to see the love and unity of the Jewish people. We truly are one nation. When we are hurting in Israel, the Jewish community abroad is with us, feeling the pain and doing everything in their power to send support and assistance. I cannot tell you how proud and humbled I have been to be involved in Migdal Ohr’s Magen Israel war relief efforts. Thank you to everyone who has stepped up to get involved. The Syrian community in particular has been a tremendous part of the Magen Relief effort and Rabbi Grossman wants to extend his deepest appreciation.”

To learn more about Magen Israel and how you can get involved visit migdalohrusa.org/israel.

In March, American Friends of Migdal Ohr is organizing an Online Auction for Israel and asking the community to donate goods and services items to benefit Magen Israel. You can inquire and donate items at: auction@migdalohrusa.org.