Magen David Yeshivah recently hosted the second annual Girls’ Night Out Talent Show to raise money for the Koby Mandell Foundation. Many talented girls delighted the audience with their exceptional and gifted performances, while raising money for an important organization.
The evening opened with touching words from Jessica Pearlman, a spokesman for the foundation. Koby Mandell A”H, along with his friend Yosef Ishran A”H, were killed several years ago in a horrible terror attack in Israel.
“Thank you for coming. The Koby Mandell Foundation was established to fight against the cruelty of terrorism. The camp has 600 campers, who have lost an immediate family member in a terrorist attack. At Camp Koby we help kids feel better about themselves and the world. It is a place where they can be whole,” said Jessica.
After Koby’s murder, the Mandell family knew that the tragic loss could easily destroy them. They knew they had to fight against their despair, their pain, their suffering, and the cruelty of Koby’s death. The best way, they felt, would be to take the cruelty of Koby’s murder and transform it into kindness. They wanted to help people like themselves, struck by terror, be able to return to life, with strength, hope, and healing.
After the immediate success and impact of last year’s talent show, this year’s show was just as special. The evening could not have been made possible without the dynamic hosting duo of Gail Cohen and Jennifer Natkin. Everyone was treated to awe-inspiring singing performances, a graceful ballet performance, gymnastics, guitar playing and superb dancing.
Thank you to the following volunteers: Gail Cohen, Jacqueline Dekansky, Doris Dweck (makeup), Susan Gindi, Evelyn Massry, Jennifer Natkin, Esther Shiram; to Magen David, for allowing them to use the facilities; and to the generous sponsors for the evening: Pomegranate Supermarket, and ESDesigns.
All of the programs that the Koby Mandell Foundation initiates work to bridge the isolation that bereaved children and adults are struck with after the loss of a loved one. All programs provide emotional, physical and spiritual healing, and offer a network of support for families in need. To learn more about the Koby Mandell Foundation visit www.kobymandell.org.
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Randi Shomer is a community member, mother of four children and a freelance writer for IMAGE Magazine.
