During the war, Migdal Ohr’s young professionals group, LeadOhr, has been active in Manhattan with gatherings to support Israel. On a recent Friday night, we hosted our largest event to date with 220 young professionals coming together for a Friday night dinner. The theme was "Light the Dark”, which held a powerful message that resonated deeply with attendees who have seen a spike in anti-Semitism online and in the streets of New York City.
As guests entered the venue, they were greeted by a large Israeli flag that had all the names of the attendees on it in solidarity. This flag was later sent to Zoharim graduates currently on the front lines, serving as a symbol of solidarity and support from afar. The group wanted the soldiers to know that even though they were gathered in New York City, their hearts and thoughts were with those bravely fighting in Israel.
The evening's highlight was a moving speech delivered by Mickey Flaumenhaft, Director of Development, who emphasized the importance of standing together as a united Jewish Nation. A moment of silence was observed to honor the soldiers who were unable to join their families for Shabbat due to their service, followed by a heartfelt prayer for the safe return of all hostages and the speedy recovery of the wounded.
Mickey shared his personal experience from Gaza and how receiving messages of support and love from friends around the world gave him strength during challenging times. He showed everyone a keychain featuring a map of Israel with the word "Palestine" over it which the soldiers found in one of the homes they entered.
It showcased that the “end game” for the Palestinians is the complete destruction of the Jewish state, not a peaceful co-existence. Mickey’s message was that the battle in Israel and on the streets of New York, is the same one. Our response is to spread more light in the dark by not being indifferent to one another and supporting those who most need it.
Amidst the warm glow of candlelight and shared prayers, the dinner left everyone feeling uplifted, inspired, and more connected than ever before. It was a night to remember, a testament to the strength of community and the enduring spirit of the Jewish people!
