Fortunately, she discovered the Momentum Year-Long Journey, offered by the Macks Jewish Connection Network and subsidized by The Associated. This nine-day trip empowered Jewish mothers to connect with Jewish values, engage with Israel, take action and foster unity.

“Being in Israel right after the attacks was surreal. The energy was palpable — everyone was coming together. I wanted to do something to help, and this program allowed me to be part of the recovery efforts. We worked with displaced families and helped organize donations. Seeing the impact firsthand, I understood the power of global Jewish solidarity.”

Talya recalls hearing from a mother at a kibbutz that was attacked on October 7. 

“She spent 32 hours in a safe room with her five and seven-year-old children as terrorists went in and out. Hearing her recount the ordeal, I kept picturing my own kids in the same situation. Her children, like mine would have, innocently spoke up when she was trying to keep them safe. Despite, the terror, they all survived. That moment made me realize how easily it could have been us.”

On the day she was to fly back to Baltimore Talya decided to host a shinshin (young Israeli emissary) in her home.“ To me, it’s a no-brainer, easy way to bring Israel closer to us and to bring the culture into our home. It’s a unique experience. But I think it speaks to the bigger community that she’s here for us and we’re going to be there for her, especially after the atrocities of October 7.”

Lauren traveled to Israel with 40 other participants through Birthright Israel Onward’s volunteer mission, funded in part by The Associated.

Of the four hands-on projects she participated in, Lauren recalls two stand-out moments — harvesting crops to help a local farmer who had lost 80% of his workforce and working with Revital’s Hamal, a non-profit organization that sends food deliveries and a “taste of home” to Israeli soldiers.

“We helped prepare sandwiches for soldiers and later in the afternoon, we received a video showing them eating the food that we made. Knowing that they felt loved and supported was such a wonderful feeling that I don’t think I could have gotten in any other situation.”

She adds, “Everyone says it’s hard to explain what it feels like to be there. And I think that’s still true. There’s no other place where you can completely feel like your Jewish self, without a care in the world. Even in safe places in America, it’s not the same. It just felt good to see life going on, to see people still finding joy despite everything.”

Some of that support, they note, came from The Associated’s Baltimore-Ashkelon Partnership and the people they call family.

“The Associated provided financial aid to psychological assistance. The most impactful were the mental health services, relief efforts and material support for those sheltering or displaced.”

The Associated also helped facilitate activities in public shelters where volunteers packed and distributed food supplies, provided toys and games and organized activities for children. They also purchased essentials like mattresses and flashlights for those living in shelters.

“Over the years, what began as a professional relationship based on goodwill has evolved into a deep, personal connection and friendship between members of the partnership in Ashkelon and Baltimore. After the horrors of October 7 and during the long days of the war, numerous delegations from Baltimore came to Ashkelon, even as rocket sirens blared and missiles were fired. The personal connection with Baltimore fills us with strength, giving us hope everything will
be okay.”

“It was a very emotional trip. I learned that you can have sorrow and joy, tears and happiness at the same time.” 

She witnessed both the devastation and the resilience of the Israeli people. As a member of the Baltimore-Ashkelon Partnership’s grants committee, Lynne was interested in visiting Ashkelon and the grantees that the partnership supports.

During her visit, Lynne engaged directly with community initiatives, such as cooking meals for soldiers and supporting children with disabilities through soccer programs. 

“Seeing the joy on the kids’ faces, even amid their parents’ worries, was incredibly moving,” she notes.

The cohort heard from several volunteers, including the AMEN teens, who stepped up to help immediately following the brutal attacks.

“I found it beautiful that they were putting others first and offering help in such a challenging time. As a mother, I couldn’t help but reflect on how I would feel if we faced a similar situation here. Would I encourage my kids, now in their twenties, to step out and assist others? The sense of community they demonstrated was truly empowering and inspiring.”

Lynne’s experience reinforced her commitment to the community.

“Being involved in this partnership allows me to make a real difference for my friends in Ashkelon,” she adds. “My heart is deeply connected to that community, and I take pride in being part of it.”