Since the terrorist attacks in Israel on October 7, members of our community have stepped up in various ways to help with humanitarian needs in Israel and to address the new wave of antisemitism surging in our country. Although there are a number of amazing stories, here are four people creating change.

Steven says that most students seem to “welcome the opportunity to hear more about the conflict from someone who has a background in this area. I haven’t received any hostile questions. There have been some challenging questions, but you want that. People have been civil and respectful, and I think they are appreciative.” 

While he recognizes he can’t provide a comprehensive history of the Middle East conflict in a 30-minute presentation, he does feel that he is making a difference.  

“People have come back to me and said that I have changed their minds. At least I’m letting people know there is another side to the conflict, even if they’re not fully embracing it.” 

The message was from Noy Schwartz, the shinshin (Israeli emissary) whom the Buergenthal family hosted in 2014. Since then, they had become close friends, and this past summer spent time together when Noy was visiting the United States.

The Buergenthal’s also hosted Ronit Pinsky, another shinshin from Ashkelon in 2012.

Yet, on this day something felt different. Scary. And when Randi turned on the news and learned about the horrific events that had just occurred in Israel, she was heartbroken. 

Since October 7, the Buergenthal family has been doing everything they can to be supportive. Just last month, at the request of Ronit’s husband they helped coordinate the shipment of needed items to Israel for his unit. And when he asked if they would open their homes for Ronit and their two-year-old daughter, Shira, until things were safe, Randi and her husband John didn’t hesitate. They said yes and is waiting for Ronit to work out the details. 

The Buergenthal’s story is just one of many that have been repeated by other Baltimore host families; each doing whatever they can to be there for their extended family. And although each story is different, the enduring friendships created between the former shinshinim and their host families highlight the extraordinary bonds of this people-to-people program.

That’s how Challah Hugs for Israel was born.  

Since founding Challah Hugs for Israel, Karen has received orders for 240 challahs. She says most people who have ordered the homemade breads donated to The Associated’s Israel Emergency Fund. While some donors have enjoyed their challahs themselves, others have chosen to donate their loaves to people in need.  

During this challenging time, baking has brought comfort and community solidarity to Karen and her donors. “I’ve had people come and bake with me; I’ve taught others to make challah… It’s been so rewarding to bring a smile to someone’s face at a time like this.”

Soon he found himself at the Barzilai Medical Center in Ashkelon, our partner city, where more than 20 years ago, he did his pediatric rotation in medical school there. 

Now, he was back. And for two weeks, he treated trauma patients while also experiencing hospitality even though approximately 30% of the Ashkelon residents had left after the attacks. 

At the same time, recognizing that there was an abundance of needs in Israel, Dov volunteered in other capacities from picking lemons at a fruit farm  that lost many of its workers to visiting shiva homes in Jerusalem.  

“Many Israelis told me how much they appreciate Americans lending their support and just being there,” he says. “So my message to you is you don’t have to be a doctor to make a difference. Showing up and volunteering in any capacity, if you want to be there, is enough.”  

Dr. Frankel will be speaking at a special Associated event on December 17 – Solidarity in Service, A Volunteer Doctor’s Insights from Ashkelon.

* A portion of the money from The Associated’s Israel Emergency Campaign supported emergency personnel going to Israel through EVP during the war.