The La’Aretz Foundation hosted its annual benefit at the Harmonie Club in New York City on Nov. 4, marking an evening of unity, strength and hope for Israel.
This year’s gala took place at a pivotal moment. With the war’s hopeful end and the long-awaited return of the hostages, Israel entered a new phase of recovery.
La’Aretz dedicated the evening to providing direct assistance to Israelis in need in six key areas. With funding raised during the annual benefit, it will help reservists rebuild their livelihoods, support families in post-trauma financial crisis and establish an emergency grant fund for future crises. The foundation will also assist families affected by war-related suicide and continue to provide higher-education scholarships for those who served.
The evening featured Ofir Akunis, consul general of Israel in New York; a single mother from Israel who shared firsthand story of resilience and the impact of this support; a special performance by “M,” an elite soldier in the unit of the Israel Defense Forces that the TV series “Fauda” is based on, whose music has inspired millions; and Ben Carasso, known as “The Spokeskid of Israel,” representing the strength of Israel’s next generation. Guests also enjoyed a kosher dinner curated by Michelin-star chef Eyal Shani.
“This was a night of courage, compassion and community,” said Shelly Pitman, La’Aretz Foundation’s co-founder. “We celebrated resilience and renewed our commitment to stand by Israeli families as they rebuild their lives. Bat Yam is just one of many examples of Israeli resilience and the dedication of our community to help Israelis at moments that matter.”
The city of Bat Yam fell victim to Iran’s ballistic missile attack on June 15. The coastal city was devastated; residential buildings were damaged, forcing more than 2,000 Israelis to move into hotels or with relatives. La’Aretz swiftly provided 500 families from Bat Yam with a $2,500 grant of direct aid, enabling them to begin the rebuilding process.
Among those assisted by La’Aretz was Hamutal Hanna Cohen, a single mother who narrowly escaped tragedy by taking her two sons to safety an hour before a missile strike destroyed their home in Bat Yam that day. She joined the crowd to discuss the meaning of assistance and how it has enabled her family to focus on rebuilding their lives.
“I have no doubt that we will rise and grow from this devastation,” Cohen said. “This growth is partly thanks to organizations and people like you, who stand by our side during difficult times. Your generosity reminds us that the bond between Jews worldwide and friends of the Jewish people is real, alive and beating.”
“I want to thank my dear friends and founders of the La’Aretz Foundation, Shelly and Mike Pitman, for all you do for the State of Israel,” Akunis said. “It is not obvious that a young couple establishes such a great organization. You remind me of the young, brave and courageous Jewish warriors who built the Jewish state. So, on behalf of the State of Israel, thank you.”
Proceeds from the event will directly aid Israelis in crisis, helping displaced families rebuild their homes, widowed mothers with their children, injured soldiers in rehabilitation and small businesses recovering from the war’s devastation.
