The Israel Bonds National Women’s Division will raise awareness and support for the Magen David Adom Human Milk Bank, a vital resource that collects and distributes breast milk to thousands of babies in need across Israel, at the “Double Mitzvah Summer Kickoff Event” on July 12 from 6:30-9 p.m. in South Orange, N.J.

Israel Bonds’ double mitzvah program offers the unique opportunity to benefit the State of Israel directly by investing in an Israel bond and then donating it to a charity. The organization has a specific bond designated for this purpose, called the Shalom Bond, which is available in one- or two-year options. The charity receives the principal and interest when the bond matures.

“It’s a meaningful way to support Israel Bonds and a charity,” says the event’s host, Cathy Distelburger, Chair of the Israel Bonds National Women’s Division.

The event’s featured speaker is Dr. Sarah Rieber, women’s health nurse practitioner, internally board-certified lactation consultant, and perinatal mental health certified. Israel Bonds’ National Women’s Division chose the Magen David Adom Human Milk Bank as the event’s beneficiary after a delegation from the division visited the facility last October.

“I was so moved by the benefits and the need for human milk to save babies’ lives,” Distelburger says. “We saw firsthand the need to keep babies safe. As the Talmud says, ‘He who saves a single life, it is as if he has saved an entire world.’”

According to Distelburger, on its next delegation to Israel, the Women’s Division is aiming to have a plaque displayed at the milk bank to demonstrate “the support of our Women’s Division investors around the country.”

“This is just the first event to explain the importance of this project and to encourage investors in bonds to help both the State of Israel and the milk bank in Israel,” Distelburger says. “We are determined and show the strength of women in this organization and truly committed to investing and donating towards helping babies survive in Israel.

The July 12 event in South Orange will also feature sushi and cocktails (kosher dietary laws observed). There is no charge to attend, but Israel Bonds encourages participants to consider donating a bond to the American Friends of Magen David Adom Human Milk Bank. Register for the event here. More information on the Israel Bonds double mitzvah program is available here.