For The Russell Berrie Foundation and many others in philanthropy, our 2024 grants largely responded to the trauma and upheaval from October 7th and the conflicts with Hamas and Hezbollah. These tragic events produced waves of antisemitic backlash that continue to reverberate throughout the global Jewish community. Taking a moment to reflect, the Foundation’s Israel and New Jersey program team share grants that were particularly powerful as we navigated this tumultuous past year.
Thurnauer School of Music students performing at the JCC on the Palisades
Naomi Feiner – We were the first foundation to invest in the SafeHeart initiative co-founded by University of Haifa experts to provide emergency mental health services to survivors of the Nova music festival. Mental health professionals recognized that festival-goers – many of whom were under the influence of mind-altering substances on the morning of October 7th – would need specialized treatment to process and cope with their trauma and loss. To date, they’ve provided nearly 30,000 hours of therapy to more than 1,000 survivors and their family members.
Efforts like SafeHeart fell outside of our regular work and expertise, but we immediately understood the need and trusted the people leading this effort. We were glad to see other funders and federations sign on with support.
Kaarin Varon – For me, it was seeing (Foundation Trustee) Myron Rosner z”l at the last concert he attended at the Kaplen JCC on the Palisades before his passing. He loved attending concerts hosted by the JCC’s Thurnauer School of Music and his deep passion for supporting diversity and creating opportunities for children was truly inspiring. As I watched the performers and their families fill the room, I saw a Jewish Community Center welcoming people from all walks of life – Black, Hispanic, religious, interfaith, and more. I saw kids forming friendships that transcend divides and parents brimming with pride for their children and their community. Moments like that are rare, and they showed me why Myron felt so strongly about this program.
“2024 was also an inspiring year for our Northern New Jersey grantmaking...We’re making key inroads into strengthening Jewish communities that can be transformational for this region.”
Amit Granek – As the October 7th anniversary approached, we had the opportunity to support the National Memorial Ceremony of October 7 Families, a commemoration for the bereaved families that saw all 40,000 tickets reserved hours after their release. Offering an alternative to the official government event, this grassroots ceremony included Arabs, Haredim…anyone who wanted to pay tribute to our collective pain and loss.
“It was by the people and for the people,” Amit said. “Organized by two young people, against all odds, it was broadcast across all major channels. I felt very proud that the Foundation was able to support them. It’s not a typical grant for us and yet it was so important for me as an Israeli...I actually cried watching it.”
Lisa Capelouto – When we were in Israel, it was incredible to meet with leaders we’ve supported in the North. People like Michal Raikin who, despite everything they’ve been through and the lack of support from the central government, have shown such sheer determination to rebuild the Galil, attract evacuees back to their communities, and re-imagine the region’s economic future.
2024 was also an inspiring year for our Northern New Jersey grantmaking. We launched a groundbreaking teen engagement initiative, introduced the Wexner Heritage leadership program, and saw local clergy complete the ATRA Rabbinic (re)Design Fellowship, growing their leadership capacity and community engagement efforts in the process. We’re making key inroads into strengthening Jewish communities that can be transformational for this region.