Bring hope and healing to widows and orphans in Israel
Colel Chabad’s Chesed Menachem Mendel Orphan Initiative gives bereaved families the ability to move forward.
families are currently in our Menachem Mendel program
orphaned children join the grand bar mitzvah each year
A parent’s death changes everything
The loss ripples through every day of every week, month, and year to come. Unfortunately, many children numb the pain with crime, substance abuse, or by dropping out of school.
Sadly, Colel Chabad has seen many orphaned families in Israel disintegrate over the years. But with your partnership, they will have the ability to succeed – despite their incredible loss.
Naomi Chaimov
Widowed October 7
“I have to go to my children and say good morning with a smile – but my heart is broken.”
“My husband went out with his ambulance and the terrorists shot him. … At night, I sit on bed my and cry, then in the morning I have to go to my children and say good morning with a smile – but my heart is broken. Orly [from Colel Chabad] called me one morning … [now giving] us a lot of strength to go on, to feel that there are people with us and we are not alone.”
Every year, hundreds of Israeli children are orphaned by war, terror attacks, or illness.
Colel Chabad is there for every one of them.
In the early 2000s, the terror of the second intifada caused an unprecedented amount of widows and orphans in Israel. With only one parent supporting the household, many families fell below the poverty line and became part of Colel Chabad’s nutrition security program.
Because Colel Chabad was intimately involved, they saw families needed more than just food. Children needed academic and emotional support on the path ahead.
And so, a new charity for widows and orphans began.
Chesed Menachem Mendel Orphan Initiative: a charity for widows and orphans
The program has continued to expand as the need arose during crucial points in Israel’s history: intifadas, terrorist attacks, the Meron tragedy, October 7, and more. With decades of on-the-ground work, Chesed Menachem Mendel is a charity for widows and orphans in Israel that you can trust.
Orly Bentarya
Colel Chabad social worker
“The real test starts a year later, when everyone else’s lives go on, but their reality stays.”
“In the beginning, everyone is there. The family, the community, the donors, the world — everyone is involved. The real test starts a year later, when everyone else’s lives go on, but their reality stays. And that’s where we are. We don’t leave them for a moment. Many families are self-sufficient. They could donate themselves, but they don’t have the energy to make the arrangements alone. They don’t have energy for all that. When I reach out to a family, I’m saying that we’re here so you don’t carry this burden alone.”
Help Colel Chabad make a difference in Israel
Chessed Menachem Mendel helps widows and orphans so each child can develop into a mature, stable young adult who is ready to take the next step in life.
While many organizations help during the first few months, Colel Chabad helps for years after the initial loss.
Personalized Help
To ensure children get the exact help they need, all contact with a child’s mother, teacher, or mentor is recorded. Test results are also tracked. A detailed help plan is then formed to build each child in the best possible manner.
Widow Retreats
The life of a widow is exhausting, with minimal opportunities for a break or even a quiet cup of coffee. A 2-week retreat for the widow and her family is an extraordinary gift. Widows can recharge and socialize, knowing their kids are having a blast at the kids’ program.
Academic Assistance
Before students transition to high school, Colel Chabad offers tutoring to set them up for success in core subjects like maths and English. Starting school with a solid foundation helps students thrive academically.
Positive Role Models
A big brother/sister is assigned to each child. They do schoolwork with ‘their’ child, speak to teachers when necessary, and ensure the kid isn’t being bullied. A mentor means the child knows they always have someone to turn to.
Scholarship Incentive
High School students submit their exam marks. A festive graduation ceremony is made for students who have done well, with students getting awarded with cash for fantastic results.
Emotional Support
Psychological assessments and therapy are offered to support widows in bringing up a family of emotionally balanced children.
Extracurriculars
Mothers advise what hobby their child would gain from developing, giving children a creative outlet in art, music, woodwork or other lessons.
Bar and Bat Mitzvahs
At the communal events, every boy and girl is made to feel like a king or queen. The boys are presented with their own tefillin and the girls receive candlesticks. It’s followed by a festive banquet with dancing and fun for all.
Weddings
Orphaned brides and grooms deserve to start their new lives with the same opportunities as their peers. To this end, Colel Chabad covers the hall, catering, new clothing, and sets up the couple with furniture, linen, dishes, and other essentials.
Today, Colel Chabad is the leading widow and orphan charity support program in Israel
With your partnership, the family’s loss won’t stand in the way of a good life.
Hadas Hershkovitz
widowed during war
“For an hour, they can forget the sadness.”
“During the Shabbat meal, they knocked on the door and we got the terrible news that Yossi was killed. I have five kids. Each one of them needs a lot. They can’t sleep. They have nightmares. In the morning, it’s very hard to open your eyes and figure out that this is our reality. Every morning anew. Every morning you have to feel that Abba is not here. The after-school programs [from Colel Chabad] change their afternoon experience. Each one chooses a different activity — they go horseback riding, and to dance and acrobatics. For them it’s an escape. For an hour, they can forget the sadness.”
Change the lives of bereaved Israeli families with our widows and orphans charity
Partner with Chesed Menachem Mendel Orphan Initiative, the best charity supporting widows and orphans in Israel.
Please stand with us, and together, let’s light up their world. Donate now and make a difference in the lives of Israel’s most vulnerable children.
Give charity to Israel
Since 1788, Colel Chabad has been fighting poverty in Israel. Colel Chabad is Israel’s longest-operating organization and a trustworthy non-profit for you to support.
Your online donations go directly toward Jews in need, giving them food security, access to nutritious meals, basic necessities, and the resources to take care of their families.
Send basic necessities to Israel’s most vulnerable today.
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