Chai Lifeline, the international support network, providing social, emotional, and practical assistance to children, families, and communities impacted by medical crises and trauma hosted an “Evening of Unity” on December 4 at Pier 60 in New York City.
Since the outbreak of the war, Chai Lifeline has mobilized its global network of staff, volunteers, and trauma specialists to assist children and families in coping with an unprecedented array of challenges – both in Israel and in Jewish communities across the globe.
“While we never imagined we would be forced to contend with such a devastating and wide-ranging crisis, Chai Lifeline’s decades of experience dealing with all types of traumatic events gave us an existing infrastructure to rely and build upon when it came to implementing a comprehensive response,” said Rabbi Simcha Scholar, Chai Lifeline CEO. “Over the past weeks and months, our focus has been on expanding our resources and services to meet the needs of the worldwide Jewish community as we all cope with the horrors of October 7.”
That response has included safely relocating Israeli families with children under active cancer treatment out of high-risk areas and providing them with counseling, programming, and support; distributing trauma resources in multiple languages and offering psychological guidance to hundreds of thousands; leading crisis interventions and consultations for thousands in global communities, schools, and organizations; establishing a dedicated 24-hour helpline to help those directly affected by the war; and ensuring medical care continues uninterrupted for families whose medical hardships are further complicated by the ongoing situation.
Chai Lifeline’s Evening of Unity paid tribute to the incredible dedication and efforts of the more than 200 dedicated volunteers worldwide who comprise Chai Lifeline’s Crisis and Trauma Services team, led by its director, Rabbi Dr. Dovid Fox.
The organization also honored Congressman Ritchie Torres, U.S. representative for New York’s 15th congressional district, with the Champion of Israel award in recognition of his unwavering support of Israel and the Jewish community, as well as his ongoing advocacy against antisemitism.
The program featured Israeli-themed cuisine and moving musical performances by Yishai Lapidot, Eitan Katz, and Yaakov Lemmer.
“During these darkest of times, we have witnessed the incredible resiliency and unity of our community,” said Rabbi Scholar. “The international response of so many good and kind-hearted people are a testament to the eternal power of giving and caring for others. This evening was a testament to that unity and support, as well as our commitment to continue to be there for our brother and sisters in need.”
For donations, or to learn more visit www.chailifeline.org/unity.
