CHICAGO — Ever since the October 7th terror attack, and still today, people in Israel have been carrying a weight that is hard to put into words. Across cities, towns, and communities of every background, the strain has been emotional, physical, and financial, with so many feeling like they have been living under a shadow for far too long.
In December, the ZB Foundation decided they could not stand by from afar any longer. They launched a real mission, an operation to spread happiness, joy, and light across Israel, from north to south, reaching people from every walk of life. The goal was simple but powerful, to lift spirits and bring people together.
The initiative was coordinated by ZB Foundation staff in Israel, with organizational support from the foundation’s U.S. team.
The events focused on bringing relief to soldiers, widows, immigrants, students, families, and other struggling community members.
The Foundation also supported educational and leadership programs for students and pre-army youth, musical events, community learning opportunities, and support gatherings for families facing medical or emotional hardship.
Some programs were designed to strengthen unity across different communities, while others focused on boosting morale, preserving dignity, and helping people feel seen and supported.
Ukranian refugees in Israel
While the overall reach is reflected in numbers, the impact is most clearly seen in the personal experiences of participants.
Following one recent gathering, a widow whose husband, a first responder, was killed on the eve of Chanukah shared what the evening meant to her family.
“I want to thank the ZB Foundation for a beautiful night out,” she said. “We’re together with our community, spending time with each other and connecting – for the kids and for us. Thank you for giving us this opportunity.”
Widows and Orphans of the IDF
Supporting Those Who Serve
Among the many initiatives conducted was a morale booster barbecue for soldiers from a reserve unit stationed in the central region of Israel. The unit is composed largely of men over the age of 40, many of whom had previously been exempt from reserve duty but chose to re-enlist following the October 7 attacks.
40+ year old men who joined the IDF post Oct 7
The soldiers are currently assigned to security operations in populated areas. During the gathering, several spoke about the challenges of extended service, including time away from families and careers, while expressing a strong sense of responsibility and commitment.
“These were people who didn’t have to be there,” said David, a volunteer who participated in the event. “Many have families, established careers, and significant responsibilities at home, yet they stepped forward out of a sense of duty.”
Among the participants was a 62-year-old reserve soldier who immigrated to Israel from Finland four decades ago and now serves as the unit’s point man.
As the barbecue continued toward the evening, the gathering evolved beyond a shared meal. Soldiers and volunteers – Israelis and Americans, religious and secular – joined together in spontaneous dancing, reflecting a shared sense of unity and mutual support.
A volunteer from the United States addressed the group to convey the solidarity felt by American Jewry and to express appreciation for the soldiers’ service.
The evening concluded quietly, with participants returning to their responsibilities carrying a renewed sense of connection and encouragement.