Hosted by Chicago Jewish Alliance and Protect Israel Fund

Join us for a powerful, emotional, and inspiring event as we come together to support the brave communities along Israel’s Gaza border—those who faced unimaginable horrors on October 7, 2023, and are now rebuilding their lives with courage and resilience

This special afternoon will feature moving stories, survivor testimonies, and a silent auction, giving guests the opportunity to make a direct impact while bidding on meaningful items and experiences.

Featured Presenters:

Benjamin D. Ferdinand
Founder & Executive Director, Protect Israel Fund
Benjamin Ferdinand is the heart and vision behind Protect Israel Fund, a U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing life-saving security equipment to at-risk communities in Israel. He’ll share the compelling story of how Protect Israel Fund was born, the real-world impact it’s having today, and why its work is more urgent than ever. Attendees will also get a firsthand look at current projects and will have the chance to meet Benjamin and his team during the event.

Amit Musaei (LIVE from Israel via Zoom)
Tour Guide & Survivor of the Nova Music Festival Massacre
Amit narrowly escaped the Nova Music Festival massacre—one of the deadliest attacks in Israeli history. Amit will bravely recount his survival story and how he is working to heal and find meaning in the aftermath.

Orit and Maor (LIVE from Kibbutz Kfar Aza via Zoom)
Survivors, Community Leaders & Eyewitnesses
Join us for a rare and moving presentation from two courageous leaders at Kibbutz Kfar Aza—one of the hardest-hit communities on October 7. Orit and Maor will share firsthand stories of tragedy and survival from that day, including the loss of 64 neighbors and the kidnapping of 19 others. Orit will also speak about the murder of her former husband, Omer, and what it means to rebuild after such devastation. If conditions allow, they will take us on a live nighttime tour of the kibbutz—offering an unforgettable window into both the destruction and the resilience of a community refusing to surrender.

Your Donations Will Make an Immediate Impact

Advanced Security Drone System
Goal: $10,000 (Phase 1) | $195,000 (2-Year Total)
This state-of-the-art drone project is designed to give Kfar Aza and other vulnerable communities a game-changing advantage in early warning and response. These defensive drones provide early warning, thermal imaging, and patrol capabilities—even in poor conditions. Beyond security, the drones will also assist with search-and-rescue, emergency response, and critical infrastructure monitoring. Israeli security officials have called this program “transformational.” Donors may be invited to Israel for drone dedication ceremonies.

Ballistic Body Armor Replacement
Urgent Need: $9,000+
One of our partner kibbutzim near Gaza urgently needs new ballistic vest carriers for its volunteer defense team—gear damaged during the October 7 attack and now unusable. We’ve identified exactly what’s needed and are committed to restoring safety before the next threat strikes. Every dollar goes toward restoring safety and readiness for civilians protecting their homes and families.

Stand With Israel. Be a Part of Their Story

This is more than a fundraising event—it’s a chance to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the people of Israel’s border communities, to hear their stories, and to act.
Together, we can make a difference. One drone. One vest. One community at a time.