The trip was organized together with GIFT for Israel, and we are grateful to London’s Jewish community for making it possible. Thank you to Allison Kanter and Susan Deal for raising over £50,000 through jewelry sales for this program and to the local families who hosted the delegation and generously sponsored day trips. The mothers spoke at an intimate gathering hosted by Debbie Fenton, in which 100 women came together to hear the mothers share their stories, creating a powerful moment of connection and support that will stay with them forever.

This trip proved that even in the deepest sorrow, healing can be found through connection, and no one has to carry their pain alone. Edva Grushka, whose son Major Tal Grushka fell during the October 7 attacks, shared: “Despite the difficulty of sharing our personal tragedies, it was an empowering experience for us.”

Orphans Find Healing in Lapland

There are no words for the pain of losing both parents. There is no way to fully grasp the weight carried by the young adults who lost their mothers and fathers to the October 7 attacks and the ongoing war.

I recently had the tremendous honor of joining an extraordinary excursion with these orphaned young adults to Lapland, Finland.

I can’t possibly put their experience into better words than they, and their feedback has moved all of us to tears:

These mothers, while not bereaved themselves, carry the weight of supporting daughters and grandchildren through a lifetime of bereavement. They have to be strong while no one sees the loss they are also dealing with. More than just pampering them, the event provided an opportunity to regain their strength while connecting with other mothers who shared their heartache. In this safe space, they could speak openly, listen, and find comfort in one another’s strength and understanding.

Running Through Grief

Eldad Cohen lost his brother, Sergeant Major (Res.) Aviad Gad Cohen, on October 7. Aviad defended Pri Gan, and while he made the ultimate sacrifice, not a single resident of the community was killed, thanks to Aviad and the emergency squad. Aviad leaves behind his wife, their six children, his parents, and six siblings, including Eldad. The pain his family feels due to his loss is beyond words, a void that can never be filled.

During a recent OneFamily healing trip to Sri Lanka, Eldad benefitted from therapy, healing, and connecting with a new support group of other bereaved siblings. Back in Israel, Eldad channeled his grief into action. He ran a half marathon in Ashkelon, each step a tribute to his brother, to the fallen siblings of his Sri Lanka group, and to the resilient souls walking this path of loss. Eldad’s race flag featured the faces of the brothers and sisters of his OneFamily support group. Through every stride, Eldad proved that even in the deepest sorrow, there is always space for hope and a way to keep moving forward.

Send Cards & Sponsor a Seder

Holiday cards are just $8 each. You send us your recipient list, and we’ll customize and mail them for you. Want to send cards yourself? Order a bulk pack of 10 for $60, and we’ll mail them to you! For more information, contact USoffice@onefamilyfundus.org.

The Pesach seder can be emotionally taxing for many families whose lives have been shattered by war and terrorism. We are embracing these families and hosting our annual retreat – this year over four days – for widows, orphans, bereaved parents, and siblings. Together, we can bring solace, strength, and healing.