Celebrating the legacy of care, resilience, and humanity that defines Jewish communities around the world
For thousands of years, Jewish communities have embodied a commitment to compassion, service, and mutual responsibility. This is not a recent response to crisis. It is woven into the fabric of our identity.
From ancient traditions of caring for the stranger to modern innovations in medical aid and social services, these stories reflect a timeless dedication to human dignity and the belief that we are all responsible for one another.
How Jewish communities are making a difference through healing, service, and solidarity
In May 2024, Belinda and Andrew Donner met Shai Gino, an Israeli veteran living in San Diego who was struggling with PTSD after returning to fight following October 7th. Shai told them about the Golan…
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Seven months after the first retreat, a new group of nine soldiers from the Golani Battalion — including their commander — arrived in San Diego for ten days of healing. Thanks to the deep military con…
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In the summer of 2025, nine female IDF soldiers stepped onto American soil carrying scars few could see and stories few could bear to tell. Eight were from Kissufim and one from Nahal Oz — military ba…
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The fourth Heads Up retreat was different. These weren’t the usual 18-to-22-year-olds — they were older men, fathers who had spent decades in the military, carrying wounds that had compounded over yea…
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When Dahlia first started volunteering with Jewmanity, she didn’t think what she was doing was anything special. Sometimes she cooked a meal. Sometimes she helped out during surfing activities. Simple…
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Matan Balahsan was 23 years old and recently married when October 7th shattered his world. In the aftermath, he lost his faith — especially in himself. The trauma of what he had witnessed left him una…
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He survived October 7 at Nahal Oz and came home with wounds no one could see. Today, with a Jewmanity scholarship, Niv is studying culinary arts and building a new life.
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Matkot, sheshbesh, music, and Israeli food at Mission Bay. A free community morning built on the idea that the strongest connections happen when people simply come together.
Read MoreReal stories from the people whose lives have been touched by Jewmanity
Heads Up Participant
My name is Matan Balahsan . I'm 23 years old, recently married. After October 7th, I lost my faith — especially in myself. Through my journey with the Jewmanity organization, we spent a month in the U.S. healing, sharing, and being supported by professional care. This journey helped me believe in myself again. When I came back to Israel, I finally knew how to move forward. I want to say thank you to Jewmanity for everything. Keep going. Am Israel Chai. Thank you for everything.
Volunteer
I have no words to express my appreciation for Jewmanity, the amazing organization dedicated to providing support for soldiers who live with PTSD after going through war. Every one of them carries a whole life story. They come from all ages and backgrounds — men and women, married and single — and each one of them matters deeply to me. As a volunteer, I don't do anything big or heroic. Sometimes I cook a meal or two for them. Sometimes I help during our surfing activities. Simple things. But the way they appreciate it touches me more than I can explain. I give them my heart, my time, and my presence, and somehow I receive so much back. We meet a couple of groups each year, and every time I'm reminded how powerful human connection can be. Being with them, listening, laughing, supporting them through difficult moments — I enjoy every single minute. The joy of giving to them feels endless, and I'm grateful to be part of their journey.
Every act of care, every moment of connection, every gesture of support adds a new chapter to this living legacy. Join us in building a more compassionate world.