GATHERING – Providing essential support and healing to the NOVA survivors

GATHERING – Providing essential support and healing to the NOVA survivors The 7th of October was the worst disaster that our nation has experienced since the establishment of the state of Israel. In response to all of the shock, pain, fear and chaos in the aftermath of this horrific day, a group of friends decided to initiate "Gathering" – a monthly event that is all about giving in ways that support and offer healing to the NOVA survivors. We quickly realized that there was no budget or support for this from the government, so we gathered dozens of volunteers from all over the country, donors, caregivers, artisans, restaurateurs and workshop facilitators to come to these gatherings to strengthen and support those who survived this terror. At the latest gatherings, we were able to add performances from famous Israeli artists and a dance complex with well-known DJs to help the survivors of the terror heal by returning to the dance floor. To date, we have successfully arranged three such events by using our own funds, recruiting professionals who volunteer their time, and receiving donations of food and drinks from two local companies, Strauss and Tempo. Two of the gatherings took place in Dargot Cliffs and one in Khan Gamlia. After every gathering, the healing intensifies for those in attendance. We receive dozens of messages and hold countless conversations with survivors and families of survivors who feel that this is exactly what they need to bring back a little sanity to their lives. At each gathering, our motivation is strengthened to organize the next one, and the next one, despite the financial challenge. These survivors who were forsaken on October 7 are our future. We want to strengthen the next generation and let them know that they are not alone. Five hundred survivors were in attendance at each gathering. The strength that they garner strengthen us to continue volunteering our time and money. In order to keep on giving them a space where they can connect with and encourage one another, receive support, healing and hopefully recover, we need your assistance and financial support. The cost of such a gathering is around 800,000 NIS and so far we have financed everything that was not donated out of our own pockets. We keep on going because of the smiles we see on the faces of the survivors and the emotionally charged messages that we never stop receiving. Our goal is to establish these gatherings as a regular monthly event. On our Instagram page, you can find messages about the recent gatherings. https://www.instagram.com/gath...