Sonshine was founded by Bat-Galim Shaer and her husband, Ofir , in memory of their son Gil-ad, one of the three Israeli teenagers who were kidnapped and murdered by Hamas terrorists in the summer of 2014.
The eighteen (Chai) days of searching for the boys were characterized by rare manifestations of unity and support from all segments of Israeli society and among Jews from all over the world. During this time, the concern and support from all corners of the Jewish world were a powerful testimony for Bat-Galim and Ofir of the mutual responsibility and the global connection felt by Jews throughout the
world.
With the belief that the sense of unity and social cohesion that Jews experience during difficult times should be experienced on a day-to-day basis, they founded the Sonshine organization in memory of Gil-ad, of blessed memory.
The organization acts to strengthen unity and optimism In Israel and the Jewish world, encouraging a positive approach toward Jewish identity, and strengthening the connection and solidarity among all sectors of the Jewish people, a
connection that has been weakening in recent years. Sonshine works to increase social cohesion in Israel and between Israel and the Jewish people through projects in the area of culture and education, all to commemorate the memory of Gil-Ad Sha'er, of blessed memory.
Bat-Galim and Ofir are co-founders of "Unity Day" and the"Jerusalem Unity Prize." In recognition of their work to promote unity and solidarity in Israel and theJewish world, they were honored with lighting a torch at Israel's National Independence Day ceremony in 2019.