Background
As part of Radio North 104.5FM's legal radio program, "Sogeret Pina," hosted by Adv. Tal Kaufman, partner and head of the Wealth Management and Intergenerational Transfer Department at ABADI & CO., a special episode was recorded to introduce the representatives of the "Lion of Judah - Israel" Fund and their exceptional work: the Fund's Chair, Sara'leh Oren; the Chair of the Scholarship Committee, Dr. Yael Rakov Drori; and the Fund's legal counsel, Adv. Ayala Livni.
Together with Tal, they spoke about a new kind of philanthropy, women's solidarity, and the often-unseen circles of pain within Israeli society.
About the "Lion of Judah - Israel" Fund Model: International Women's Philanthropy for Social Resilience in Israel
The "Lion of Judah - Israel" Fund is part of a large and significant international network of approximately 18,500 Jewish women from around the world, operating under the auspices of Israeli Spirit and The Jewish Agency. The Fund is not just another nonprofit organization, but a community of philanthropic women working to advance and empower women and girls in Israel through a shared giving fund and support for social initiatives.
What makes the Fund unique is its method of operation: its process for deciding which projects to support is rigorous and includes close, personal involvement by the Fund's representatives throughout every stage of implementation. The goal is to ensure that the funds invested create real change in the lives of thousands of families.
Since October 7, the Fund's central initiative, under the banner "Women and Girls Rising" has focused on building resilience and promoting recovery and growth for women affected by the war.
The "Mothers of Widows" Project and ABADI & CO.'s Connection to This Work
A few weeks ago, members of the organization visited the "Mothers of Widows" project - "the invisible mourners" as they described themselves - women who are not recognized within the state's and society's circles of support, whether financial or emotional.
The Fund's members met mothers of IDF widows, who are coping with their young daughters' widowhood and the reality of helping care for small children, as well as the project's facilitators.
They heard about the mothers' ongoing daily struggle with grief and with their daughters' challenges, about their own personal loss of sons-in-law who had become like sons to them, and about the complex and delicate mother-daughter relationships shaped within this impossible reality.
Finally, they heard the personal testimony of one of the project's participants, who shared that the project "saved her life."
The representatives said they came to offer strength and left feeling strengthened themselves, and above all, it was clear just how empowering, enabling, and essential women's solidarity can be.
At ABADI & CO., we believe in commitment - to our path, to the community around us, and to the processes unfolding in our small country, so full of events and conflict. We always seek to take an active role in community-focused work and meaningful involvement that leads to change, whether small or large.
Led by partner Adv. Tal Kaufman, the firm chose to support and invest in the “Mothers of Widows” project, recognizing the importance of assisting a group that often remains outside formal support systems. The firm is deeply committed to philanthropy that creates real, tangible change - hence the natural connection to this initiative.
The relationship between the firm and the Fund is meaningful and long-term. Adv. Tal Kaufman has been active in the organization for over two years, serves as a member of the foundation’s Projects Committee, and personally accompanies the implementation of the projects on the ground on behalf of the firm.
For us, this represents the integration of professional excellence with social responsibility and philanthropy, with the aim of creating real and lasting change in a complex daily reality, particularly for communities affected by conflict, war, pain, and loss.
Recently, the Fund’s Chair, Sara’leh Oren, sent a personal message of thanks to Dudi, which we are pleased to share below as received -
"Dear Dudi, on behalf of the women of Lion of Judah Israel, I would like to share that the “Mothers of Widows” project has officially launched, following a challenging period of development and under the shadow of the war once again forced upon us. As of today, 14 mothers of widows are participating in the project, accompanied by two social workers. Together, they form a meaningful support group, offering one another space for sharing, compassion, and emotional support as they navigate an exceptionally difficult journey. It is important to note that, in their own words, they are an “invisible group” that receives no support from any other source.
Last night, we held a Zoom meeting with the professionals and several of the participating women. The meeting was powerful and deeply moving, and the women asked us to convey their gratitude for the support - which they described as a lifeline and a vital source of strength.
As a partner in this special project from its very first day, together with Tal Kaufman, we would also like to thank you both on behalf of the mothers of widows and personally"
We invite you to listen to the full episode of the radio program at the following link.
We also invite you to take an active part in supporting the Fund's work in Israel.
