Submitted by the Jewish National Fund
Jewish National Fund-USA’s annual Breakfast for Israel is returning to Cincinnati on May 8, 2025, at 8:30 a.m., uniting philanthropists dedicated to supporting post-October 7 rebuilding initiatives in Israel’s North and South.
Chaired by Jewish National Fund-USA Ohio Valley Board Member Morry Wiener, the event’s featured speaker is Ayelet Shmuel, Director of the International Resilience Center and a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) specializing in trauma-focused psychotherapy. Renowned for her expertise in crisis resilience, Shmuel has trained professionals worldwide in psychological first aid and played a pivotal role in supporting Israeli communities following the October 7 attacks.
The breakfast will focus on Jewish National Fund-USA-supported resilience centers in Israel, which are lifelines for thousands of Israelis, offering trauma counseling, resilience training, and emotional support for families living near the border with Gaza. In southern Israeli towns like Eshkol and Sderot, local therapists—many of whom are residents themselves—work tirelessly to help their communities cope with the psychological toll of living under the constant threat of rocket fire.
“I don’t know one person in the country right now that is not affected by the war in one way or another,” said Shmuel. “In order to move forward you need to have resilience skills. That is the challenge. The trauma piece of it is still going on. We have soldiers dying every day, we still have hostages in Gaza. We are a grieving nation. The full recovery will begin when the hostages come home.”
In addition, local lay leaders will showcase Jewish National Fund-USA’s Build Together plan for Israel’s South and Reimagine plan for the North, and how the organization is investing in housing, infrastructure, employment, and rehabilitation to help Israeli communities recover and thrive.
The aid provided by Jewish National Fund-USA in the region includes mental health programs, guaranteeing that Israelis living in Israel’s Negev and Galilee regions have access to the psychological tools necessary to cope with and overcome trauma, allowing these individuals to live healthy, fulfilled lives. A central part of this effort includes resilience centers, like the Roklen Resilience Center in Sderot, which offer both adults and children long-term emotional support and rapid-response treatment.
“Jewish National Fund-USA stands with the people of Israel, not just in times of crisis, but every single day,” said Morry Wiener. “Through these initiatives, we ensure that those living on the front lines have the mental health support they need to overcome trauma and build a brighter future. This is more than aid—it’s about sustaining hope, strengthening communities, and reinforcing our unwavering commitment to the land and people of Israel.”
For more information or to register for the Ohio Valley Breakfast for Israel, visit the JNF website.
