Why we opened this campaign
Naomi and Netanel’s story began long before they themselves could have understood it.
The bride’s and groom’s families worked together in the Jewish community in Ukraine for many years. Their parents were very close friends, and the two families shared a strong bond. In fact, Naomi and Netanel even attended the same kindergarten as children.
Years passed, and life changed. Netanel’s family returned to Israel. Later, after the war in Ukraine began, Naomi’s family was forced to leave the country and relocate to Europe together with their community.
And although the paths of the two families diverged for many years, it seems that the Almighty was already preparing their next meeting.
The groom lived and studied with his family in Israel. The bride first studied in America and later came to Israel to continue her studies. It was here that they met again — this time as adults, in a young Jewish community.
That was when the idea of the shidduch first came up. What had begun years earlier with the friendship between two families and a shared childhood in the same kindergarten eventually brought them together again.
But when they began planning the wedding, finances became a major obstacle for the couple. Naomi is preparing to start her life almost from scratch, while Netanel’s family is already facing serious financial difficulties.
His parents have seven children, the eldest of whom is already married. Both parents work multiple jobs, but despite all their efforts and living as simply and frugally as possible, they have still been unable to fully cover their monthly expenses.
Their bank debt continued to grow, and negative records appeared on their account. As a result, the family lost access to their authorized overdraft, their credit cards were canceled, and they can no longer obtain loans.
Now, with the wedding approaching, their expenses have increased even further, and the family simply cannot cover them on their own.
Those who know Netanel’s family know them as honest, hardworking, and caring people who have devoted many years to bringing people closer to Judaism and helping Jews reconnect with Jewish tradition.
Today, they are the ones who need our help.
Any contribution — large or small — will provide real support and help Naomi and Netanel stand under the chuppah with dignity and joy and begin their life together as a family.
I invite everyone who is able to take part in this great mitzvah — to help the bride and groom begin their life together.
