December 2024 NEWSLETTER

Hanukkah is a powerful reminder of our people's enduring strength. For eight nights, we light the menorah and celebrate the miracle of resilience. Each night, we honor our people’s unwavering hope and triumph in the face of uncertainty and adversity.

This year, our community has faced challenges beyond imagination. In October, we marked the one-year anniversary of the horrific attacks of October 7, and we continue to endure the reality that hostages remain held in Gaza. Israel continued fighting a multi-front war, and tens of thousands of Israelis were displaced. In America and around the world, we have faced a disturbing surge in violent antisemitic attacks - on streets, on college campuses, outside synagogues, and in public spaces.

Yet, despite these trials, we persevere. Time and again, our community demonstrates remarkable resilience. Our brave soldiers defend our homeland with unwavering resolve, our students stand firm against hate, and we continue to come together, supporting each other through the darkest times.

In our recent op-ed, Eight Hanukkah wishes for the New Year: Strength, resilience, and light will triumph over darkness, we reflect on the challenges of the past year and share our hopes for the future. Among our wishes are for antisemitism to be universally recognized as a threat to all, the safety of Jewish students on campuses, the complete victory over our enemies, and the safe return of the hostages.

A 2016 op-ed, Instilling Jewish pride, building courage and fostering brotherhood, remains as relevant today as when it was written. It highlights the extraordinary accomplishments of the Jewish community despite our small numbers. It celebrates eight timeless gifts - pride, courage, innovation, and brotherhood among them - that continue to sustain and inspire us.

As we approach the new year, let us honor our community’s strength. Let us move forward with hope and the determination to build a future where resilience and light forever triumph over darkness. 

Lastly, we invite you to learn more about The Impact Forum Foundation's Venture Fund. The Venture Fund unites highly effective organizations dedicated to combating antisemitism, strengthening the U.S.-Israel relationship, and championing American values, fostering collaboration and capacity-building. The Venture Fund empowers philanthropists to amplify their impact by supporting multiple nonprofits with a single donation.

Wishing you a joyous New Year and Happy Hanukkah,



Gila and Adam Milstein

The Impact Forum is an exclusive network of philanthropists who support each other's initiatives and empower and meet with exceptional nonprofit organizations that punch above their weight to fight antisemitism, support the State of Israel, and strengthen the U.S. Israel alliance.

Upcoming Impact Forum events featuring a keynote speech by Bernard-Henri Lévy, philosopher, journalist, filmmaker, and public intellectual:



• February 6th, 2025 in Los Angeles, California
• February 12th, 2025 in Dallas, Texas

If you would like to join the Impact Forum Foundation network of donors, or attend any of our future events, please fill out the form using the below button.

Stand by Me is a nonprofit organization led by Gila Milstein since 2009. Its mission is to provide daily support to Israeli-American cancer patients and their families living in Los Angeles.

Please consider donating to ensure that Stand by Me can continue to fulfill its mission to make sure no one faces cancer alone in our community.

Watch this heartwarming video here to learn more about Stand By Me

Stand By Me is in need of psychologists and therapists who can donate their time to provide emotional support and assistance to our members and their families.

If you would like to join our family of volunteers, please fill out this form or call our office at (818) 664-4100. 

"To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world."

For more information, please visit our website at www.StandByMeLA.org

This article was originally published in the Jerusalem Post on December 12, 2016.

"Today, in the face of challenges, how can we find inspiration in the Maccabees’ example? How do we redouble our commitment to strengthen and secure the future of the Jewish People and the State of Israel? During this season of giving, what are the most important gifts that we can give to each other – so that future generations will live in freedom, security and prosperity? With these questions lingering in my mind this holiday season, I have put together a list of the eight greatest gifts – one for each night of Hanukkah – that we must give in every Jewish family so that our people will continue to thrive."

The Impact Forum Foundation brings together a network of philanthropists who share a common goal: to empower a broad range of organizations dedicated to combating antisemitism, strengthening the U.S-Israel relationship, and championing American values. As part of its efforts, the Foundation has launched the Venture Fund Program, an initiative designed to provide additional resources and support to organizations within the Impact Forum network, helping them maximize their impact and foster deeper collaboration among the members.

The Venture Fund offers philanthropists a unique opportunity to amplify their charitable donations by contributing to a collective fund that supports 10-15 carefully selected organizations. Each organization has been rigorously vetted by the Impact Forum Board for its outstanding effectiveness.

With the backing of our donors, these organizations gain access to tailored resources and tools that boost their capacity, enhance fundraising efforts, and streamline operations. In addition, funding is allocated to initiatives that highlight strong collaboration and synergies among the groups involved.

To learn more about the Impact Forum Venture Fund and to support their efforts, please click HERE.

MFF is proud to support The Impact Forum Venture Fund