December 2025 Newsletter

Los Angles Impact Forum dinner, November 2025

As Jews celebrate Hanukkah, we are once again confronted with a sharp rise in violent antisemitism around the world. From the massacre in Sydney, to the shooting at a Jewish home in California, to antisemitic demonstrations in Amsterdam, these are not isolated incidents. They reflect a global and escalating dangerous threat that demands a serious, proactive response. Addressing this moment requires new, creative, and strategic approaches to fighting antisemitism head on.

This is why the concept of the Impact Forum is built on strategic venture philanthropy. Our model brings together a network of like-minded pro-Israel philanthropists to support high-impact organizations that are actively fighting antisemitism, supporting the State of Israel, and championing core American values. Rather than operating in silos, we focus on collaboration, shared strategy, and long-term impact.

In our recent op-ed titled “The Impact Forum and the Next Chapter of Jewish Philanthropy,” we explore how the Impact Forum Foundation’s innovative philanthropic model addresses a systemic challenge in the nonprofit sector, namely that many effective organization leaders spend more time fundraising than advancing their missions. We explain how our approach goes beyond writing checks. It includes rigorous vetting, capacity building, fostering direct collaboration among organizations, and connecting them with committed funders to drive measurable and lasting results.

In an earlier op-ed “Combatting Antisemitism Through Strategic Venture Philanthropy,” we examined how this approach can generate outsized impact in confronting modern antisemitism and violent Jew hatred. We highlighted how donors can move from defense to offense by strategically supporting mid-sized, high-performing organizations. When aligned effectively, these efforts create force multiplication, translate insight into action, and deliver real results at scale.

Given the worldwide spread of violent antisemitism, it is essential that we stand together and unite around a strategic, impact-driven approach to giving. Confronting today’s threats requires more than symbolic gestures or passive donations. It demands disciplined venture philanthropy that prioritizes thoughtful vetting, collaboration, and measurable outcomes.

If you're interested in partnering with us to fight antisemitism, support the State of Israel, and protect American democracy, we would love to hear from you. 

Finally, we invite you to learn about TalkIsrael Academy, a nonprofit organization that trains and empowers a growing network of emerging social media creators to authentically and positively share the stories of Israel and the Jewish people with Gen Z audiences.

Wishing you and your loved ones a joyous Hanukkah and a happy and healthy new year,



Gila and Adam Milstein

The Impact Forum is an exclusive network of philanthropists in Los Angeles, Dallas, and Miami committed to fighting antisemitism, strengthening American values, and supporting the State of Israel.

Our upcoming February 5th, 2026 dinner will feature a fireside chat with former IDF Spokesperson, Rear Admiral (Res.) Daniel Hagari, along with presentations from two prominent organizations dedicated to combating antisemitism: CyberWell, which combines technology with expert review to track, document, and combat antisemitic narratives online while driving accountability across digital platforms; and the Philos Project, which builds Christian support for Israel through education, leadership development, and faith-based advocacy.

We will also spotlight Restart, an organization helping wounded members of the IDF and Israeli security services to recover and rebuild their lives by creating individualized, technology-based solutions tailored to their needs.

While our Board generously covers the costs of the Kosher dinner and operational expenses, the goal of this event is to raise financial support for the presenting nonprofit organizations. Guests are expected to make a minimum donation of $1,800 (per guest +1).

All donations are fully tax-deductible and will be allocated in their entirety to the Impact Forum organizations of your choice.

If you are interested in attending our upcoming event, please register using the button below.

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 April 25, 2022.

"We need to fight against Jew-hatred by going on the offense, exposing and holding antisemites accountable, and we also need to convince Jewish donors to support impact-oriented projects, out of the box ideas, and innovative initiatives that can move the needle."

TalkIsrael Academy is a nonprofit organization dedicated to reshaping the conversation about Israel through the power of social media. It trains and mentors a growing network of aspiring content creators to develop their unique voices, build strong personal brands, and share authentic stories that resonate with Gen Z audiences. Rather than focusing on politics, TalkIsrael highlights Israel’s vibrant everyday life, its people, food, music, art, and innovation, creating a more relatable and human narrative online.

TalkIsrael Academy’s free social media workshops and programs go beyond content creation. They offer hands-on training, practical tools, and ongoing mentorship that empower creators to influence online conversations with confidence and authenticity. Today, TalkIsrael’s creator community includes more than 230 active voices reaching tens of millions of viewers each month.

Through partnerships with leading organizations such as AEPi, Hillel, BBYO, IAC, SSI, and TAMID, TalkIsrael Academy has trained thousands of teens and college students to use social media to share positive, authentic stories about Israel with their non-Jewish peers, while actively countering antisemitism and negativity online. Participants also receive continued social media guidance and support.

To learn more about TalkIsrael Academy's programs and opportunities, follow TalkIsrael on Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn.

To support the work of TalkIsrael Academy, click HERE. TalkIsrael is deeply grateful to the Milstein Family Foundation for its continued support and partnership, which makes this important work possible.

MFF is proud to support TalkIsrael