Weber Students Lead, Federation Amplifies: A Model for Global Jewish Partnership

August 1, 2025

In the months following October 7th in Israel, students at The Weber School raised over $100,000 to support two devastated kibbutzim—Nahal Oz and Nir Oz—proving that when youth are empowered, and community partnerships are strong, extraordinary impact is possible.  

When the “Concert for the Kibbutzim” that Weber students organized to raise these funds ended in March, their work didn’t stop there. It evolved into a long-term fundraising campaign. They continued to raise money at school events, and the campaign became a cornerstone of the school’s message about leadership, identity, and global responsibility throughout the remainder of the school year.  

The initiative earned a generous $50,000 matching grant from The Marcus Foundation. This initiative was deeply rooted in The Weber School’s values, nurtured by strong Jewish education and amplified through its connection to the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta’s partnership region in Israel, Yokneam Meggido. 

Eliad Eliyahu Ben Shushan, Partnership Director Yokneam & Meggido- Atlanta & St. Louis, shares the perspective from Israel: “Since October 8th, just one day after the attacks, the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta began supporting evacuees from Nahal Oz—one of the hardest-hit communities—who were evacuated to Kibbutz Mishmar HaEmek, within our Partnership region. At a time when the entire country was in shock, the Partnership region, along with the Atlanta and St. Louis Federations, were among the first to extend a hand.” 

Nahal Oz was among the hardest-hit communities on October 7th. Many students in Weber’s partnership school in Yokneam Meggido now include evacuees from nearby Nahal Oz, making the connection profoundly personal. 

“As a result of visits by members of the Nahal Oz community organized by Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta and the P2G partnership, and ongoing work with partner schools in Yokneam-Meggido, our students know the names and stories behind the tragedy,” said Rabbi Ed Harwitz, Head of School at The Weber School. “While fundraising in support of Israel, they are also supporting their extended family.” 

As Rabbi Harwitz emphasized, the project wasn’t a top-down initiative—it was student-driven and community-backed. Federation’s role was essential in making sure that every dollar raised reached the right places quickly and effectively. 

“The students led with heart, and Federation ensured the infrastructure, partnerships, and accountability were in place to turn their passion into lasting impact,” said Rich Walter, Federation’s Chief Impact Officer. Federation’s allocations team was at the ready to help send the students’ fundraising dollars.  

In Nir Oz, the money will help support displaced families who chose to rebuild their lives together in a new community, instead of relocating. These families were among the first recipients of the students’ generosity. 

In Nahal Oz, Eliad says the funds raised by the teens at Weber will be stewarded by teens, and they hope to land with poetic purpose. “The leadership of Nahal Oz made a remarkable decision to include the local teens in choosing how the donation will be used. This empowers them and sends a strong message that their voices matter. While the final decision will depend on the timeline for their return to the kibbutz—still uncertain given the security situation near the Gaza border—early discussions are leaning toward something musical, such as helping to rebuild the kibbutz’s beloved music studio.” 

As Rabbi Harwitz described, the power of this partnership goes beyond philanthropy. He recently returned from a visit to Israel, where conversations began around a future collaboration between Weber’s student musicians and their peers at Nahal Oz 

“It’s about closing the circle,” Rabbi Harwitz said. “These students raised the funds, and now they’re working on reconnecting with those who benefit from them. This is a powerful story of partnership in service of Jewish peoplehood.” 

The effort demonstrates Federation’s impact area of supporting Israel and Jews worldwide—not just in moments of joy, but in times of grief, trauma, and rebuilding. Because of the long-standing partnership with Yokneam Meggido, Federation was able to move the funds swiftly and intentionally. 

Atlanta Jewish community leaders view this initiative as a shining example of what happens when core Jewish institutions—Federation, schools, philanthropists, educators, teens, and more—united in a shared vision.  

And Rabbi Harwitz believes this could be a prototype for growing leaders starting in high schools that could be used around the country. “At just 15, 16, and 17 years old, these teens have come to understand their influence and power—learning how to work alongside major philanthropists and our local Federation to create real impact. They are also engaging with our partnership region in a way that reflects Atlanta’s uniquely strong and personal approach. Through this experience, they gained a deep understanding of how Jewish community, leadership, and generosity come together—and just how big a role they can play.”

“This is exactly why we invest in Jewish education and why partnership matters,” Rich added. “When a crisis hits, these relationships—built over years—allow us to act, not react.” 

“The Federation’s strong presence in Israel has been key. It allowed us to act immediately and ensure that help arrived where it was most needed. This model of direct connection enabled us to respond from day one,” Eliad adds. 

As Rabbi Harwitz put it, “These teens didn’t wait until college to assume leadership. With Federation’s support, they are taking leadership right now—here and in Israel.”