When eight Israeli teens stepped into a rural Tennessee town with no Jewish residents, they didn’t expect to feel seen. But in Whitwell, they found deep allyship in the most unexpected of places.
These teens are part of Federation’s Schoenbaum Shinshinim program — Shinshinim being short for Shnat Sherut, or “year of service.” After graduating high school, they spend a year volunteering in Jewish communities abroad before beginning their army service in Israel. They give their time, energy, and heart—and receive something just as lasting in return.
Recently, the Atlanta Schoenbaum Shinshinim traveled with Federation staff to visit the Paper Clips Project. What began as a middle school experiment to help students grasp the scale of six million Holocaust victims has become an internationally recognized memorial. Over time, the students collected 30 million paper clips—11 million of which are displayed inside an authentic German cattle car used during the Holocaust, symbolizing those murdered by the Nazis.
For Jenn Handel, Federation’s Director of Israel Engagement, it was her second time making the trip:“Taking them up to experience this in a time when it feels like most of the world is against us is a bright light in the dark. These are people who have no personal reason to care about us — and yet, they do.”
Each Shinshin left with a story to carry home.
Noga N. was struck by what she saw in the school: “Every wall had Hebrew quotes I recognized from home. That just warmed my heart… The kids were so curious—they asked about Israel, why we’re here. We shared snacks—they tried Bamba, and then gave us Tennessee snacks. It was simple, but it meant a lot.”
Noga B. reflected on the reach of Holocaust memory: “I was surprised to see how important the Holocaust is to people on the other side of the world. I was touched that the project was led by non-Jewish teenagers. Now I’ll tell everyone I know in Israel about this place and its importance.”
Yali was inspired by the people behind the project: “Meeting Linda Hooper, who helped start it all, was one of the most inspiring parts. She’s not Jewish, but she did something so meaningful for the Jewish people, and never gave up—even when people didn’t agree with her. That really stayed with me.”
Adi was moved by their courage: “My biggest question was, why? They don’t know any Jewish people. Then I saw the binder of hate letters—people denying the Holocaust, saying it should happen again. And still, they kept going. They chose to care, to speak up—not because they had to, but because of who they are.”
Dana felt the weight of where they stood: “We were talking to the kids about serving in the army… and then Sam (Federation’s VP of Innovation and Jewish Engagement) pointed out where we were standing. It hit me—we were at the same cattle car that once took Jews to their deaths. A full-circle moment.”
Amit connected the artifacts to his own family’s story: “My mom’s family survived the Holocaust… seeing the yellow stars that were sewn onto clothing… it felt personal—history right in front of me.”
Nadav left with a mission: “There were only five letters from Israel in the museum. That was hard to see. I texted my teacher right away—we need to change that. A 14-year-old Christian boy explained the Holocaust to me—with more knowledge than I had. It was a beautiful experience for all of us.”
Gili spoke about the power of stepping outside the bubble we often live in: “Even in America, we mostly stay in a bubble—Jewish homes, Jewish schools. But in this small town with no Jews, the kids cared so much. It showed me the power of humanity… if you want to do something, nothing can stop you.”
What the Shinshinim experienced in Whitwell was more than a visit—it was a powerful reminder of what happens when people choose to care. And that’s exactly what they offer in return when they join our homes and communities.
Hosting a Shinshin isn’t just about offering a place to stay—it’s about building a relationship that lasts a lifetime. It’s a chance to bring Israel into your home in the most personal way—and for a young Israeli to become part of your story, and your family.
As Jenn puts it: “They live in your house for four to five months, but they’re a part of your family forever.”
These young Israelis aren’t just volunteers. They are storytellers, bridge-builders, and living connections between our community and Israel. They help our kids, families, and schools understand what it means to be proudly Jewish today — and why it matters.
Want to be a part of something this meaningful? Bring Israel into your home.
Apply to host a Shinshin — and help raise the next generation of global Jewish leaders.
When 400 women from across Greater Atlanta arrived at B’nai Torah congregation on March 26th, they were greeted with one powerful question: “How do you use your voice?”
As their responses, written on colorful ribbons, adorned the space, a wave of inspiration and hope swept through the room.
From lighthearted confessions like “I use my voice to sing in the shower” to heartfelt declarations such as “I use my voice to help the next generation of Jewish leaders,” “I speak up for those whose voices aren’t heard,” and “Support Israel, bring them home now, and find peace,” it was evident that these remarkable women had gathered to build a strong, vibrant, and joyful Jewish future.
Hosted by Federation’s Women’s Philanthropy and Young Leadership Division, The 2025 Community Event for Women celebrated the strength and leadership of Atlanta’s Jewish women while featuring a keynote address by best-selling author, renowned speaker, and Jewish activist Samantha Ettus.
Levi Burton, Federation’s Events Manager, described the vibrant atmosphere. “We were all basically shoulder to shoulder in the social room, but everyone loved that.” The room was transformed with lilac up-lighting, adding an elegant ambiance.
Guests mingled over signature cocktails and enjoyed the opportunity to connect across generations. “My family has deep roots in Federation.” Michelle Arogeti Stribling shared with the guests. “It’s a place where I feel connected to the broader Jewish community, where relationships are formed, nurtured, and passed down through generations.”
The program began with Carey Guggenheim, President of Women’s Philanthropy, who highlighted Federation’s global impact. Carey, originally from South Africa, reflected on the significance of Federation’s work in connecting and supporting Jewish communities worldwide.
Following this, two Israeli scouts led a stirring rendition of Hatikvah and the U.S. National Anthem. Federation President and CEO Renee Kutner offered a powerful D’var Torah, reflecting on the leadership of women in the Torah and its relevance today.
Samantha Ettus took the stage with a message of empowerment. Sharing her journey from social media observer to outspoken advocate against antisemitism, she encouraged attendees to embrace their voices.
“At some point, I figured the grownups would come in, the professors, the experts,” Samantha said. “But they didn’t. And I realized, maybe this is what I’m supposed to do… any moment can be our moment to move from general supporter to activist.”
Ettus’ keynote emphasized that activism takes many forms. “Just talking about this is enough,” she explained. “If you tell someone and they see things from a new perspective, they’ll share it. And that is worthwhile.”
When asked for one piece of advice for attendees, Ettus stressed that impactful action doesn’t require grand gestures; every act of kindness and advocacy matters. “Because we’re not all going to be able to be public speakers, we’re not all going to be able to give $100,000 checks, but we all can find one good thing to do for someone else every single day.”
This year’s Community Event for Women was a testament to the power of connection, philanthropy, and the enduring strength of Jewish women. Through shared stories and collective purpose, attendees left inspired to use their voices for good. “
Tonight, we celebrate the power of women’s philanthropy—the impact we can have when we come together.” Pailey Nooromid addressed the crowd. “Each of us has a story of how Federation has touched our lives. And each of us has the power to ensure that this community remains strong for generations to come.”
What happens when a community chooses to gather with purpose? When people unite not just to remember history — but to rewrite its future?
That’s exactly what Federation’s JGather program made possible with the launch of Gather & Connect — a program designed specifically for Gather Grant hosts. The series kicked off with Panelists & Parade, a powerful evening of dialogue, memory, and meaning centered on the legacy of Leo Frank. Attendees gathered for a special dinner and an inspiring panel conversation featuring four dynamic speakers who explored the deep intersections of Jewish identity, justice, and the arts followed by a private tour of the Breman Museum’s Leo Frank exhibit, and a moving performance of Parade at the Fox Theatre.
Carla Birnbaum, Federation’s Director of Community Engagement, opened the evening by thanking the hosts who “are building deeper connections and a stronger sense of belonging for everyone involved. We want to see a thriving, connected Jewish community where everyone’s voice is heard.” Since its launch, JGather has supported more than 1,600 Jewish gatherings — making Jewish life feel personal, accessible, and powerfully local.
Panelist Sandy Berman, Founding Archivist at The Breman, didn’t shy away from the painful lessons of history: “We have to look at the Frank case as what not to do. After Leo was lynched, the Jewish community went underground. They were totally silent… I think we no longer can be afraid. We have to speak out, and we can’t remain silent.”
Echoing this call to action, Robert Wittenstein, whose family was directly connected to the events of the Frank case, added: “The next great epic in Southern Jewry is going to be written by everybody in this room… While we must work hard as a community to right this wrong — Leo Frank was innocent — let us also not forget to be proud of being Jewish.”
The arts, too, emerged as a catalyst for connection. “There is no gathering like a theater experience,” said Mira Hirsch, theater artist and founder of Jewish Theatre of the South. “The Yiddish theater was the secular synagogue. It’s where you come together — to feel, to learn, to understand each other.”
Rabbi Daniel Dorsch of Congregation Etz Chaim offered a poignant reminder: “Good prayer inspires us to go out and pray with our feet.” He underscored how storytelling —like that of Parade — gives others the chance to encounter Jews and see our struggles as deeply human.
These themes carried through the voices of JGather hosts in the room.
“We used the grants to build Jewish community in Smyrna, where there wasn’t much,” shared Laura Zhiss. “Now we have a beautiful group that gathers quarterly.”
Another host, Leslie Levine, spoke about using her Gather Grant to create interfaith conversations on Israel and antisemitism: “There couldn’t be a better way to spend money than bringing people together for kind and curious conversation.”
And Galina Barshay, who hosted multiple Shabbat and Israel-themed gatherings, summed it up simply: “It’s a blessing to be part of the community.”
If we are to change the future, we must be brave enough to speak, to share, and to gather—again and again. As Wittenstein reminded us, “We can play a part in this history.” There is still time to right the wrong. The Fulton County District Attorney has the power to reopen the Leo Frank case — and with continued pressure from our community, justice can finally be served.
Until then, we do what Jews have always done: We gather. We connect. We create.
We’re already inspired by what’s blooming this spring—and we can’t wait to see what our incredible hosts have in store this summer. The next Individual Gather Grant cycle opens June 1 — apply and help shape the next chapter of Jewish Atlanta.
Each spring, Passover invites us to gather and retell our people’s ancient story of survival and liberation. But the story that stayed with us wasn’t told at the Seder table — it was shared in a room filled with young Jewish leaders.
On April 3, a group of young adults gathered for a moving evening of Holocaust remembrance. In partnership with 3G ATL and The Breman Museum, Federation’s Young Leadership Division (YLD) hosted a Zikaron BaSalon gathering — an intimate, Israeli-born movement that brings people together to hear firsthand or generational accounts of Holocaust survival.
The evening began with a guided tour at The Breman, and then Emily Yehezkel — founder of 3G ATL — shared her grandfather’s powerful story of survival.
Emily is a third-generation survivor. Her grandfather, Martin Brown (formerly Braun), was deported to Auschwitz, tattooed with prisoner number A7578, and later liberated from Dachau. After decades of silence, he finally found his voice — thanks in part to Nobel Laureate Elie Wiesel.
In 1986, Martin wrote a letter to Wiesel: “My voice has been stilled for forty years… I never discussed my bloody experiences with anybody—not even my children, not even my wife.”
Seeing Wiesel’s tattoo — just a few digits away from his own — gave him the courage to unlock what he called “this crypt in my heart.” He described himself as a “new-born survivor,” finally ready to speak. “I also feel obligated to carry on the cry of the dead… Your quotation shall forever live in my heart.”
Emily now carries that voice forward. “I do this to give him back his voice,” she said. “To let him know there’s power in his story.”
She also shared the emotional experience of meeting Hilbert “Hibby” Margol, a Jewish American hero — and longtime supporter of Federation — who helped liberate Dachau.
“It was such an emotional moment to be able to thank him in person for liberating the very camp where my grandfather was. It was the first and only time I’ve met a Liberator. I’ll never forget it.”
Rabbi Joe Prass, Director of the Weinberg Center for Holocaust Education at The Breman, reflected on the urgency of nights like this:
“Even as our survivors pass on, we need to make sure the next generation is sharing the stories that can’t be lost.”
That’s what 3G ATL, supported by Federation, was created to do. And it’s what YLD continues to champion—empowering young Jewish Atlantans to lead with purpose connect with Judaism and Israel while building the future of Jewish Atlanta.
“There’s so much power in our stories,” Emily said. “And we have to use them for good. We can’t be bystanders.”
As Holocaust education increasingly depends on second and third-generation voices, gatherings like Zikaron BaSalon are not just meaningful, they’re essential. This Passover, remember the stories that risk being forgotten — and commit to telling them for generations to come.
Be part of the next generation of Jewish memory-keepers, changemakers, and community leaders. Get involved with YLD.
Want to learn more about 3G ATL? Reach out to Emily at 3gatlantaga@gmail.com.
A sea of blue shirts, each adorned with a bright yellow flower, made their way toward the starting line at Brook Run Park. The morning air buzzed with energy, as hundreds of runners, walkers, bikers, and Atlanta community members of all ages gathered for a shared purpose — to remember, to honor, and to take action.
This was the 14th Annual Daffodil Dash, a community-wide Run/Walk/Bike event held on March 30th, in memory of the 1.5 million children who perished in the Holocaust, and in support of children facing humanitarian crises around the world today.
Organized by Am Yisrael Chai!, the Daffodil Dash raises awareness and funds for Holocaust education and genocide prevention, supporting programs like Kids for Kids, Raising South Sudan, Agahozo Shalom, the Atlanta Holocaust Survivor Fund, and the Jewish Federation of Atlanta Israel Support Fund.
This year’s race held an especially powerful emotional current. Before the race began, Nadav Cohen — one of this year’s Shinshinim (Israeli teen emissaries) — delivered a moving tribute to a personal hero. Dekel Swisa, a fellow Israeli and former Shinshin in Atlanta, was among the many who perished on October 7 while defending his country.
Dekel’s story, shared by Nadav with deep emotion, reminded us that the legacy of courage and giving continues. “Dekel was a hero,” Nadav said, standing before the crowd. “When his body was found, his weapon was empty. He stood as a barrier between the terrorists and Kibbutz Be’eri, holding the line as long as he could. Thanks to him, many lives were saved.”
Dekel, who once ran this very race as a Shinshin, was remembered not only for his bravery but for his spirit — his love for Atlanta’s Jewish community, his passion for giving, and his joy in simple things like a morning run or a chocolate chip cookie.
“In life, you have two options — to focus on yourself, or to do something better,” he once told his soldiers.
That message lived on in every step taken that morning.
Adding to the impact of the event, Atlanta recently marked a milestone with The Daffodil Project, planting their one-millionth daffodil.
These yellow blooms, seen throughout the city — from the Center for Civil and Human Rights to the King Center — form a “ribbon of consciousness,” a living Holocaust memorial symbolizing resilience, remembrance, and unity. More than 350,000 daffodils now bloom in Atlanta alone, making it the largest participating city in this global movement.
From planting flowers to lacing up sneakers, the message was clear: remembrance is active. It grows in gardens, echoes in footsteps, and lives on in our choices.
Thank you to Am Yisrael Chai!, our partners in memory and mission, and to everyone who showed up — in person or virtually — to run, walk, donate, and remember.
As we approach Passover and Yom HaShoah, Israel’s Holocaust Remembrance Day, these shared moments of Kehilla remind us of our strength and purpose.
We run for the children we lost.
We run for the children we can still save.
We run for the future we can build — together.
