At this year’s Fall Luncheon, we are honored to welcome powerful voices from the Forum for Reservists’ Wives – Fighting for Our Homes, a grassroots movement born from the unimaginable reality facing so many Israeli families since October 7.
As IDF reservists answered the call to defend Israel, their families faced a battle of their own—mothers suddenly parenting alone, holding down jobs, and carrying the emotional burden of fear and uncertainty. These women became the quiet heroes of this war, the strength behind the front lines.
In response, a group of these women came together to form the Forum for Reservists’ Wives. What began as a movement to support one another has grown into a leading national voice advocating for the rights, dignity, and future of military families. The Forum is proudly supported by the Jewish Federations of North America’s $800 million Israel Emergency Campaign—a campaign you helped make possible.
Location will be provided upon registration.
Couvert: $100 ($54 for those 40 and under)
The couvert helps offset event costs and is not a donation.
Dietary Laws Observed
Attendance requires a minimum 2026 Pomegranate-level commitment of $1,800, or a Step-up Pomegranate commitment to the Annual Campaign.
Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta | Women’s Philanthropy

This year’s featured speakers include courageous women from the Forum and the IDF reservist community, each bringing a unique perspective on resilience, leadership, and the fight for Israel’s future:

CEO, IDF Reservists’ Wives Forum
Married to Idan | Mother of Yael (5) and Yonatan (1.5)
Miriam lives in the Jerusalem Hills with her two young children and husband, Idan—a well-known Israeli singer and actor, best known for his lead role in Netflix’s Fauda. Idan was called up on October 7 to serve with his elite combat unit and served for over 100 days before being severely injured in Gaza. He is now undergoing a lengthy rehabilitation process. Professionally, Miriam brings over a decade of nonprofit leadership experience. She previously served as Director of Link20, a national network of young changemakers promoting inclusion and equality in Israel.

Head of PR and Communications, IDF Reservists’ Wives Forum
Married to Lottan | Mother of Ethan (3)
Avital is married to Lottan, a Major (res.) and CTO/co-founder of a startup company. Lottan served for approximately 200 days during the Iron Swords War. Throughout that time, Avital managed the home front, raising their three-year-old son, Ethan. With a background in television, radio, and public relations, Avital is a co-founder of the Forum and leads all media outreach, public relations, and communications efforts. She plays a key role in shaping the Forum’s public profile and raising awareness about the challenges facing reservist families. Avital also continues to serve as a reservist producer and editor at the IDF Radio station (Galei Tzahal).

VP of Operational Excellence, ManpowerGroup Israel
Married to Tal | Mother of Yuval (10) and Itamar (7)
Dikla is married to Tal, a reservist officer in Unit 6261, who has served more than 300 days since October 7, primarily along the Gaza border. In January 2024, a tragic building collapse in southern Gaza claimed the lives of five of his soldiers—an event that deeply impacted the entire family. When not in uniform, Tal works at Elbit Systems, a leading defense technology firm. At home, Dikla has carried the full weight of parenting and daily life, balancing a demanding career with the emotional toll of prolonged absence, fear, and uncertainty.

Proprietor, Oliva Restaurant Group & Moderator
Mother of Ethan (12), Ari (10), and Carmel (7)
Born and raised in Haifa, Israel, Tal Baum studied architecture in Florence, Italy, where she also developed a deep appreciation for Italian cuisine and published a cookbook, Zeb. Her passion for food and design led her to open Bellina Alimentari in Atlanta’s Ponce City Market in 2015, emphasizing seasonal ingredients and community support.
Building on its success, she expanded with three more restaurants: Aziza, a modern Israeli eatery inspired by her roots; Falafel Nation, a quick-serve falafel stand using her grandmother’s recipe; and Rina, an Israeli street food spot on the Eastside BeltLine. As one of just three women-led restaurant groups in Atlanta, Baum’s Oliva Restaurant Group blends culinary innovation with thoughtful design and a commitment to community.
Watch the day-to-day reality of reservists’ wives.
Adrienne Figur
Liann Freeman
Rita LeVine
Susan Newman
Mia Spolan
Lauren Abes
Stephanie Abes
Cheryl Ahlzadeh
Ellen Arnovitz
Beth Arogeti
Joel Ashner
Cherie Aviv
Marcy Bass
Tal Baum
Candy Berman
Caryn Berzack
Joanne Birnbrey
Gabrielle Bloom
Leah Blum
Elaine Blumenthal
Lisa Brill
Staci Brill
Beth Brown
Delilah Cohen
Carol Cooper
Ann Davis
Elizabeth Davis
Leah Davis
Lee Edelman
Ilene Engel
Ina Enoch
Kathy Evans
Abbey Flaum
Julie Flynn
Amy Fox
Jennifer Freeman
Viki Freeman
Robin Friedrich
Erica Gal
Hilary Goldberg
Ellen Goldstein
Cathy Gottlieb
Dara Grant
Lisa Greenberg
Linda Greenwald
Shauna Grosswald
Carey Guggenheim
Lynne Halpern
Jodi Halpert
Lisa Haynor
Gail Heyman
Ellen Hyman
Deborah Jacobs
Candace Kerker
Sara Kogon
Jennifer Korach
Debbie Kuniansky
Bonnie Kwatnez
Michelle Leven
Deborah Levinson
Barbara Lincoln
Melissa Maldin
Jennifer Malkin
Susan Mannheimer
Denny Marcus
Charlotte Marks
Mindy Mitzner Zisholtz
Karen Much
Debbie Neese
Linda Newport
Carolyn Oppenheimer
Julie Oshins
Beth Paradies
Aviva Postelnik
Jody Reichel
Stephanie Reiner
Amy Robinson
Peggy Roth
Carol Rubin
Kathy Sachs
Jessica Sacks
Louise Samsky
Lynn Saperstein
Francie Schwarz
Tracy Seitz
Cathy Selig
Linda Selig
Mindy Selig-Shoulberg
Stacey Shapiro
Carly Siegel
Michelle Simon
Vicky Sloan
Kerri Snow
Mitzi Solomon
Ellen Spandorfer
Beverly Stahl
Tamar Stern
Randi Steuer
Betty Sunshine
Robin Sysler
Halina Szlam
Julie Taube
Jennifer Tetrick
Arin Tritt
Tova Tritt
Lori Vainer
Robin Wall
Raleigh Wasser
Rebekah Wasserman
Ava Wilensky
Suzy Wilner