NEW YORK – The La’Aretz Foundation hosted its Annual Benefit on Tuesday, Nov. 4, at the historic Harmonie Club in New York City, marking a powerful evening of unity, strength, and hope for Israel.
This year’s benefit took place at a pivotal moment. With the war’s hopeful end and the long-awaited return of the hostages, Israel entered a new phase of recovery. As families began to heal, they faced the emotional and financial burden of rebuilding their lives, and that was when La’Aretz’s mission became more vital than ever.
La’Aretz dedicated the evening to providing direct assistance to Israelis in need in six key areas. In 2026, with funding raised during the annual benefit, La’Aretz will help reservists rebuild their livelihoods, support families in post-trauma financial crisis, and establish an emergency grant fund for future crises. The foundation will also assist families affected by war-related suicide and continue providing higher education scholarships for those who served.
The evening featured Ambassador Ofir Akunis, Consul General of Israel in New York; a single mother from Israel who shared firsthand story of resilience and the impact of La’Aretz’s support; a special performance by “M,” an elite IDF soldier in the unit that “Fauda” is based on, whose music has inspired millions; and Ben Carasso, known as “The Spokeskid of Israel,” representing the strength of Israel’s next generation. Guests also enjoyed a kosher dinner curated by Michelin star chef Eyal Shani.
“This was a night of courage, compassion, and community,” Shelly Pitman, La’Aretz Foundation’s co-founder, said. “We celebrated resilience and renewed our commitment to stand by Israeli families as they rebuild their lives. Bat Yam is just one of many examples of Israeli resilience, and the dedication of our community to help Israelis at moments that matter.”
The city of Bat Yam fell victim to Iran’s brutal ballistic missile attack on June 15. The coastal city was devastated by this attack, damaging residential buildings and forcing over 2,000 Israelis to move into hotels or with their families. La’Aretz swiftly provided 500 families from Bat Yam with a $2,500 grant of direct aid, enabling them to begin the rebuilding process immediately.
Among those assisted by La’Aretz was Hamutal Hanna Cohen, a single mom who narrowly escaped tragedy by taking her two sons to safety an hour before a missile strike destroyed their Bat Yam home on that fateful day. Cohen joined the crowd to discuss the meaning of La’Aretz’s assistance and how it has enabled her family to focus on rebuilding their lives.
“I have no doubt that we will rise and grow from this devastation,” Cohen said. “This growth is partly thanks to organizations and people like you, who stand by our side during difficult times. Your generosity reminds us that the bond between Jews worldwide and friends of the Jewish people is real, alive, and beating.”
“I want to thank my dear friends and founders of the La’Aretz Foundation, Shelly and Mike Pitman, for all you do for the State of Israel,” Ambassador Akunis said. “It is not obvious that a young couple establishes such a great organization. You remind me of the young, brave and courageous Jewish warriors who built the Jewish State. So, on behalf of the State of Israel, thank you.”
All proceeds from the event will directly aid Israeli families in crisis, helping displaced families rebuild their homes, widowed mothers raising children, injured soldiers in rehabilitation, and small businesses recovering from the war’s devastation.
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