An unusual transformation has swept through the Israeli community in Los Angeles since the outbreak of the war in Israel. Many have found themselves becoming social activists, fervently organizing demonstrations, soliciting donations and gathering funds from friends and family for the IDF.
Some have gone to great lengths, flying to Israel to personally deliver crucial equipment like bulletproof vests and helmets to soldiers. Others, who were in Israel on vacation before the terror attack, chose to extend their stay to prepare hot kosher meals for the soldiers. Notably, there’s even an Israeli artist who, while visiting Israel, volunteered for ZAKA and helped with the sacred work of collecting bodies.
This unprecedented surge of activism reflects a profound shift in people’s willingness to dedicate themselves entirely to the cause. Noa Zahavi, an Israeli actress who has lived in Los Angeles for seven years, shared her perspective on this change.
“I moved here with my husband when I was pregnant with my first daughter,” Zahavi said. “One of the reasons we chose to relocate was our concern for the security situation in Israel. On the day we got married there were three teen boys, Yaakov Naftali Frenkel, Gil-Ad Shaar and Eyal Yifrach, who were kidnapped by Hamas members. We questioned how we could raise children in Israel under such circumstances.”
In Israel, Zahavi performed at the Cameri Theater and her husband worked as a technical producer. After moving to L.A., Noa dubbed the voice for the character Hila Bashan in “Fauda” and focused on raising her two children, ages four and seven. A month before the terrorist attack, she established a performing arts school. However, in the aftermath, she set aside her endeavors to wholeheartedly commit to supporting the families of the abductees.
Driven by a shared sense of responsibility, Zahavi formulated a plan to assist these families. She initiated a call to action by posting on social media and invited families to contact her for media interviews in the United States. Joining forces with producer Tal Yaari, a friend and colleague, they organized interviews, arranged for meetings with influencers and people in the entertainment industry. The Israeli Consulate then reached out with a request for collaboration, followed by an official request from the Hostage Families Forum in Israel to establish an official branch in LA.
The families of the hostages arrived in the U.S. and met with Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, lit Shabbat candles in Beverly Hills and participated in events including a large-scale solidarity gathering at Sinai Temple with senior members of the Black Christian community. One ongoing project focuses on fulfilling wishes for the children who returned to Israel after being kidnapped by Hamas. One ongoing project focuses on fulfilling wishes of the children who were released by Hamas. Notably, singer Coco Malone created a video for Abigail Edan and got Emily Hand, who is a huge Beyoncé fan, an invitation to attend Beyoncé’s concert.
Several celebrities, including Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sharon Stone, took the time to meet with the families. Stone hosted a few family members at her home, including Ella Shani and Yoni Asher. Fourteen year-old Ella from Kibbutz Be’eri told Stone about her father’s murder and the abduction of her cousin Amit, 16. Yoni’s wife Doron and their two daughters, Raz (4) and Aviv (2), were also taken by Hamas (and since released). After the meeting, Stone shared an emotional post in which she wrote, “Meeting people whose children were taken prisoners and who lost their close family members. Don’t support violence.” Stone pledged to personally speak to the Red Cross and do everything in her power to assist the families.
Another meeting took place at the home of Scooter Braun, Justin Bieber’s Jewish manager, along with film producer Lawrence Bender (“Kill Bill,” “Inglourious Basterds”).
Zahavi said that they are working on bringing the families of hostages and other lecturers to U.S. campuses, mainly those who have been known for their antisemitic rhetoric, in order to create a shift. “Those universities are being funded for years by Qatar which results in a history of hatred in U.S. Campuses. We aim to inform major companies like Procter & Gamble about the funding sources and activities at these institutions.”
The activity of the organization is funded by donations which goes to bringing the families to the U.S., hotels, car rentals, billboards and a truck featuring “LEDs” displaying pictures and names of the hostages. Zahavi, who is arranging interviews and raising money, admitted it’s not easy, but there is an urgency to bring awareness to the grave situation of the hostages.
“We don’t have a moment to lose.” – Noa Zahavi
“We don’t have a moment to lose,” she said. “We receive shocking testimonies from the released hostages regarding the situation of those who are still there, especially what they are doing to women in captivity. We know about severe sexual crimes against women. We heard testimonies about women who are being used as sex slave (sic). There is one hostage that was released and got pregnant there and needed to have an abortion and now is dealing with the mental consequences of what she had endured. They need to be released today, not tomorrow. People don’t realize how severe the situation is.”
For more information, visit BringThemHomeNow.us
