American Friends of ELEM will host its annual Ray of Hope Benefit on Wednesday, Nov. 5 in New York City, honoring two leaders whose dedication to empowering youth reflects the mission of the organization.

Ari Ackerman will receive American Friends of ELEM’s Ray of Hope Award. An entrepreneur, philanthropist, powerful social media activist, sports team owner, and community leader, Ari has dedicated his career to building, giving and inspiring.

The Ray of Hope Award is a humanitarian award given annually by the American Friends of ELEM to recognize individuals or groups who show exceptional dedication to alleviating youth suffering, combating social inequality and promoting tolerance through their philanthropic efforts. Past recipients have demonstrated outstanding commitment to creating positive change for youth in Israel and worldwide.

Jonah Platt will receive American Friends of ELEM’s LifeSaver Award. The LifeSaver Award, established in 2010 by American Friends of ELEM, honors extraordinary individuals who confront abuse, inequality and intolerance while working to protect vulnerable youth. Through advocacy, education and awareness, recipients create dialogue, inspire change and serve as a beacon of hope in America, Israel and worldwide. Past LifeSaver Award recipients include Gal Gadot, Fran Drescher and Rachel Bloom.

Platt is a leading voice in today’s conversation on Jewish identity, culture and current events. He hosts “Being Jewish with Jonah Platt,”America’s number one Jewish podcast, spotlighting the richness of Jewish life through in-depth conversations with prominent Jews and allies, including Josh Gad, Van Jones, Erin Molan, Sheryl Sandberg, Congressman Ritchie Torres, and Stuart Weitzman.

The Ray of Hope Benefit celebrates ELEM’s four decades of work supporting Israel’s most vulnerable youth, addressing major issues, including domestic violence, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, homelessness, young motherhood, substance abuse, school attrition, depression, suicidal ideation and family system failure.

ELEM serves youth across Israel, from Jewish to Druze, LGBTQIA+ to Orthodox and secular communities. Funds raised at the New York benefit support year-round programs and emergency war response initiatives. With more than 30% of internally displaced Israelis being youth, ELEM reaches them in hotels, kibbutzim and schools. Many are Nova Music Festival survivors, have friends held hostage in Gaza or have lost family members. ELEM also enables displaced teens to stay in school and works to lower rates of depression, anxiety and substance abuse.

Lives Transformed by ELEM

“In November, I came to ELEM’s Wartime Pop-Up Space [the Breathing Spaces program] in our hotel for the first time. It was the first time I smiled since Oct. 7. These were people who saw me and gave me space. They used their eyes to communicate, to show me they were there for me. ELEM’s Breathing Space keeps me going while I’m here. I don’t know how I would have carried on without ELEM.” — Libby, displaced youth from southern Israel

“ELEM taught me to ask for help when I needed it. And now every year I run marathons in ELEM’s name. I run, dream, fight and accomplish. I came to A Real Home, ELEM’s program for women who were victims of sexual abuse growing up. I’ve never skipped a meeting. Through holiday dinners and many hours at home with the girls, I realized that I’m a part of a family.” — Yael, ELEM program alumna