Ray of Hope Benefit

Thursday, October 29, 2026
6 PM (New York, NY)

Address provided upon registration.

Ray of Hope Benefit

Thursday, October 29, 2026
6 PM (New York, NY)

Address provided upon registration.

Ray of Hope Benefit

Thursday
October 29, 2026
6 PM (New York, NY)

Address provided upon registration.

Join American Friends of ELEM for our signature Ray of Hope Benefit — an unforgettable evening that brings together the vibrant flavors, rich diversity, and resilient spirit of Israel while investing in what matters most: its youth and young people.

Guests will enjoy an extraordinary culinary experience featuring acclaimed Israeli chefs representing the many cultures and traditions that make Israel so unique. Through food, laughter, storytelling, and community, we will celebrate the people, heritage, and resilience that define Israel, even during its most challenging times.

While we celebrate Israel’s culture and resilience, we will also shine a light on the realities facing thousands of vulnerable youth and young people across the country. For more than 40 years, ELEM has stood beside Israel’s most vulnerable youth, ensuring that no young person has to face life’s greatest challenges alone. As the needs of young people continue to grow, so does our collective responsibility to ensure they have the support, guidance, and opportunities they deserve.

Whether you come for the incredible cuisine, the inspiring stories, the laughter, or simply to stand with Israel, you will leave knowing you have helped create brighter futures for thousands of young people who need us today.

Together, we will celebrate Israel’s rich cultural mosaic, strengthen our community, and invest in the next generation of hope.

Because when we invest in Israel’s youth, we invest in Israel’s future.

FEATURING

COMEDY & ENTERTAINMENT

Olga Namer

Olga Namer is a New York City–based stand-up comedian and winner of Ladies of Laughter. Her comedy has been featured on Don’t Tell Comedy, and she has opened for Modi, Elon Gold, Chelsea Handler, Howie Mandel, and the late Gilbert Gottfried. She performs regularly at comedy clubs and venues across New York and around the country.

FROM THE FRONT LINES IN ISRAEL

Roni Moskovich

Roni Moskovich is the manager of ELEM's Hafuch Youth Center in Tzfat, where she leads therapeutic services for at-risk youth facing challenges including addiction, family conflict, school disengagement, and emotional crisis. A licensed social worker, she brings firsthand experience helping vulnerable adolescents build resilience, strengthen coping skills, and reconnect with supportive communities.

Taste of Resilience

We are proud to highlight local culinary champions who have faced targeted boycotts and antisemitic harassment. Join us in supporting these resilient business owners, experiencing their incredible food, and showing that our community stands united against hate.

Beejhy Barhany

Tsion Café

Beejhy Barhany is a distinguished chef, author, and cultural bridge-builder who uses food as a universal language to connect communities worldwide. She is the proprietor of Tsion Café, an acclaimed Ethiopian-Israeli restaurant serving as a nurturing community hub in Harlem.

Rachel Simons

Seed + Mill

Rachel Simons is the founder of Seed + Mill, the first store devoted to sesame products in the United States. Their high-quality tahini and halva are favorites of chefs and home cooks alike and are carried in over 1,700 stores, including Whole Foods Markets, Sprouts, and beloved specialty stores across the US. Seed + Mill has been featured in Forbes, The New York Times, Food52, Bon Appétit, and more.

ZiZi Chelsea is where founder Sharon Hoota brought his full vision to life — a restaurant that reflects his Moroccan-Israeli heritage, his deep love for bold, seasonal cooking, and his devotion to creating spaces that feel like home. ZiZi Chelsea brings all of his passions together: soulful dishes, a relaxed yet refined setting, and a sense of genuine connection that keeps guests coming back. It’s a place where every detail — from the olive oil to the playlist — reflects Sharon’s personal touch.

Refreshments will not be kosher-certified.
For kosher accommodation requests, please let us know upon registering.

TICKET & SPONSORSHIP DETAILS

Click any tier below to view details and benefits.

Tickets

Sponsorships

Supports ELEM's Good People initiative, where trained professionals and volunteers provide emotional support, crisis intervention, and harm reduction at music festivals and large public gatherings, helping young people in vulnerable moments before a crisis escalates.

Benefits include:

Admission for 20 guests
Exclusive Presenting
Sponsor recognition
Premier recognition on all marketing materials, event signage, social media, website, and event emails
Recognition during ELEM’s remarks at the event
Reserved VIP seating
Name in ELEM’s annual report that is presented to the President of Israel

Supports ELEM's Digital Outreach Program, providing online crisis intervention and emotional support to youth through digital platforms, ensuring help is available wherever and whenever young people reach out.

Benefits include:

Admission for 12 guests
Premier sponsor recognition
Recognition on social media, website, signage, and emails
Recognition during ELEM remarks at the event
Name in ELEM’s annual report that is presented to the President of Israel

Supports ELEM's Outreach Vans, bringing trained professionals directly to vulnerable youth in communities across Israel, providing immediate support, counseling, and connections to critical services.

Benefits include:

Admission for 8 guests
Recognition on event marketing materials, social media, signage, and website
Recognition during ELEM’s remarks at the event
Name in ELEM’s annual report that is presented to the President of Israel

Register & Sponsor

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: October 26

Please make all checks payable to American Friends of ELEM and mail to:

American Friends of ELEM
35 Journal Square, Suite 531
Jersey City, NJ 07306

Register Below

Early bird sales end September 15.
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: October 26

Purchase Tickets

Become a Sponsor

Together, we will celebrate Israel’s rich cultural mosaic, strengthen our community, and invest in the next generation of hope.

Because when we invest in Israel’s youth, we invest in Israel’s future.