Pamela Azaria
International Resources Director
Last month, Chimes Israel’s Resource Development team embarked on a meaningful tour across the US to engage with supporters, share stories of resilience, and inspire action. The journey began with Pamela Azaria, the International Resources lead, attending the Jewish Federations of North America’s General Assembly in Washington D.C. There, she met with lay leaders and Federation professionals from across North America. The discussion topics included the pressing issues facing American Jews—campus antisemitism, Israel’s security, and the ongoing war.
Pamela’s key message was gratitude. JFNA had generously supported Chimes Israel through its Emergency War Fund, providing vital resources such as communication technology, therapeutic equipment, food, and medicine to families in Ashkelon, a city under constant rocket fire. As she met Federation representatives, Pamela thanked them for their contributions and shared the impact they were having on the ground.
“Everyone I met seemed genuinely invested in hearing Chimes Israel’s stories about our Ashkelon beneficiaries. Most had contributed to the Emergency War Fund and were thrilled to see how their support was making a tangible difference,” said Azaria. “What struck me most was how the Jewish community, despite grappling with their own challenges related to rising antisemitism, remains steadfastly behind Israel. They are extremely committed to ensuring victory in this war and the survival of the one and only Jewish State.”
Following this, Orel Galula Lapid, Chimes Israel’s Resource Development Director, and Ofra Mor, the Domestic Resource Development lead, joined Pamela for the next leg of the tour—the Jewish National Fund Global Conference in Dallas. There Chimes Israel set up an Expo booth, featuring unique Israeli jewelry from designers Shelly Dahari and Shlomit Ofir. The jewelry drew a crowd and became a jumping off point for talking about Chimes Israel.
“The jewelry was an incredibly effective strategy,” said Lapid. “It brought more people to our booth than any others, and through these conversations, we were able to highlight our urgent need for a fortified early childhood center in Ashkelon, and make valuable connections.”
The tour continued with a series of intimate chef dinners in Florida and New York. The concept was simple yet powerful—bringing the flavors and stories of Israel to the US. Guests gathered in beautiful homes for gourmet Israeli meals, prepared by Chef Nir Margalith. Yatir Winery, known for its boutique wines from the Judean Hills, generously provided their exquisite selections, including the flagship Yatir Forest wine. The dinners were a partnership with Rishpon Healing Village, Chef Nir’s non-profit, allowing guests to learn about war relief efforts from two distinct but equally vital perspectives.
“It was heartwarming to see how much these Americans cared about Israel, its people, and our trauma,” said Domestic Resource Development lead, Ofra Mor. “Our events were filled to capacity, with every guest listening attentively to our stories. Most importantly, there was an outpouring of generosity for both causes.”
Despite the whirlwind schedule—six cities in four US states in two weeks—the team returned exhilarated by the outpouring of support they encountered. The genuine love and concern for Israel, coupled with the determination to make a difference, reaffirmed the strength of the global Jewish community.
“The Chimes Israel US outreach tour demonstrated that no matter the distance or challenges, the Diaspora’s bond with Israel remains unbreakable,” said Lapid. “With our newfound American supporters helping us stand strong in the face of adversity, Chimes Israel is a force for resilience, compassion, and hope.”
