As I prepare to enter adulthood through my Bat Mitzvah, I find myself reflecting on the importance of both my Jewish and Cuban heritage. These traditions have instilled in me a deep respect for community, connection to the land, and giving back.

The recent conflicts in Israel have deeply affected our family. It ignited within me a desire to support Israel in her deepest hour of need in recent memory. This is why I have chosen the Jewish National Fund’s (JNF) Build Together Campaign as my Mitzvah Project.

Build Together is a strategic initiative to rebuild communities in the Israel Envelope. Together we will honor the memory of those lost and give hope for the survivors when they return home. Together we will create a secure, beautiful haven that all residents will want to return to, and increase the population in this critical region, displaying to the world the unity of the Jewish people and of Zionists everywhere. In addition to asking my friends and family to support Build Together, I will also donate a percentage of the gifts I will receive from my Bat Mitzvah.

Thank you,

Gaby