In honor of my bat mitzvah, I’m raising funds for Lifting Hands International (LHI), an organization dedicated to supporting refugees and displaced persons both at home and abroad. This cause means so much to me because my mom volunteered with LHI and saw firsthand the impact they have on people in desperate need. In addition to helping refugees in some of the world's most challenging places, LHI is also active in Lebanon, where my grandfather's family lives, bringing their work even closer to home for me.

As I celebrate my Jewish heritage, I remember how often my ancestors were also refugees throughout history, so helping those forced from their homes feels very personal to me. LHI provides critical aid like food, medical care, and education to families and children who have lost nearly everything. One of my favorite programs they have is Animal Tracks, where they provide a family with a pair of goats or other animals to help them become self-sufficient by selling milk and cheese and breeding livestock.

I’d be so grateful if you could support my fundraiser. Even a small contribution makes a real difference to families facing unimaginable hardship. Thank you for being part of my bat mitzvah and helping me make a positive impact!