Teens in Hartford
Helping Teens in Israel

The Koby Mandell Foundation is the largest provider of emotional support services for the thousands of bereaved Israelis who have lost an immediate family member to terror. Most programs are provided free of charge, combining formal, informal, and recreational therapeutic techniques that foster an environment of healing and emotional support. Rabbi Seth and Sherri Mandell established the Koby Mandell Foundation in 2001 after their 13-year-old son Koby and his friend Yosef Ishran were brutally murdered by terrorists near their home in Israel.  

“My family has a special bond with Koby Mandell,” shared Meryl Braunstein, who is Vice Chair of the Mandell JCC Board of Directors. “Koby’s father Seth is my father’s first cousin.  When I learned of the unthinkable attacks on October 7, I immediately thought of Sherri and Seth and their family.  I wanted to know that they were safe.  I also wanted to know how it would be possible for them to continue doing the work of their Foundation, where the tragic loss of loved ones has just grown exponentially.”  

On November 7, local teens gathered to create stress relief support bags for children in Israel being served by the Koby Mandell Foundation who have lost family members and are living in stressful situations. Items like essential oils, stress relief toys, and breathing, yoga and relaxation exercises were included as were cards and notes written by local, West Hartford teens. Teens also made blue and white friendship bracelets to add to the bags. “As we grieve for our collective Israeli family, I wanted to find ways to help show support,” Meryl added. “There are so many of us who want to help our Israeli brothers and sisters in some way. Everyone is struggling with how to process the current state of affairs. This was a unique opportunity for our teens to engage in an activity that will directly help lift the spirits of families in Israel while providing them a safe space to be together during this difficult time. My heartfelt thanks goes out to the Fechtor and Temkin families, along with S&S Worldwide, who also generously supported this meaningful mitzvah project.”