OUR MISSION
Our core mission of rescuing homeless, abused, and abandoned Jewish children has remained the same, especially now with more victims and casualties of the war.
Granted, our location and circumstances have broadened, and that means our mission has evolved with a newfound focus to stabilize the lives of orphans and war refugees in Bucharest, Romania while also addressing ongoing humanitarian needs in Odessa, Ukraine.
livesTransforming with hope SINCE 1996
BOard Of Trustees
Ed Frankel, Chairman of the Board
Phil Gross, Vice President
Refael Kruskal, Vice President / CEO
Jeremy Posen, CFO
Elliot Schnier, Vice President
Andrew Stamelman, Secretary
Effy Zinkin, Vice President
Lori Donza, Treasurer
Rabbi Shlomo Baksht
Eugene Fershteyn
Leah Frankel
Keith Frankel
Rose Gerszberg
Jonathan Gerszberg
Morey Goldberg
Carla Harman
Russ Krivor
Oleg Langbort
Sheryl Lipman
Pamela Pekerman
Steve Poznak
Miryam Reinitz-Kops
Scott Rose
Sandra Sholl
Warren Stieglitz
Gala Honorees
Lifetime Achievement Award
led by founded by Mr. Albert Reichmann OB”M
Rabbi Shlomo Noach Mandel
The Founder and Guardian of TiKVA Award
Anthony & Lauren Moshal
Leadership and Service Award
Fleur Hassan-Nahoum
Israel Foreign Ministry Special Envoy and Former Deputy Mayor of Jerusalem
Keynote Speaker
special video message from academy award winner
Jon Voight
Business Leadership and Humanity Award
ELON GOLD PERFORMING LIVE!
Renowned comedian Elon Gold will headline the stage, bringing his acclaimed wit and heartfelt humor to an unforgettable evening celebrating impact, community, and hope.
A MESSAGE FROM OUR CEO
Dear Friends,
Someone once said, “Helping one person might not change the whole world, but it could change the world for one person.”
That truth has always been at the heart of TiKVA’s mission and in 2025, it meant more than ever.
This past year tested us in extraordinary ways. As global attention focused on Israel’s challenges, TiKVA’s lifesaving work for Jewish children and refugees from Ukraine continued quietly but powerfully, thanks to you.
Despite many of our traditional funding sources being redirected to urgent causes in Israel, we adapted and stayed true to our purpose.
Today, TiKVA stands stronger, more resilient, and filled with hope for the year ahead.
Our Impact at a Glance
Romania – Over 1050 refugees found safety and stability at our refugee site in Bucharest. 230 rented apartments are now full of life. Our schools and job-training programs empower children and adults to rebuild with dignity.
Odessa – In the face of war, more than 200 children continue to attend school, and 1,200 elderly and vulnerable residents rely on TiKVA for food, care, and compassion. Even after missile strikes damaged two
buildings, our staff and psychologists ensured no one was left alone in their trauma.
Israel – Our programs supported graduates, new immigrants, and lone soldiers through housing, employment, and emotional care. As conflict displaced families, our Jerusalem center kept its doors open as a refuge.
In the coming year, Tikva will continue providing safety in Odessa, renewal in Romania, and stability in Israel. None of this is possible without you.
Your compassion keeps our mission alive. Your generosity gives every child, every family, and every elder not just survival but hope for a brighter tomorrow.
Thank you for standing with us.
Together, we are saving lives and changing the future.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Refael
Refael Kruskal CEO of TiKVA
gala Committee
Donors Of Distinction
DIAMOND
TITANIUM
PLATINUM
COMMITTEE: CO-CHAIRS:
Eric and Sheila Samson Foundation
Pamela Pekerman | Michelle Finkelshteyn
Estee Bardanashvili
Peter & Natalya Erlikh
David Estrakh
Eugene & Katya Fershteyn
Inna Fershteyn
Rose Gerszberg
Seth & Emily Gerszberg
Morey Goldberg
Phil Gross
Olya Kislin
Rachel Kaplan
Russ Krivor
Sheryl Lipman
Natalie Pavel
Ellen Raboy
Effy Zinkin
staff
Yanna Begelman
Jewish Federation of North America (JFNA)
Eve & Stephen Milstein
Yael Foundation
Laurie & Phil Gross
Jewish Federation of
Greater MetroWest NJ
Michele Mandel
UJA-Federation of New York
gOld
Ethel & Steven Bram
Sarah & Alan Bram
Amy Caplan
Epstein Ostrove LLC/Daniel
Epstein & Elliot Ostrove
Natalya & Peter Erlikh
Frank Frankel z"l
Doug Fuller
Mikhail & Julie Gurevich
Family
Murray & Sydell Rosenberg Foundation, Inc.
Tracey & David Frankel
David Gross
Russ Krivor
Herrendorf Family Foundation
Pamela Pekerman & Steven Tenenbayev
Richard Rappaport & Family
Satell Family
silver
Arie & Eva Halpern Family
Foundation Inc./Henry Stein
Gayla & Dan Carney
Fain Family Foundation/ Colleen & Richard Fain
Craig Harrison
Mark Rosen & Family
Scherr Family Foundation/ Scott & Marc Scherr
Lori Donza treasurer
director of development Arielle Setton executive director
Chehebar Family Foundation, Inc.
Karen & Bruce Levenson
Miryam & Mike Kops
Wilheim Family
Sora & Jerry Wolasky
2000 s
1990 s
1993
Rabbi Baksht arrives on a mission to restore the Jewish community in a collapsed Former Soviet Union
1994
The Elementary School opens
1995
The Girls High School and Boys High School open
1996
The day schools convert to boarding schools rescuing 23 boys and 26 girls from brutal state-run orphanages
1997
The Great Choral Synagogue is reclaimed
1999
Ed Frankel & Seth Gerszbergs partnership with TiKVA begins: Refael Kruskal takes over as CEO
2001
Kindergarten opens
2002
Infants Home opens
2003
TiKVA opens the Jewish University of Odessa
2005
TiKVA Israel Center opens
2006
TiKVA opens a large and upgraded Girls Home & Campus
An additional Kindergarten opens to accommodate 140 children
2007
TiKVA opens a satellite elementary school in Tairova´
2010-20 s
2015
TiKVA opens a Psychology Center and program
2018
TiKVA launches´a Vocational/Technical program
2019
TiKVA breaks ground for a Boys Home & Campus
2022
TiKVA evacuates Odessa and sets up refuge in Romania
2023
TiKVA relocates community to Bucharest, Romania
2025
TiKVA continues supporting the lives of those in our care in Romania, those stuck in the war-zone in Odessa, and those that made Aliyah to Israel
HOW CAN I HELP?
Host a parlor meeting/ cocktail party in your home, office, or community!
Make TiKVA the beneficiary of your next Bar or Bat Mitzvah project!
Match your contribution! Inquire if your employer participates in a charitable donation matching program.
DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT!
Reach out to us with your ideas! Have an idea that will help TiKVA? Contact Yanna at YannaB@TikvaOdessa.org or 917-517-7879
Stay in the know! Learn about TiKVA's upcoming events at TikvaOdessa.org and spread the word!
For questions, please reach out to Yanna Begelman at 917-517-7879 or YannaB@TikvaOdessa.org
pillar of hOpeSponsors
At TiKVA, we believe every child deserves a safe place to grow, dream, and belong. It’s a belief that guides our work, and it’s a belief shared by this year’s extraordinary honorees.
We are proud to honor Shema Yisrael Foundation, Anthony & Lauren Moshal, Fleur Hasson-Nahoum, and National Debt Relief. Your generosity and leadership uplift not only TiKVA’s children but the entire community.
Thank you for standing with us, for investing in futures, and for reminding us all that hope is a responsibility we carry together.
With deep gratitude,
Ed & Leah Frankel
pillar of hOpe pillar of hOpe
Together with the entire TiKVA family, we offer our deepest Mazal Tov to this year’s honourees.
Shema Yisrael Foundation and Rabbi Shlomo Noach Mandel
From the very beginning, your belief in our children and commitment to TiKVA’s purpose have shaped our journey. Your guidance, partnership, and dedication continue to light the way forward for our community.
Anthony and Lauren Moshal
Your generosity has opened doors, changed lives, and created opportunity where there was none. Your trust in every child’s potential and your unwavering commitment to TiKVA strengthen our work in profound and lasting ways. You lead with heart, care with sincerity, and stand by our children with a sense of responsibility that inspires us deeply. TiKVA is stronger because of you, and so are the young lives shaped by your support.
National Debt Relief
Your care and quiet strength provide the stability and dignity that our children depend on. Through thoughtful support and genuine compassion, you help create futures filled with hope and possibility.
Fleur Hassan-Nahoum
A true voice of support and a tireless advocate, your dedication strengthens our mission and uplifts everyone who walks alongside us.
Together, you give our children safety, belonging, and the chance to grow with confidence and pride. Their future is brighter because of the care, generosity, and commitment you each bring to TiKVA’s family
Refael and Ayalla
pillar of hOpe pillar of hOpe
Congratulations
Tonight's Honorees
Congratulations to all the Honorees on tonight’s welldeserved tribute.
Thank you for your steadfast support and for sharing the journey as members of our “TiKVA Family.”
With great respect, Seth and Emily Gerszberg
Love
Keith & Tammy
pillar of hOpe pillar of hOpe
Dear Rabbi Kruskal and Mr. Frankel,
For more than 30 years, we at Shema Yisrael Yad Yissochor Dov and the Canadian Foundation for Education and Welfare have had the privilege of partnering with you on your awesome & lifesaving work at TiKVA.
We are inspired by Ed and Leah Frankel, who channelled their love and commitment for Jewish children into concrete action to save thousands.
We pay tribute to the tireless effort and leadership of Keith Frankel, Seth Gerszberg, Elliot Schnier, Andy Stamelman, and Phil Gross.
We are in awe of Refael Kruskal, whose super-human drive, deep humanity, and constant presence for every child, graduate, and member of the TiKVA family are a true example of leadership. His belief in every young life, and his determination to never leave anyone behind, continues to transform futures every day. Martin and Ilana, and Anthony and Lauren Moshal
Indeed, TiKVA is the crown jewel of our network of schools and communities in the former Soviet Union.
You continue to inspire all who know you, and are a true model of Jewish leadership in caring for Jewish children in need.
May the Almighty grant you and all the staff and supporters of TiKVA continued success in all that you do for our people.
Philip Reichmann Chairman of the Board
Rabbi Shlomo Noach Mandel
Executive Director
Canadian Foundation for the Education and Welfare of Jews of the CIS
Shema Yisrael Network of Schools and Communities in Eastern Europe and Central Asia
pillar of hOpe pillar of hOpe
Lauren and Anthony,
Thank you for your incredible support over many years.
Karen and Adam Bloom
With gratitude and admiration, we honor Anthony and Lauren for their extraordinary generosity, vision, and unwavering commitment to TiKVA.
Through their compassion and dedication, they have helped transform not only the lives of countless children, but the future of an entire community.
Their kindness is a reminder of what it means to care deeply, give selflessly, and believe in the power of hope.
The Schimmel Family
Congratulations to the TiKVA Family on this celebration of your dedication to the children of Klal Yisroel!
We are proud to support your endeavors and take part in this unparalleled mission.
Protector of Shelter Sponsors
Protector of Shelter
As a proud board member of TiKVA Children’s Home, I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative power of compassion, vision, and unwavering support.
This year’s honorees embody the values that sustain our mission: dignity, resilience, and hope.
Your generosity doesn’t just fund programs, it restores childhoods, rebuilds futures, and reminds every child that they are seen, valued, and loved.
With deepest gratitude,
Jocelyn & Elliot Schnier
To my dearest Ed, Leah, Keith & Tammy,
My heart is with you always.
Love, Missy
beacon of compassion Sponsors
I am very proud of Anthony’s commitment to TiKVA, an organization that has saved the lives of hundreds of Jewish children who otherwise would have been lost to the Jewish nation. It takes dedication and commitment on the part of all those involved. Anthony is a true Moshal, a family that for generations has been committed to helping those in need.
Well done Anthony
Your loving Mother
Beacon of Compassion
Mazal Tov to Anthony and Lauren on their well deserved honor for all that they have done for TiKVA. We are so proud of all that they have achieved.
All our love,
Ilana and Martin Moshal and family
Beacon of Compassion
Beacon of Compassion
We have often heard about the moment Anthony got involved with TiKVA, and how it felt that the timing and cause were perfectly aligned. Through the years, Anthony and Lauren have continued to be involved not just with TiKVA as an organization, but as part of the family of TiKVA.
There is no doubt in the Torah truth that saving a single life saves the world entire, and they have helped save many lives in both the Jewish sense, and actual physical sense. May they continue to be blessed.
Love Richard, Batya, and Family
Dear Ant and Lauren, Mazal Tov on this well deserved recognition of your long standing commitment and support for TiKVA.
Love, Karyn, Paul, Aron , and Sophia.
is proud to support TiKVA’s meaningful mission.
We know that your love and support are giving these beautiful children a chance at life they would otherwise never have.
Thank you for your incredible work.
Beacon of Compassion
Leydiker Family is honored to support TiKVA Children’s Home.
Tom
At TiKVA Children’s Home, we see resilience every day; in the eyes of children who’ve endured too much, and in the hearts of those who choose to stand beside them.
Tonight, we honor Shema Yisrael Foundation, National Debt Relief, Anthony & Lauren Moshal, Fleur Hasson-Nahoum, and all our new and existing Donors of Distinction; not just for their generosity, but for their belief in every child’s right to safety, dignity, and love.
Your support strengthens our work, lifts our spirits, and reminds us that we are not alone in this mission.
With deepest gratitude,
The TiKVA US Staff - Arielle, Lori & Yanna
With heartfelt gratitude and deep admiration, we celebrate Anthony and Lauren for their remarkable generosity, visionary spirit, and steadfast commitment to TiKVA.
Their friendship and support have not only changed the lives of countless children but have also positively impacted the future of an entire community.
Their kindness serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of caring deeply, giving selflessly, and nurturing hope.
Karen Bodenstein, CEO TiKVA UK
To my fellow trustees and all the board members and volunteers who, for the past 25 years, accomplished the unthinkable - revitalizing a Jewish community, in Odessa, that was ravaged by a communist regime - thank for for setting an example of what it means to take care of our people.
From your efforts, we can learn not to stand idly and to be a source of active hope for the most vulnerable Jewish communities.
You enabled this corner of diaspora to know that when we chant “Am Yisrael Chai”, the Jewish children of Odessa are part of our peoplehood and collective narrative.
We must not let them down.
We must continue to be their hope.
Pamela Pekerman & Steve Tenenbayev
With gratitude and pride, I am honored to co-chair this year’s TiKVA Children’s Home Gala.
Tonight, we celebrate courage, community, and the opportunity to transform the lives of Jewish orphans.
Your generosity provides safety, education, and opportunity—creating independence, hope, and brighter futures.
Thank you for helping us make a lasting impact.
Ilya, Michelle, Rachel and Jenna Finkelshteyn
We are honored to celebrate this year’s gala honorees:
Shema Yisrael Foundation
Anthony & Lauren Moshal
Fleur Hasson-Nahoum
National Debt Relief
Your leadership and generosity reflect the very heart of TiKVA’s mission. You don’t just support children, you restore futures.
With deep appreciation for your partnership and your belief in the power of hope,
Phil & Laurie Gross
Shelter of hope
Eugene & Ekaterina Fershteyn and Spenser
Winston Security would like to thank and congratulate tonight’s honorees and the donors of distinction on their achievements and dedication to the children and Jewish community of TiKVA.
Sponsors guardian of tomorrow
Guardian of Tomorrow
Guardian of Tomorrow
At TiKVA Children’s Home, every child we reach carries a story of survival, and every supporter helps rewrite that story with dignity, safety, and love.
Tonight, we honor Shema Yisrael Foundation, Anthony & Lauren Moshal, Fleur Hasson-Nahoum, and National Debt Relief. Your leadership is not just generous, it’s transformative.
You remind us that healing is possible, that futures can be rebuilt, and that no child should ever feel forgotten.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Robin & Andy Stamelman
TiKVA is a Blessing that brings Tikkun Olum into the world. We are so privileged to be part of this amazing organization and thank the Frankels for getting us involved.
Love, Dena and Morey
We are proud to support TiKVA Children’s Home and to honor this year’s distinguished gala honorees.
Your leadership and generosity exemplify the values we hold dear: integrity, compassion, and long-term impact.
Cheers to
Ed & Leah, Refael & Ayalla, and the entire TiKVA staff!
We are in awe of all of you.
Carla & Warren
In Loving Memory of Frank Frankel
May Frank’s memory be a source of comfort and strength to the entire Frankel family.
May your continued dedication to TiKVA serve as a lasting merit in his honor.
With love,
It is an honor to pay tribute to our esteemed honorees.
Rose Gerszberg
Effy & Devora Zinkin
We are proud to be a friend and supporter of TiKVA Children’s Home.
Congratulations to this year’s honorees!
Congratulations on all you have accomplished!
The Bloom Family Lee, Anna, Ellie & Leila
We Are Proud to Support the Tikva Children’s Home Annual Gala
Congratulations to honorees Rabbi Shlomo Noach Mandel, Anthony and Lauren Moshal, Fleur Hassan-Nahoum and National Debt Relief
Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP
Ever y child deser ves a safe tomorrow.
Today, being Jewish feels heavier. Antisemitism is rising again in our cities, in our schools, and in places that once felt safe. It hurts to see. It’s painful and disheartening.
But in this challenging moment, something important becomes clearer: we are one people. What connects us isn’t just ritual or tradition. It’s something deeper, a sense of family, memory, and shared responsibility. We have always carried each other and that’s what has kept us enduring through every generation.
TiK VA
CHILDREN'S HOME
Nurturing bright futures, one child at a time.
Financing small businesses since 1993.
That’s why the work of TiKVA is so meaningful. When we support TiKVA, we’re not just giving. We’re helping to keep the Jewish future alive. Every child who grows up surrounded by love and community, every life rebuilt with dignity, every spark of hope lit again, all of it strengthens the light that has guided our people for thousands of years.
To be Jewish is to hold both the pain and the pride of our story. We are the descendants of those who stood strong in the face of hatred, who chose courage and hope when the world tried to take it away. Now it’s our turn to do the same, to choose unity, compassion, and purpose.
When we come together, with open hearts, with generosity, with love, there is nothing we cannot overcome. When we stand together, we don’t just survive, we thrive.
Am Yisrael Chai.
Peter & Natalya Erlikh
Congratulations to the honorees!
Jill and Jay Bernstein
visionary of hope Sponsors
We are proud to support TiKVA in honor of our dear friends
Leah and Ed Frankel
May their dedication, commitment and heartfelt concern for the children yield continued success for all in a kinder gentler world!
Alice & Jacob Klein visionary of hope visionary of hope
With deep admiration, we salute this year’s honorees for their unwavering commitment to children, community, and hope. A special thank you to the Frankel Family for all they do for the children of TiKVA.
Judy Lovitch & The Aronson & Miller Families
visionary of hope visionary of hope
To the TiKVA Board and entire TiKVA team, Chazak V’Amatz!
Miryam & Mike Kops
In honor of Miryam Kops and Yanna Begelman for their tireless devotion to TiKVA.
Congratulations to all the honorees!
Josh Goldberg and Family
SERVING FLORIDA & BEYOND FOR OVER 50 YEARS
We
visionary of hope visionary of hope
Richard Rappaport Family Foundation
Richard, Dayna, Brian
Pray for the end of the war and the safe return of the Children to their TiKVA Home in Odessa
please contact: Vincent A. Keaveny
Managing Director, Private Client Advisor 631.547.7616, vincent.a.keaveny@bofa.com
City Blossoms
Gregg
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