7, 2023. (Ben Sales/JTA)
As the group continues to navigate the challenges of being Israeli expats in the aftermath of conflict, the Israeli Hug Center remains a vital resource for those seeking support, community, and connection in their new home in New York City.
For Nornberg and her team, the goal remains the same: to provide a warm and welcoming environment where Israelis can feel at home, supported, and understood.
And as they expand their partnerships and programming to include Jewish American women, the Israeli Hug Center is creating opportunities for cultural exchange, dialogue, and friendship that bridge the gap between different communities.
With every event, meeting, and conversation, the Israeli Hug Center is building a stronger, more connected community that transcends borders and cultural differences, uniting people in their shared experiences and humanity.
The Hug Center members shared stories of providing much-needed support to Israeli families in New York, such as getting a warm coat for a mother in need. However, sometimes there is a disconnect between what Israelis need and what American donors think they need, like offering used sleeping bags instead of essentials like cucumbers.
For Ilit Sheba, being surrounded by Hebrew speakers in New York has been a lifeline, especially as she navigated pregnancy and motherhood. She found comfort in attending a Tel Aviv ceremony commemorating the anniversary of the Oct. 7 attacks, where she could grieve with her community rather than being alone with her baby.
The sense of home that Hebrew language brings was evident at a screening attended by 250 people, mostly fluent Hebrew speakers, including parents with their babies. The Hug Center, run by Israeli staff members like Maya Lev Miller, provides vital support to the Israeli community in New York City, offering a sense of belonging and continuity despite the challenges of war.
Nornberg, a key figure in the Hug Center, remains hopeful that their support for the Israeli community will endure for generations to come, even in the face of ongoing conflicts. The center, born out of a dark day, serves as a beacon of hope and solidarity for Israelis in New York City.
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