Magen David Yeshivah hosted a ‘Girl's Night Out' talent show to raise money for the Koby Mandell Foundation, recently. Many talented girls delighted the audience with their exceptional and gifted performances, raising money for such an important foundation.

The evening opened with touching words from Rabbi Seth Mandell, father of Koby Mandell A”H, who was killed in a terrorist attack, along with his friend Yosef Ishran A”H.

“Thank you for coming. The Koby Mandell Foundation was established to fight against the cruelty of terrorism, and turn it into hope. It exists to help families open their hearts, strengthen them, and help not to destroy them. The camp has 600 campers, who have lost an immediate family member in a terrorist attack... At Camp Koby we take kids and help them feel better about themselves and the world. It is a place where they can be whole,” said Rabbi Seth Mandell.

After the murder of Koby, the Mandell family knew immediately that the tragedy of Koby's loss could easily destroy them. They knew they had to fight against their despair, their pain and their suffering. The best way, they felt, would be to transform the tragedy into kindness. They wanted to help people like themselves, struck by terror, be able to return to life, with strength, hope and healing.

Last summer, Magen David High School senior Rachel Ash was a counselor at Camp Koby. After witnessing firsthand the need for the camp to continue, she decided to team up with her friends, and came up with this creative and enjoyable evening. The evening could not have been made possible without the dynamic hosting duo: Gail Cohen and Jennifer Natkin. Everyone was treated to awe-inspiring singing performances, beautiful piano and guitar playing, and superb dancing. In a touching moment, Raquel Massry, Lucy Gabbay, Bobby Beyda and Sarah Yedid performed a dance routine in memory of Mariel Hidary A”H. Mariel inspired and encouraged many to follow their dreams with her dancing.

The evening would not have been possible without the help and dedication of the following volunteers: Rachel Ash, Cynthia Massry, Jacqueline Dabbah, Chelsea Metz, Jacqueline Dikansky, Cynthia Dweck, Norma Massry, Sarah Dweck, Theda Beyda, Celene Beyda, Michelle Mizrahi, Jacqueline Anzaroot and the support of the faculty at Magen David High School.

All of the programs that the Koby Mandell Foundation initiates work to bridge the isolation that bereaved children and adults are struck with after the loss of a loved one. All programs provide emotional, physical and spiritual healing that create a network of support for families in need. To learn more about the Koby Mandell Foundation, visit www.kobymandell.org.
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Randi Shomer is a community member, mother of four children, and a freelance writer for IMAGE Magazine.