In mid-2024, the Israel Bonds Women’s Division in Mexico launched a heartfelt initiative to send support to Israeli women during an extraordinarily difficult period. Members of the Women’s Division came together to lovingly craft bracelets, each paired with a personalized message expressing care, strength, and connection. The bracelets became symbolic gestures of solidarity from thousands of miles away, made by women who wanted Israeli families to feel seen and supported.

The first distribution took place ahead of Chanukah 2024, when Laura Orzy, Israel Bonds Women’s Division International Chair, had the honour of delivering the bracelets to Mechinat Alma in Jerusalem. Mechinat Alma is a pre-army preparatory program that empowers young women from challenging backgrounds with guidance, education, and community as they prepare to serve in the IDF. The young women’s joy was immediate and visible as they tried on the bracelets and read the messages sent by their peers in Mexico.

This special visit occurred during the Lion of Judah Israel mission and partnership. Laura was joined by longtime Lion of Judah Israel member Varda Ben Barch, grandmother of Edan Alexander, an IDF soldier who was being held hostage in Gaza at the time. Varda’s presence and her reflections about her grandson’s courage added a moving and deeply personal dimension to the day’s encounter.

During the first week of January 2026, a second presentation of bracelets took place when Laura was invited to attend an event hosted by Miluimnikim, an organization established in October 2023 to support the families of reservists. The organization has quickly gained admiration in Israel for addressing the daily realities faced by spouses and partners who are sustaining their households while their loved ones serve.

At the event, Laura presented another batch of bracelets along with small gift bags to the partners and spouses of reserve soldiers. Many of these women have spent more than two years managing work, childcare, and home life while their partners remain deployed. The leadership of Miluimnikim welcomed the initiative warmly, grateful for the connection and encouragement arriving from abroad.

What began as a creative gesture from Mexico became a meaningful connection for two very different groups of Israeli women at pivotal moments in their lives, showing how small acts can create lasting bonds of care and solidarity.