Magshimim’s All-Nighter: A Youth Philanthropy Scavenger Hunt in Netanya

This year, Magshimim’s annual “All-Nighter” program took on a new and exciting format for the first time in its history. Traditionally held in the style of “Shark Tank”, where teens present their social entrepreneurship projects to industry “Sharks” for funding, this year’s event was reimagined into an “Amazing Race”-style scavenger hunt that took place across the city of Netanya.

With over 250 teenagers, ages 15 to 18, from various cities across Israel such as Maalot, Shlomi, Acco, Netanya, Ramat Chen, Jerusalem, Meitar, Afula, and Tel Mond, the night was an unforgettable experience. But beyond the excitement of the scavenger hunt, the evening was designed to teach and raise awareness about important issues facing Israeli communities today.

A Focus on Social Justice

The evening’s journey wasn’t just about fun but also about learning. Throughout the night, teens worked together to deepen their understanding of several significant social justice issues, including:

• Elderly care
• Abusive relationships
• Mental Health, with a focus on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• The challenges faced by Jews in the Diaspora

The teens, guided by their advisors, began their evening at one community center, where they spent two hours exploring these critical topics and learning about the realities facing communities across Israel. After gaining insight into these issues, they moved toward another community center in Netanya, continuing their scavenger hunt.

A Taste of Israeli Culture

No event in Israel would be complete without great food and a sense of community! After their two-hour journey through learning, the teens were treated to delicious falafel from a local food truck and warm, sugary jelly doughnuts, a delightful treat that’s always a favorite during the Chanukah season.

Honoring Fallen Graduates

The evening took an emotional turn as the teens gathered to hear the families of two fallen soldiers speak about their loved ones, their sacrifices, and the legacies they left behind. These soldiers had personal ties to the communities present and the Magshimim program itself, making the experience deeply meaningful for everyone involved. The audience lit candles with Sheika, the father of Dror, who took his own life due to bullying and his parents founded a non-profit organization named after him “Wings of Dror” – a war on bullying.
Raz Peretz is from the Afula group (the Sandwich Club) and Dolev Malka is from the Shlomi group, both groups were present at the presentation adding to the love and support for the families.

It was clear from the absolute silence and rapt attention of the 250 teens that this was a moment of profound respect and empathy. To see them reflect on the loss and sacrifices made by others was a powerful testament to the sense of solidarity that the Magshimim program instills in its participants.

Lighting the Chanukiah and a Celebration to Follow

As the evening progressed, the teens gathered to light the Chanukiah (Chanukah Menorah) together—a moment of unity and reflection on the importance of light in dark times. Following the lighting ceremony, they celebrated with a Mesibah—a lively party where everyone danced and enjoyed music by a local DJ.

A Fundraising Success

What makes Magshimim’s annual event even more impressive is the program’s success in raising over 600,000 NIS (New Israeli Shekels) for community initiatives—equivalent to around $265,000. This money will go toward supporting the causes that the teens learned about during the night and helping their communities in tangible ways.

Gratitude and Recognition

The success of the White Night event is a reflection of the incredible efforts put forth by the entire team behind Magshimim. A huge thank you goes to Adi Romem, her team of facilitators and supervisors, and, of course, the teens who worked tirelessly to make the event a reality. The night was filled with memories, learning, and a sense of shared purpose that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on everyone involved.

Magshimim continues to impress, and the program remains a shining example of youth philanthropy and social responsibility in Israel. As we look back on this unforgettable evening, we can only anticipate how this program will continue to grow and inspire young leaders for years to come.

The Magshimim program is part of the Honeycomb’s Foundation Board Incubator, which is generously funded by Laura Lauder and the Maimonides Fund.