Our Hope
Hug for Hope is a grassroots volunteer initiative out of Israel, connecting Israeli evacuees with families in Canada or the U.S. who host them in their homes for a period of 10 days.
In the safety and warmth of a loving home, these families—despite the trauma they have endured on and since October 7—are able to relax, explore, experience joy, and share their personal stories. This period of respite offers a chance to breathe, reflect, and allow for some healing in the process.
For the host families, it is a life-changing experience—one that is truly indescribable.
Hug for Hope fosters emotional connections that create lasting bonds between families, bridging North American and Israeli families, one family to another.
Our Founder
Eliezer Manor, the founder of Hug for Hope, is an Israeli physicist, high-tech entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and an extraordinarily kind-hearted individual. He created Hug for Hope to address the urgent needs and challenges facing Israeli survivor communities.
Eliezer is the driving force and matchmaker behind this initiative—the heart and soul of the program, a visionary who bridges Israeli and North American families with compassion and purpose.
How Families Meet
- The Hug for Hope team facilitates the process with the potential host family, on a phone or zoom call.
- Eliezer connects with the Israeli evacuee / survivor family eager to participate in Hug for Hope.
- The volunteer host family in the U.S. or Canada is carefully matched with the Israeli family.
- Zoom meetings are organized for both families to meet, plan, and coordinate logistics. WhatsApp groups facilitate ongoing communication and connection.
Itamar, just 4 years old, stayed with our family along with his parents and sister. Since October 7th, he hadn't been able to sleep through the night. Within four days of being in our home, he slept through the night for the first time.
Danielle Kaplan
You allowed us to feel special, important, loved and protected... ...We head back much stronger, more confident, and above all believe in our own strength.
Yamit Avital
