Lauren Halpern, Heilla Lain, Terry Benaryeh, and Michelle Rechenberg (far right) with an Israeli local. Courtesy: JNF 

By JD Krebs  

Terry Benaryeh, Lauren Halpern, Michelle Reichenberg and Heilla Lain have all known each other for decades. From Pilates classes to raising their children, and morning dog walks to Shabbat meals, the lives of all four have intertwined for years.  

“Heilla is a world-class Pilates instructor now,” said Reichenberg, jokingly adding, “I’m a C-minus at best, but she always tolerated me.”  

 The quartet also shares another thing in common – a love for Israel and a passion for activism within the Austin community.  

 “My parents instilled in me a love for Israel and Judaism,” said Halpern, who grew up in San Antonio before settling in Austin. “I’ve raised my kids with that same love, taking them there twice and ensuring they know why my husband and I support Israel and volunteer for our Austin Jewish community.”  

 “I have been to Israel nearly every year of my life and have always considered it a second home,” added Benaryeh. “I’m very outspoken on social media about my Zionism and am passionate about sharing the truth, nuance, and the complexity of the region.”  

After October 7, the women were heartbroken to hear the news of the innocent lives lost in Hamas’ brutal slaughter. For Lain, who was born in Israel, it hit even harder. “I felt broken,” she said. “My mind hasn’t stopped thinking about the country and people I love so much. Although I may not live in Israel now, she will be my forever home.”  

A non-religious Jewish woman who spent most of her life working for a Catholic group, the majority of Reichenberg’s friends were non-Jewish. But when she turned to them for support, they were less than responsive.   

“I thought that all of the people in my community that I marched with would march for me,” Reichenberg said. “Nobody did. My children and I were all alone. We heard horrific things about Israel from people who couldn’t spot it on a map. I had never defined myself by my Judaism, but that didn’t matter because others did.”  

Even as they supported Israel’s post-October 7 resilience efforts from their own community, the women wanted a more hands-on way to help out. That’s when they learned about Jewish National Fund-USA’s Volunteer in Israel Missions.  

“I had spoken to all three girls separately about wanting to volunteer after hearing from a college friend about her experience volunteering,” said Lain. “The stars miraculously aligned and all of us were available for this mission.”  

“When Heilla texted me about the trip, I registered on the same day,” added Halpern.  

They arrived on June 30 and spent five days in Israel, cooking for Israeli soldiers and police officers, making care packages for them, and gardening in the Negev desert. All four women found the experience transformative. Reichenberg described it as “the most important thing I’ve ever done for myself, my children, and my future grandchildren,” while Lain said, “The Jewish National Fund-USA mission was more than I could have asked for. The planning and execution of the mission were beyond my expectations.”  

In addition to volunteering, the Austin women gained a firsthand look at Israel’s security situation, as well as the destruction and heartbreak caused by Hamas. This resonated especially with Benaryeh, whose uncle was killed in a Jerusalem supermarket bombing years ago.  

“I know the ripple effects of losing a loved one to terrorism, and it never ever goes away,” she said. “This trip’s focus on people impacted by Hamas was cathartic and very meaningful to me.”  

Yet, even with the serious tone of the mission, the Austin women still managed to find room for joy, especially in being able to embark on the journey together while also bonding with the other participants.   

“It was so incredibly special to be together with dear friends and a complete surprise to make 35 more who will remain friends for life,” said Benaryeh. “I hadn’t anticipated the bond we would create and was deeply comforted being with people who shared in the mission to heal Israel.”  

Now back in Austin, they all have renewed energy and a desire to continue fighting for Israel. “I would advise anyone considering going on a mission to go with an open heart,” said Halpern. “You’ll meet fellow Americans just as eager to help, as well as heroic Israelis who help each other and their country every single day.”  

For her part, Reichenberg has been reaching out to her friends beyond the Jewish faith. “I’ve been educating them at every opportunity,” she said. “It’s amazing how little people know, yet most people are actually very open to learning.”  

Reichenberg, Halpern, Lain, and Benaryeh are also teaming up to co-chair Jewish National Fund-USA’s annual Breakfast for Israel in Austin, taking place Wednesday, October 9, 2024, at 9:00 am. Featuring Former Israeli intelligence official and Senior Advisor on Arab Affairs Avi Melamed as the keynote speaker, the women hope the complimentary event raises more support for Israel and awareness of Jewish National Fund-USA’s projects in the country.  

“I’m excited to share our journey and main message with a large crowd,” said Halpern. “I think everyone could use a positive, empowering message right now.”  

“I am looking forward to hearing from Avi about the conflict from an intelligence perspective,” Lain added about Melamed, who will shine a light on what fuels the evolving threats Israel is facing on multiple fronts, what led us to this critical moment, and what tomorrow might look like after we navigate these current complexities. “Speakers at Jewish National Fund-USA events are always exceptional, and this year is no different.”  

The women will also join a delegation from Austin in Dallas for Jewish National Fund-USA’s Global Conference for Israel, taking place November 14-17 (jnf.org/gc). “I want to keep learning how I can help Jewish National Fund-USA continue to make the lives of Israelis better,” said Lain. “And I believe that attending the conference is the way to do it.”  

In the meantime, all four women will continue to stay active in the Austin community, inspired by what they saw on their mission to Israel.  

“Since October 7, I felt so broken,” said Benaryeh. “But now I have a steadiness and resolve to be the glue that Israelis need the Jewish people in the diaspora to be.”  

“I’ve never felt stronger and more resilient,” Reichenberg concurred. “I am so proud to be Jewish, and I am lifted up by the strength of our Israeli brothers and sisters.”  

For more information, visit jnf.org/bfiaustin or contact Chayla Furlong, Director, Central Texas at cfurlong@jnf.org or (512) 410-1438 x948. To learn more about attending a volunteer mission in Israel, visit jnf.org/volunteerIL.