Many people have asked us: Why start another Jewish or Israeli organization when so many already exist?
In the painful aftermath of October 7 and the alarming surge in antisemitism across the U.S., especially on college campuses and social media, sitting still was not an option. Across the country—and here in Orange County—we gathered in small and large groups for vigils, rallies, and community events. We came together not just to grieve, but to try to make sense of how such horror could unfold in modern times— and why, once again, Jews were being blamed.
Fortunately, not everyone turned against Israel and the Jewish people. We also had allies. California Senator Tony Strickland—then serving as the 66th Mayor of Huntington Beach—was the first elected official in Orange County to publicly declare his unwavering support for Israel. The city stood proudly with him.
A small group of us began meeting weekly to explore how we could actively fight antisemitism and support Israel locally. We were especially aware that many Holocaust survivors still live in Southern California, some over the age of 100. That’s how the Israel Global Foundation (IGF) was born—an organization founded to educate young people about the Holocaust and confront antisemitism through meaningful, proactive partnerships.
Our founding board consists of four passionate members: Yan Killy, Iyar Raichel, Tomer Johnson, and Diana Killy.
We began with events that introduced local audiences to Holocaust survivors—most notably, 102-year-old Jacob Eisenbach and 103-year-old Joseph Alexander—who shared their stories of survival. We also invited local elected officials to speak on the rising antisemitism and the need for education and awareness. We arranged for Jacob and Joseph to speak directly to high school students, helping to ensure the next generation hears the truth firsthand.
Following a Zoom meeting with Senator Strickland, Yan proposed creating a twin-city partnership between Huntington Beach and Ramat Gan. Iyar Raichel, who lives in Ramat Gan, reached out to city officials there—and soon, both municipalities voted in favor of the partnership.
In August 2025, Huntington Beach formally welcomed a delegation from Ramat Gan, including Mayor Carmel Shama-Hacohen, Vice Mayor Israel Zari, and other representatives. The visit included a press conference, official signing ceremony, lunch, and tours of the city’s key institutions, including the Lifeguard Headquarters and Police Department. Senator Strickland, Mayor Pat Burns, City Manager Travis Hopkins, and Council Member Gracey Van Der Mark (Mayor of Huntington Beach during the time of the resolution’s vote) represented Huntington Beach. IGF was represented by our board, alongside several local rabbis. We concluded the visit with a special event to celebrate this meaningful achievement.
Now, IGF is preparing for the next chapter. Four more Orange County cities have expressed interest in forming twin-city relationships with Israeli cities. But for us, it’s about more than symbolic partnerships—we envision business collaborations, student exchange programs, cultural connections, and long-term friendships. Above all, we aim to show the Jewish community and the State of Israel that they are not alone.
We’re also working with Senator Strickland and the City of Huntington Beach to organize a trip to Israel in 2026
IGF is still a small nonprofit, but our goals are big. We are committed to educating American youth about the Holocaust and antisemitism, supporting Israel through city partnerships, and building bridges that strengthen both communities.
Our website, www.IGF.ngo, we invite anyone who wants to get involved to reach out. If you’d like to volunteer or make a tax-deductible donation, we would be grateful for your support. Together, we can make a difference—one relationship, one city, and one story at a time.