From the US to Israel, One Woman’s Mission to Help Oct. 7 Orphans

JERUSALEM (VINnews) — In the aftermath of Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack on Israel, Marlene Kolangi, a fashion designer and single mother from the United States, founded Israel Orphans of 10/7 to support children whose lives were shattered by the violence.

Kolangi, who is based in New York, said she was driven by a simple question: who was caring for children who lost both parents, or whose surviving parents were unable to function because of trauma. Finding no centralized system, she traveled to Israel and began meeting families directly.

What began as a short-term effort has grown into a national nonprofit supporting 151 children, including infants as young as 14 months, according to the organization. The group provides monthly financial assistance, emotional support through play therapy, and ongoing personal contact with families.

“Kids don’t want to go to therapy,” Kolangi said in an interview with Arutz 7. “Through play, they don’t even realize they’re in therapy.”

Kolangi said Israel Orphans of 10/7 distributes $500 to $750 per child per household each month to help cover basic needs and has opened a play therapy center designed to help children process trauma outside a traditional clinical setting.

The organization plans to expand its services next year, including additional therapy centers, and has launched a fundraising campaign to support long-term care for children affected by the Oct. 7 attack.

“These children are rebuilding their lives long after the emergency phase has passed,” Kolangi said. “Someone has to stay when the world moves on.”