Page 100 - Demo

MOMENTUM IMPACT sTORIEs
Inspiring ways Momentum participants are taking action
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Momentum JToriuprnJoalurnal
Kalkidan (Mimi) Ezra, Portland, OR
My first Momentum trip to Israel was in 2015. That trip helped me raise my kids with Jewish values
and led me to engage in the Jewish community in Portland. In 2022, I brought my first group of women to Israel as a Community Leader. Leading the trip was an incredible experience for me personally
and for each of the women who participated in this life-changing journey. Choosing to take a chance
to lead my own Momentum trip has also led to the creation of something truly special to me. While in Israel, two of my participants approached me on a mission to support Ethiopian people. When I heard this, I jumped with excitement. Fourteen years ago, my youngest sister, Liyou, passed away due to a heart condition in Ethiopia. Ever since, I always wanted to do tikkun olam in honor of Liyou’s memory. I shared this with my participants and the Liyou Foundation was quickly born on our Momentum journey. We are now about to start fundraising for a trip to Ethiopia, where we will be supplying medical equipment and educational materials for needy communities.
Leading these women in a Momentum’s Yearlong Journey has impacted me in a major way and I am already planning to help more Portland women experience Momentum.