LONG ISLAND, N.Y. (VINnews) — After the Oct. 7, 2023 massacre in Israel, New York fashion designer Marlene Kolangi shifted her focus from business to humanitarian work, founding Israel Orphans of 10/7 to aid children who lost one or both parents in the attacks and ensuing war.

Kolangi, founder of the Queens-based bridal and modest fashion brand Kaituz, said the scale of the tragedy compelled her to act.

“These children lost everything in a single day,” she said on Episode 47 of the Alan Skorski Reports podcast. “They need more than sympathy — they need stability, support and a future.”

The organization provides emergency financial assistance, establishes long-term savings accounts for each orphan, funds milestones such as bar and bat mitzvahs, education and weddings, and offers emotional support services, including play therapy.

Kolangi said she regularly travels to Israel to meet families personally and deliver aid directly, whether through funds, clothing, gift cards or ongoing support.

“The most important thing is dignity,” she said. “These children should feel embraced by the entire Jewish people.”

A single mother, Kolangi has been featured in several Jewish media outlets and speaks at communal events, urging others to transform tragedy into action.

She described the initiative as a long-term commitment. “This is not a six-month project,” she said. “We are committed to walking with them for years.”

Supporters can learn more through the group’s fundraising campaigns, including those hosted on CauseMatch under the Healing Heroes initiative. For information, email [email protected]
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