As a long-time community volunteer, including serving as the chair of the Jewish Foundation’s Professional Advisory Committee (PAC) from 2023-2025, giving back to the community has always been important to Saul Plener and his wife Sandra. In late 2025, Saul and Sandra noticed that their donor advised fund (DAF) had increased in value with the investment growth of the Jewish Foundation’s pooled asset portfolio. They saw this as an opportunity to use the increased dollars in their fund in a thoughtful way that supported those in Israel impacted by terror. 

“Over the past few years, we've felt a deep responsibility to support Israelis who have endured so much as a result of terror and the ongoing conflict,” said Saul “It was important to my wife and I that these dollars be used intentionally and directed where they could make the greatest difference. The Jewish Foundation helped us navigate the options and match our values to opportunities on the ground that were supporting meaningful impact.”

Working with UJA’s research and planning team and partners in Israel, the Foundation’s philanthropic advisors identified and reviewed several projects that provided mental health support to those in Israel affected by terror and suffering from PTSD. With this guidance, Saul and Sandra recommended supporting The Lighthouse Program at HaGal Sheli. This innovative program empowers at-risk youth and trauma survivors through surf therapy, helping them learn to face challenges, overcome fear, and build their strength and resilience. 

This also coincided with the conclusion of Saul’s two year term as chair of PAC. Taking advantage of this timing, he used this opportunity to recognize the PAC board. As a way to thank his committee, Saul offered to match contributions to HaGal Sheli made by anyone on PAC—helping to amplify the impact and results for the program.

“This program is helping to make such a profound difference in the lives of Israelis,” said Robert Handelman, PAC member. “Thanks to Saul’s leadership and the Foundation’s guidance, we could work together as a committee to ensure an even bigger impact.”

Together, Saul and Sandra, and other PAC members contributed more than $20,000, funding 10% of the program’s needs over the next two years. Thanks to this investment, 400 at-risk Israeli teens—26 new cohorts—will be able to access the two-year-long program, which includes surf therapy sessions, mentorship, and skills workshops, helping ensure young people facing hardship have the support they need to reach their potential.