With Bear Hugs, from Temple

When Aya Margalit created Noya’s Bears last year, the plan was to offer sweet stuffed animal hugs to kids with special needs in Dallas. Now, Noya’s Bears is going global!

“Noya’s story and her love of stuffed animals is reaching children everywhere, spreading comfort, joy and smiles far beyond what we could have imagined,” says Aya, Temple’s sh’lichah, or Israel ambassador.

The stuffed animal collection was launched in loving memory of Noya Dan, a 13-year-old from Kibbutz Nir Oz who was murdered on Oct. 7, 2023. In that first year, the initiative collected and distributed over 500 bears to children with special needs. Aya has shared the initiative with her cohort of sh’lichim around the world, and they are bringing the project to their own congregations and organizations.

This year’s collection launches on Jan. 25, with donations accepted through March 4. Bring a new stuffed lovey to Temple or purchase from this wishlist. Volunteers will assemble and deliver the bear packages from Feb. 25 to March 7, sign up for a volunteer time slot here.

Join us in this meaningful reflection of Noya’s spirit, as these bears bring happiness and comfort to children in need.