A heartwarming Bat Mitzvah celebration for four girls from Emunah Sabah Elazraki Children’s Home in Netanya, initiated by the Naim and Scharf families in memory of Mai Naim-Scharf z”l.
A moving Bat Mitzvah event took place this week (May 18, 2025) at the Solana event hall in Netanya for four girls from the Emunah Sabah Elazraki Children’s Home. The celebration was entirely initiated and funded by the families of Anat Naim and legendary football coach Shlomo Scharf, in memory of their daughter and granddaughter, Mai Naim-Scharf z”l, who was brutally murdered on Saturday, October 7, 2023, at Kibbutz Be’eri.
Following the horrific tragedy, the family decided to launch a meaningful social initiative that would reflect the spirit of Mai — a gentle, sensitive, generous, and loving young woman — by establishing a new nonprofit organization named “Mai’s Dragonflies.” The foundation’s goal is to sponsor Bar and Bat Mitzvah celebrations for children whose families are unable to afford such an event.
The celebration was held in full cooperation with the management of the Emunah Sabah Elazraki Children’s Home in Netanya. Prior to the event, the Bat Mitzvah girls were hosted by the Naim and Scharf families, where they received professional makeup from Maya Scharf and had their hair styled by renowned stylist Gili Algabi. Each girl was also gifted a personal photo album and festive clothing for the occasion.
In the weeks leading up to the celebration, the girls participated in an in-depth preparation process that included tours in Jerusalem and other sites connected to Jewish history, discussions about the transition from childhood to adolescence, and a range of educational and experiential activities.
The girls, all aged 12, arrived at the children’s home between the ages of 8 and 10 and have since been studying and growing up in Netanya. Each one is unique:
Tzipi (name changed): A bright and responsible child who loves soccer and is well-loved by her peers.
Chana (name changed): Sensitive and warm-hearted, loves dolls and pajamas, and always spreads joy.
Rivka (name changed): Witty and surrounded by friends, enjoys dancing and playing.
Leah (name changed): Smart, funny, and attentive, bringing laughter and happiness to those around her.
Yehuda Kohn, Director of Emunah Sabah Elazraki Children’s Home: “At the children’s home, we operate with a deep sense of mission to provide every child with a warm and safe environment that allows them to dream and grow. Each child is a world in themselves, and we invest in their futures because we believe in their potential.”
Liora Minka, Chair of Emunah Sabah Elazraki Children’s Home: “The dedication, values-based education, and love we give the children form the foundation for lives filled with hope. I am proud to lead an institution that proves every day that education and love can change lives.”
Anat Naim, mother of Mai z”l, shared at the event: “Mai was a child who loved to give — to her friends, her family, and everyone around her. After losing her, we knew we wanted to turn our pain into meaningful action. These Bat Mitzvah celebrations are part of our mission to continue spreading the incredible light that was Mai.”
Shlomo Scharf, grandfather of Mai z”l: “From the moment Mai was born, we knew she was a special child. We hope that the foundation we established will bring joy to many hearts and give children what they truly deserve — love, dignity, and a memory that will never be forgotten.”
