
Isaac with his dad and his Together Plan sweatshirt
At The Together Plan, we are always thrilled when young people step up to take on personal challenges to raise funds for our projects. Not only do these challenges help us raise crucial funds, but they also create much-needed awareness about the communities we support. This September, we were excited to hear from the Youth Worker at Finchley Reform Synagogue, who informed us that one of their teenagers, Isaac Bell, had chosen to support the Polotsk Jewish Community in Belarus for his Bar Mitzvah ‘mitzvah’ project.
Isaac’s synagogue, Finchley Reform, is twinned with the Polotsk Jewish Community, located in the Vitebsk region of northern Belarus. This twinning was established by our founder, Debra Brunner, and was a significant moment in her journey into Jewish Belarus—eventually leading to the founding of The Together Plan.
Isaac shared that the cause resonated deeply with him because his own surname, Bell, is derived from “Belinski,” and his great-great-grandfather hailed from Belarus. With that personal connection in mind, Isaac was determined to make a difference. After a conversation between Isaac’s dad, Dan, and Debra, plans were made to set up a fundraising page, and Isaac proudly received his challenge sweatshirt as a symbol of his commitment.
For his challenge, Isaac decided to climb Mam Tor in the Peak District, inspired by his family’s summer adventure climbing Mount Etna. On October 21st, Isaac and his dad completed the climb, braving the windy conditions. While it was too gusty for Isaac to wear his challenge sweatshirt at the summit, they managed to capture some fantastic photos—one of them even holding the sweatshirt high!
- Isaac with his dad Dan having reached the top of Mam Tor
- Isaac with his dad and his Together Plan sweatshirt
- Isaac Bell enjoying the well earned view
Isaac set a fundraising goal of £750 but smashed his target raising an incredible £966!! His efforts will have a lasting impact, as the funds raised will support the Polotsk Jewish community’s activities, ensuring they can continue building their vibrant Jewish life with the knowledge that they have champions like Isaac back in the UK.
This kind of effort exemplifies what we at The Together Plan call a “real together plan”—building bridges across borders through shared goals, community, and commitment.
Thank you, Isaac, for your incredible challenge and for supporting Jewish communities in Belarus!
To see just Isaac’s fundraising page or to make a donation – click here
To find out how you can set up your own fundraising challenge – please contact us at: [email protected]