1) What qualities make the nominee deserving of the Z3 Bridge Builder Award?

Gina Raphael exemplifies empathy, inclusivity, and visionary leadership, making her an outstanding candidate for the Z3 Bridge Builder Award. As co-founder of The Golda Project, she has tirelessly worked to foster unity and understanding within the Jewish community, particularly by amplifying marginalized voices and bridging cultural divides. Her flagship initiative, the Simcha Luck Club, connects the Asian Jewish community and their allies, creating a vital space for individuals with intersecting identities to find belonging. Inspired by her role as the mother of three adopted daughters from China, Gina has built a platform for storytelling, cultural exchange, and community building that celebrates the unique experiences of Asian Jewish individuals, fostering cohesion and mutual respect.

Beyond her work with the Asian Jewish community, Gina’s commitment to bridge building extends to supporting immediate needs in Israel. Through The Golda Project, she has championed a wide range of causes, including the Binah Balev leadership academy at Kibbutz Nir Oz, Unity Warriors supporting female IDF soldiers, the Niv Nirel Center for trauma therapy, and the OneFamily Fund helping widowed families. By organizing diverse events—such as workshops, advocacy sessions, and cultural exchanges—she encourages participants to engage in philanthropy at any level that feels meaningful. These initiatives not only address urgent needs but also unite diverse groups within and beyond the Jewish community, creating a shared sense of purpose and understanding.

Gina’s ability to elevate women’s voices and empower minority groups further aligns with the award’s mission. Her inclusive approach ensures that The Golda Project’s programs resonate across cultural and social divides, making her a true bridge builder.

2) In what ways has the nominee demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to their work in bridging divides?

Gina Raphael’s leadership is defined by her ability to inspire and empower others, evident in her creation of the Simcha Luck Club and her extensive work with The Golda Project. She demonstrates exceptional commitment by addressing complex cultural dynamics, fostering dialogue between Asian Jewish individuals and the broader Jewish community. Her hands-on approach in designing programs—such as storytelling sessions and cultural workshops—creates safe, inclusive spaces where participants can share their experiences and build connections.

Her leadership extends to her advocacy for immediate needs in Israel, where she encourages everyone to be a philanthropist in their own way. Through The Golda Project, Gina organizes events that combine learning, advocacy, and cultural exchange, inspiring participants to contribute to causes like the Binah Balev leadership academy at Kibbutz Nir Oz, Unity Warriors, the Niv Nirel Center, and the OneFamily Fund. By making philanthropy accessible and meaningful at all levels, she empowers individuals to take part in impactful change. Her collaborative spirit shines through in her partnerships with organizations and allies, expanding the reach of her initiatives and ensuring they address diverse community needs.

Gina’s personal connection as the mother of adopted daughters from China drives her passion, but her ability to translate this into broadly impactful programs showcases her visionary leadership. Her emotional intelligence and dedication to inclusivity make her a model for bridging divides.

3) How has the nominee's work impacted the Jewish community and beyond?

Gina Raphael’s work through The Golda Project and the Simcha Luck Club has profoundly impacted the Jewish community and beyond. The Simcha Luck Club has created a vital platform for Asian Jewish individuals, fostering inclusion and celebrating their multifaceted identities. By facilitating storytelling and cultural exchange, Gina has strengthened the Jewish community’s diversity, ensuring underrepresented groups feel seen and valued.

Her support for immediate needs in Israel has further amplified her impact. Through initiatives supporting organizations like the Binah Balev leadership academy, Unity Warriors, the Niv Nirel Center, and the OneFamily Fund, Gina has addressed critical issues such as education, support for female IDF soldiers, trauma therapy, and aid for widowed families. These events, which blend advocacy, learning, and cultural exchange, inspire participants to engage philanthropically, creating a ripple effect of generosity and unity. These efforts not only strengthen the Jewish community but also foster solidarity with Israel, bridging geographic and cultural divides.

Beyond the Jewish community, Gina’s work challenges stereotypes and promotes cross-cultural understanding. The Simcha Luck Club’s focus on intersectional identities sets a precedent for inclusivity, encouraging other communities to embrace diversity. Her philanthropy model—encouraging giving at any level—has inspired broader societal engagement, making her initiatives a blueprint for bridge building across diverse populations.