Melissa Chapman
Heart Connector
Through Limor Garfinkle’s lens, we celebrate heroes like Melissa Chapman who was raised in a Modern Orthodox home. At 16, she joined the Chetz V’Keshet program in Israel, living and training alongside IDF soldiers—a formative experience that cemented her lifelong commitment to the Jewish people and their homeland. Melissa went on to become a freelance writer and editor, authoring a weekly column for the Staten Island Advance, later launching her own blog. After October 7th, as antisemitism surged, Melissa became an outspoken advocate for Israel, even at the cost of losing professional contracts. Determined to strengthen Jewish unity, she recently founded a dating platform to connect singles who share a love for Israel and Jewish values. Melissa’s voice remains steadfast—unafraid, unwavering, and guided by truth.
Makeup by Gabriella Golan
Hair by Matthew Hayimov
About the Heroes SeriesAmerican Friends of Soroka and Photographer Limor Garfinkle present Heroes of Truth: Portraits of Courage celebrating courage and resilience, honoring those who stand in defense of Israel and truth.
Through art, we pay tribute to these heroes and inspire others to stand firm against hatred and injustice. One hundred percent of profits will directly support Soroka’s Department of Psychiatry, offering critical mental health programs for pediatric and adult patients suffering from PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Beyond raising funds, Heroes of Truth aims to inspire action. By showcasing the bravery of those who refuse to stay silent, we send a powerful message: courage and truth will always triumph over silence and oppression.