The matchmaker

What began as a passion project for Aaron Snyder has transformed the lives of approximately 250,000 lone IDF soldiers. And now, he is touching the lives of families displaced in time of war.

Snyder, a Chicago-based options trader by day, helped launch Bayit Brigade as co-founder in 2018 to help displaced soldiers who have no family in Israel. Over the past five years, the organization has provided subsidized apartments, rent scholarships, guarantor services, legal support, contract assistance, furnishing and moving services, and emergency support.

After the October 7 attack, the Chicago-based Bayit Brigade pivoted and directed its efforts to helping Israeli families who were forced out of their homes for safety.

“These families were desperate. Their houses and communities were destroyed,” he said. “We raised money through a huge fundraiser where donors could sponsor evacuees or offer available apartments that were empty. I was communicating with donors, picking up checks, sending international wires, paying hotels, and making sure the right people were at the hotels.”

Volunteers in Chicago and on the ground in Israel have already placed more than 300 Israelis in safe locations at hotels and other accommodations, including a “glamping” site built in a crater in Mitzpe Ramon. In order to help organize the massive effort, Israel-based Monday.com created a database matching displaced Israelis seeking housing with hosts. “Monday.com essentially let their employees take a leave of absence to do this work so we could leverage their amazing software,” Snyder explained.

The week following the attack was “a blur” for Snyder, and to ensure funds were sent and received and families were placed in safe places. Although many were not from the same community, these displaced families are connected through their shared experience. “Everyone is helping each other,” he said. “They’re having movie nights and Shabbat meals. Everyone is going above and beyond.”