Internactional

Celebrating 20 years in CADENA

May 27, 2025

By CADENA

On the evening of May 22, in Mexico City, CADENA celebrated its 20th anniversary with a commemorative event that brought together those who have made two decades of humanitarian action possible. It was an intimate evening filled with stories, memories and gratitude.

The five founders of CADENA -Benjamin Laniado, Fernando Mitrani, Isaac Levy (Chapis), José Cattan and Ari Syrquin-, who in 2005 founded the organization with the purpose of breaking with indifference, were present. Since then, CADENA, the humanitarian arm of the Jewish community, has responded to more than 1,800 emergencies in more than 37 countries. Throughout these years, it has crossed borders to bring aid, hand in hand, to where it is most needed. True to its principle of acting boldly, the organization has turned uncertainty into response.

Each intervention has been a testament to what it means to transform indifference into action. CADENA has provided aid, hand in hand, to communities affected by disasters and crises, with the conviction that crossing the world to save a life is always the right decision to make.

The anniversary event was also a moment of gratitude. To the volunteers, their allies, donors and members of the Jewish community who have made this mission possible. Because making Tikkun Olam – repairing the world – is a collective task, which is built day by day with every step, every commitment, every gesture.

The evening was attended by leaders from the social, business and community sectors, as well as representatives of international organizations, strategic allies and founding members of the organization. Their presence reaffirmed the strength of the bond that unites CADENA with those who believe in a more empathetic and resilient world.

In the speeches, in the shared glances, it became evident that CADENA is not only an organization: it is a bond. A link between people who believe in empathy. A network that builds bridges so that help reaches those who need it most.

The event also reiterated the principles that have guided CADENA since its inception: humanity, impartiality, neutrality and independence. These values have made it possible to bring help with dignity, and to build lasting relationships of trust in the most complex contexts.

Today, CADENA not only responds to emergencies. It also trains humanitarian leaders, promotes educational projects and works in risk prevention. Because educating to change realities is also a form of aid, and building a resilient world involves anticipating disaster as much as responding to it.

Celebrating 20 years is not just about celebrating a trajectory. It is to look ahead with the certainty that the challenges continue, and that CADENA will continue joining links to promote solidarity. Always with our hearts ahead of us.

We are CADENA. And this is just the beginning.