In a world dominated by virtual interactions, the quest for meaningful connections has never been more important. It’s within this context that “Let’s Meet” emerged, driven by a visionary mission to unite people, particularly during these times of war. The organizers, Corrine Shmuel and Steph Cemal, inspired by the numerous individuals volunteering and collaborating in various capacities since the beginning of the Gaza war, witnessed the power of people coming together. Observing this unity, they envisioned the potential for positive outcomes amid the prevailing darkness. The thought of generating happy stories from connections made during the war fueled their desire to actively facilitate introductions. Rather than relying on organic encounters, they aimed to proactively assist people in coming together, aspiring to weave tales of joy and connection amidst challenging circumstances.
The Genesis of “Let’s Meet”:
The idea behind “Let’s Meet” was simple yet powerful – to help individuals forge connections beyond their immediate circles. The event took place on January 14th at 9 pm Israel time, encompassing JLIC communities in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Givat Shmuel, Herzliya, and Haifa. The organizers aimed to facilitate the opportunity for people to not just meet but potentially build beautiful relationships.
The Concept:
The beauty of “Let’s Meet” lies in its simplicity. Participants had one hour to engage with up to 8 individuals virtually. The process involved singles registering with their name, age, location, and specifying the age range they were interested in dating. The magic happened when participants were matched with potential dates for the evening. If a connection sparked interest, individuals could express their desire to continue the journey towards a ‘real’ date.
Corinne Shmuel, Co-Director of JLIC Tel Aviv, expressed excitement about the event, stating, “With over 500 people signed up ranging in ages from 18-50+, this is an exciting event. We hope something good comes from this and that many new matches are made.”
The Results:
The inaugural “Let’s Meet” event exceeded expectations with over 500 registered participants. What’s more impressive is that over 100 couples found potential matches for follow-up dates. Astonishingly, more than 40% of attendees discovered someone they were eager to meet in person, demonstrating the event’s effectiveness in fostering connections.
“Let’s Meet” has proven to be more than just an online dating event; it’s a platform that transcends virtual barriers, enabling individuals to connect on a deeper level. In a society where digital interactions often replace face-to-face connections, events like these remind us of the power of genuine human connection. As the success of the inaugural event indicates, “Let’s Meet” has set the stage for a new way of fostering relationships, bringing hope and excitement to those seeking meaningful connections.