Our Federation is proud to help those with special needs locally and in Israel. And last week, a group of individuals who are normally on the receiving end of our efforts was able to selflessly help others!
It happened when clients of one of our partner organizations in Israel, Beit Issie Shapiro, gathered together to pack gift boxes for wounded members of the Israeli Defense Force (IDF). Children drew pictures wishing soldiers “Refuah Shlemah” (“Get Well Soon”), while adults stood side by side filling care packages. Taking action in a national climate in which many are feeling powerless, these generous Israelis made an impact on the lives of the brave soldiers who are now facing challenging recoveries. And doing so just one hour after a siren led the group to take cover makes their actions that much more poignant.
The care packages were later distributed to Soroka Hospital in Beer Sheva and Barzilai Medical Center in Ashkelon. On the ground in Israel to pass them out personally were L.A. Federation staff Aaron Goldberg and Margalit Rosenthal, as well as representatives of several other Jewish Federations across the U.S.
In Israel, our Federation’s Caring for Jews in Need strategic initiative focuses on individuals living with disabilities and special needs, and those whose lives are in crisis as a result of war. Our Federation supports the National Self-Advocacy Project, a collaboration between our partners Beit Issie Shapiro, which provides a wide variety of educational and therapeutic services for individuals with disabilities of all ages, and Israel Elwyn, which enables individuals with disabilities to make decisions about their own lives and gain more independence in the community. With both organizations’ missions in mind, the National Self-Advocacy Project was designed to give people with disabilities the opportunity to have their voices heard, to organize themselves and work to advance their own rights. Through this program, adults with special needs are gaining dignity and independence, expanding their social networks, and becoming leaders within their communities. In fact, one individual supported by this program was in attendance at Beit Issie Shapiro to help pack boxes.
Especially during this time of crisis, it is inspiring to see the impact of our work in Israel. Even those who are learning to be self-advocates and help themselves are feeling empowered to help others, thanks to our Federation and its incredible partners around the world.
For more information about The Jewish Federation’s work Caring for Jews in Need, contact Jenna Fields at JFields@JewishLA.org.
