February 18, 2008, was a wonderful day at Beit Issie because the 8th graders from the Reuben Gittelman School in New York came to visit.
Their day included a detailed tour of Beit Issie Shapiro, time volunteering in our therapeutic nursery and special education center, and a joint educational and experiential activity in our sports center with 20 "Project Chen" students from Raanana. "Project Chen" is a youth leadership program initiated by Beit Issie Shapiro to reach out to the youth in the community, with a view to changing attitudes towards people with special needs. The project addresses the issue of stigmatization and promotes the idea of integration and acceptance. As part of their schedule - and to better help them understand - the 8th graders from the U.S. participated in experiential activities to sensitize them to the experience of disability. For instance, they were asked to try and catch a ball with their eyes closed. The educational morning ended with delicious pizza for lunch and engaging conversations with new “Israeli” friends.
From the time the Reuben Gittelman kids arrived, they settled comfortably into the routine of Beit Issie Shapiro, volunteering in the classrooms, helping out with the daily schedule, playing with the children and escorting them to treatment.
Despite the language barrier, the Project Chen students and the visitors from Reuben Gittelman interacted comfortably. By the end of the day, friendships had been made and e-mail addresses exchanged.
Prior to their visit, the students learned about Beit Issie Shapiro and initiated fundraising activities. Committed to making a difference, they arrived enthusiastic to help and with gifts for our special children. The visit is an annual event, the culmination of a year's activities to do tzedakah by collecting money for Beit Issie Shapiro's children.
It was heartwarming to meet such a group of sensitive and well-mannered youngsters who are intent on helping others and making a difference. We thank their teachers Rabbi Scott Bolton, Anat Valdman, and Bruce Varon.
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