Ho hum. Taking 22 USYers to meet elderly Russian immigrants being treated with respect and living independently with dignity, then taking 44 USYers to meet Asher Elias, found of Tech-Careers, a non-profit dedicated to developing leadership in young Ethiopian Jews living in Israel and training them for careers is computer programming, Software Quality Assurance and coming this August Cobol programming (for banks and hospitals still using mainframe computers - hasn't been taught in Israel in 30 years). No big whoop.
Seriously, what a great day. We were with Group 3, a Poland Pilgrimage group led by LA's USY Shaliach, Zalman Spivak (who is terrific). I took about 7 teens to meet two women residents in their 80's Berta and Manya (picured here). Berta was an English teacher and her English was near flawless (loves to read large print English books if you are coming over and can bring some) and she translated for Manya, who survived the Shoah first in a Ukranian ghetto, then in a camp. She volunteers for Yad VaShem, telling her story to school groups. It was very moving. Then were were treated (to about my 5th) concert by the Diplomat's charming choir and dancing. Sima, the lead dancer and choir member pictured here is in her 80's and has been suffering with lymphoma for several years. You would never notice it to see her smile, sing and dance. Alice Jonah, our Mitzvah Hero at the Diplomat is like the cruise director, keeping everybody happy and healthy. Alice is here in the black jacket. 100% percent of the USYers got up to dance with the residents. What a hoot.
After lunch at Agron (great salads, way better and healthier than a box lunch) we headed out to Kibbutz Nachshon to visit Tech Careers (described above). This was the first time I had heard Asher's whole life story. He is an impressive, warm and brilliant man who is doing more than most social agencies to improve the lives of Ethiopians in Israel. We were all very inspired.
After a great wrap up with the USYers back in Jerusalem, Danny, Arnie and I went to Burgers Bar (I've cut back from the 220 gm to the 150 gm burger) for a quick review and dinner; then Danny and I ran into Barbara and Marvin Silverman (our lunch hosts this coming shabbat, so more about them later) and schmied around the craft and music show at the Music school across the street. Later in the evening my friends Yossi and Dina surprised me by coming into town to check that out and we got so spend some time together.
Tomorrow is mostly meetings, maybe a trip to the shuk to shop for shabbat, Mary and Neal Meyerson's arrival and a chance to check out the apt we hope to rent for Pesach 2010.
Sha'alu shalom l'irushalayim (Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem)
Seriously, what a great day. We were with Group 3, a Poland Pilgrimage group led by LA's USY Shaliach, Zalman Spivak (who is terrific). I took about 7 teens to meet two women residents in their 80's Berta and Manya (picured here). Berta was an English teacher and her English was near flawless (loves to read large print English books if you are coming over and can bring some) and she translated for Manya, who survived the Shoah first in a Ukranian ghetto, then in a camp. She volunteers for Yad VaShem, telling her story to school groups. It was very moving. Then were were treated (to about my 5th) concert by the Diplomat's charming choir and dancing. Sima, the lead dancer and choir member pictured here is in her 80's and has been suffering with lymphoma for several years. You would never notice it to see her smile, sing and dance. Alice Jonah, our Mitzvah Hero at the Diplomat is like the cruise director, keeping everybody happy and healthy. Alice is here in the black jacket. 100% percent of the USYers got up to dance with the residents. What a hoot.
After lunch at Agron (great salads, way better and healthier than a box lunch) we headed out to Kibbutz Nachshon to visit Tech Careers (described above). This was the first time I had heard Asher's whole life story. He is an impressive, warm and brilliant man who is doing more than most social agencies to improve the lives of Ethiopians in Israel. We were all very inspired.
After a great wrap up with the USYers back in Jerusalem, Danny, Arnie and I went to Burgers Bar (I've cut back from the 220 gm to the 150 gm burger) for a quick review and dinner; then Danny and I ran into Barbara and Marvin Silverman (our lunch hosts this coming shabbat, so more about them later) and schmied around the craft and music show at the Music school across the street. Later in the evening my friends Yossi and Dina surprised me by coming into town to check that out and we got so spend some time together.
Tomorrow is mostly meetings, maybe a trip to the shuk to shop for shabbat, Mary and Neal Meyerson's arrival and a chance to check out the apt we hope to rent for Pesach 2010.
Sha'alu shalom l'irushalayim (Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem)
Sounds great! I probably won't get to read anymore till after Shabbat as I'll be in Tampa, but have a marvelous, peaceful and restful Shabbat. When you find a moment, please stop by Danny Boys and give him a hug from me. Does Mitzavh Heroes do any work directly with Livnot? I know their Jersul. campus has to close unfort. but their Zfat one is still operational I believe. Early, Shabbat Shalom!
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