Shalva, the Israel Association for the Care and Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities, is dedicated to providing transformative care for individuals with disabilities, empowering their families, and promoting social inclusion. Non-denominational and free of charge, Shalva’s programs provide an all-encompassing range of services for hundreds of individuals from infancy to adulthood. Additionally, Shalva supports and enables families to raise their children with disabilities within the family framework. Through nearly three decades of award-winning programs, Shalva continues to partner with government, academic, and philanthropic institutions in advocacy efforts to create a more inclusive society.

Members of the Five Towns community spent their year abroad volunteering as part of the Shalva Ambassadors program. As ambassadors, they not only volunteered every week, but were also responsible for bringing in new volunteers. Many of them ran the Jerusalem Marathon for Shalva, threw sleepovers and parties for the Shalva kids (where they all danced like crazy), and even got their hands dirty painting the recycling center and working in the therapeutic garden.

Emily Greenberg of Lawrence reflects, “Spending time with Shalva members this year was truly humbling and eye-opening. Singing ‘Tov L’hodos’ with these girls reminded me how thankful I am for all the gifts Hashem bestows upon me that are so often taken for granted. I have a newfound kavanah and love for Am Yisrael. The impact that the Shalva girls have on the people around them is non-repayable, for the ability to unlock one’s highest potential is the great gift, and I believe that is exactly what they do.”

Aleeza Waxman of Cedarhurst exclaims, “Shalva has become my home in Israel. Ever since I’ve been involved with Shalva–for over three years now–I’ve come to witness the magical and loving aspects of Shalva. I’m so fortunate to have made everlasting bonds with the adorable children in Gan Yehudis and the many afterschool groups that I mentor. Every single Monday and Thursday I am greeted with hugs and kisses from all the children in Gan Yehudis. A few months ago, I fell while transferring buses and I walked into my gan with a big bandage around my knee. The kids covered their mouth with shock when I showed them my knee, and all of a sudden I received eight kisses to make my boo-boo feel better. There is no greater joy than for a child at Shalva to remember your name and get excited when they see you. I am so blessed to have benefited tremendously from learning vital life lessons from the precious angels at Shalva.”

David Schwartzman of West Hempstead comments, “It’s very simple. Anyone looking for the happiest place on earth is looking in all the wrong places. The second you take a step in Shalva, you’ll realize that there’s nowhere else in the world with that amount of happiness flowing through its veins. Some of the best moments of my life have been spent in Shalva, whether while volunteering or running in the marathon. Thank-you to Shalva for all they do!”

Liana Hersh of West Hempstead reflects, “Every time I walk into Shalva, my day instantly gets better. No matter what I’m doing there, the atmosphere is unlike anything I’ve ever felt. It’s everything you need in one place. A home, a community, a family. I’m honored to be a part of the team and can’t wait to be a part of Shalva’s future.”

Yael Baratz, also of West Hempstead, notes, “My experience at Shalva has been nothing short of amazing! From playing with the kids in the pool, doing art projects, hanging out in the playground, and seeing them in their element, it is really amazing to be a part of. My time at Shalva this year has really been something I will remember forever!”

Amanda Ritholtz of West Hempstead comments, “There is nothing that I look forward to more than ending my week spending time with the kids at Shalva. It has very quickly become a highlight of my seminary year. The kids in Shalva have taught me the importance of loving and accepting unconditionally, and that even the smallest kind gesture, a smile or a hug, can make someone’s day. Shalva is truly the best place on earth!”

Maggie Rosenthal of Woodmere notes, “Having a brother who is autistic, I heard stories about Shalva and the amazing things they do for children with special needs. My brother Jake is currently 21, and after hearing that Shalva had gans for little children with Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities, I knew that would be something I must involve myself in. Every Monday I go to the classroom with 4-year-old boys and girls, and it truly is the highlight of the week. Nothing makes me happier than the smiles and hugs I receive from all the kids when I first come in. We play together and sing together, creating memories that I will remember forever. Shalva has become a major part of my life this year in Israel and I am truly thankful to have gotten the opportunity to get involved. I hope to continue my involvement back in New York.”

Rebecca Alexander of Woodmere exclaims, “I’m so glad I got to experience volunteering at Shalva. The energy there is great–you can feel the encouragement and excitement no matter what the hour. You can tell that the faculty all love what they do. You’ll rarely see someone not smiling at Shalva. I’m so lucky I got to experience the Shalva greatness.”

Michael Nassimi of Great Neck comments, “One of the greatest investments of time I’ve made during my year in Israel has been the time I’ve spent at Shalva. The beautiful Shalva building and the smiling faces of the kids have become an integral part of my week. Now that I know the incredible impact Shalva has on the lives of these children and their families, I have a deep sense of pride, knowing that I am a part of something much greater than myself. The job might not be easy, but I believe that that is exactly what makes it all the more worth it.”

Natalie Dicker, also of Great Neck, notes, “There’s nothing I look forward to as much as going to Shalva every week. I feel so connected to the adorable children with whom I have the privilege of doing hydrotherapy, and I know saying goodbye to them, and my Shalva family, is going to be one of the hardest parts of leaving Israel this year. Shalva is such an incredibly warm and giving place, and I only wish it were possible for me to continue my volunteering from overseas! Still, I know Shalva will always have a place in my heart!”

 

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