XII. Projects Relating to People With Disabilities XIII. The Aftermath of the Shoah-Holocaust XIV. Global Tikkun Olam XV. Animals and Mitzvahs

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XII. Projects Relating to People With Disabilities

A. AWESOME SPORTS-ISRAEL ($15,235)
Nahum Prital and Yoel Sharon are the founders of a very special program in Israel. Etgarim ("Challenge") offers thrilling sports opportunities such as parasailing, water skiing, sailing, and bicycling for people with disabilities. On our visit to Israel two summers ago we were very moved as we watched the sailing activities in Tel Aviv. Ziv's contribution has provided much-needed scholarships as well as new equipment, including Action Top End Excellerator-XL's, which are particularly high-quality hand-propelled special tricycles.

[Etgarim: Nahum Prital, 53 Sheshet HaYamim St., Jerusalem, 02-582-0022, phone/fax: 02-581-8766, cellular phone: 052-631-595, e-mail: prital@netvision.net.il. Yoel Sharon: POB 53169, Tel Aviv, phone: 03-561-3585; fax: 03-561-3586, e-mail: y_sharon@mail.netvision.net.il Contributions through PEF-Israel Endowments; see Section II:A.]

B. AWESOME TRIPS WORLDWIDE ($500)
Greg Lais' project, Wilderness Inquiry, provides incredible outdoor adventures for both disabled and able-bodied people. Their exciting trips challenge the participants no matter what their ability. In fact, one of our favorite teaching tools is a poster from the Wilderness Inquiry which shows Erin Broadbent, a paraplegic, as she rappels down a mountain in her wheelchair!

[Wilderness Inquiry, 1313 5th Ave. SE, Box 84, Minneapolis, MN 55414, Attn: Corey Schlosser-Hall, toll-free phone 800-728-0719 or 612-379-3858 V/TTY/TDD, fax: 612-379-5972, e-mail: wiinquiry@aol.com, Website: www.wildernessinquiry.org.]

C. YOSSI LEV - SPORTSMAN ($750)
We continue to support the fine work of Yossi Lev in Jerusalem. His programs provide exciting sports opportunities for many individuals with disabilities.

[Joseph Lev, c/o Shekel, 4 Yad Charutzim St., POB 53105, Jerusalem, Israel, phone: 02-672-0157 or 0158, fax: 02-672-5208, e-mail: shekelijm@netvision.net.il.]

D. PARKING TICKETS ($317.50)*
Our good friend, Andy Abbey, told us about a great idea he has been involved with for some time. Andy, a printer, has designed a small information piece which is meant to be slipped onto the windshield of cars that are parked illegally in spots designated as "Handicapped Parking Only" (meaning parking for individuals with disabilities). The bright paper the sign is printed on, as well as the gentle but direct message, are effective tools to remind people of the importance of keeping these spots available.

E. THE LEGENDARY HADASSAH LEVI ($5,000)
The name Hadassah Levi is familiar to many of our supporters. Rescuing 48 infants with Down Syndrome and 20 more with other disabilities, Hadassah started Ma'on LaTinok, A Home for Infants. "Hadassah's Kids," as they have lovingly been referred to, are now grown and living away from her, mostly in independent living situations. Our money allows Hadassah to give her people necessities such as clothing and birthday and holiday gifts.

[Hadassah Levi, POB 413, Givata'im, Israel, phone: 09-792-9265, fax: 09-792-0368. Contributions made payable to "Ma'on LaTinok." Hadassah is not officially associated with The Swedish Village/Jerusalem Elwyn.]

F. BAYIT CHAM - INCREDIBLE HUMAN WARMTH ($7,000)
Since we last wrote, the work of Shmuel Munk and Yoram Mordechai has grown. Former members of the Chazon F'taya staff, they secure meaningful jobs for more than 150 individuals who have experienced serious mental crises. The love and compassion that they put into their program is what gives it its very special nature.

[Shmuel Munk, c/o Bayit Cham, 19 Ra'avad St., Bnai Brak, phone: 03-677-8513, cellular phone: 051-598-660. Tax-deductible contributions through PEF-Israel Endowments. (See Section II:A above.)]

G. HOPE FOR PEOPLE WHO HAVE HAD EMOTIONAL CRISES ($5,000)
For more than 20 years, first the late Shaul F'taya and then his daughter, Simcha Ovadia-F'taya, have provided work, guidance, encouragement, and hope for people whose lives have been marred by severe mental distress or crisis. In a series of workshops called Chazon F'taya ("F'taya's Dream"), they have reached scores of people, and allowed many to re-integrate into Israeli society. Unfortunately, at the moment, Chazon's financial status is precarious, and the future of its entire operation is uncertain. We will review the situation this Summer when we return on our annual visit to Israel, and will report back to our readers in November.

[Chazon F'taya, POB 6070, 6 Shimon Chacham St., Jerusalem, Attn: Simcha Ovadia-F'taya, phone: 02-582-7826, fax: 02-581-7117.]

H. REB OSHER FREUND AND YAD EZRAH- ($2,500)
Reb Osher Freund's early work included delivering fruits and vegetables to needy people in Jerusalem. Today, many years later, his work has grown to include free dental clinics, housing for poor people, warm meals for the Elders, discount supermarkets, Shabbat food for hungry people, and a sheltered workshop for people recovering from mental distress and crises. An amazing and gentle man who has taught that people, no matter what their situation, deserve love and kindness. $2,000 of our donation was given to the special workshop, and the remaining $500 purchased the beautiful Challah and Matzah covers the workers produce, which we distribute at our programs.

[Sewing workshop: 4 Kinneret St. Yad Ezrah-main office, 11 Strauss St., POB 7199, Jerusalem, Attn: Shmuel Katz, 02-537-5812, fax: 02-538-9770. Contributions: Boston Friends of Yad Ezrah, c/o Elihu Stone, 158 Billings St., Sharon, MA 02067, 617-784-2848, or 722-0300 x 666, fax: 722-0301, e-mail: elistone@gis.net. Call Elihu if you would like to purchase their beautiful Challah or Matzah covers.]

I. MIRACLES HAPPEN EVERY DAY - ALYN HOSPITAL ($2,500)
Our friend at ALYN, Brenda Hirsch, is forever regaling us with the stories of miracles that come out of ALYN Orthopaedic Hospital in Jerusalem. World-renowned for their work with children with severe disabilities, ALYN's staff is devoted to improving lives shattered by illness, birth defects, and accidents. We have witnessed many of these miracles ourselves. They use our funds to buy much-needed equipment and supplies, as well as extras and special treats for the children.

[ALYN, Olswanger and Shmaryahu Levin Streets, Kiryat HaYovel, Jerusalem, Attn: Brenda Hirsch, phone: 02-641-2255 or 02-649-4224, fax: 02-643-3653, e-mail: alynpr@netmedia.net.il, Website: www.alyn.org. U.S. Contributions: ALYN American Society for Handicapped Children in Israel, 19 W. 44th St., #1418, NY, NY 10036, 212-869-0369, fax: 768-0979, e-mail: alynny@juno.com.]

If you would like to establish an American Friends of ALYN chapter in your community, contact Pam Lippitt in Detroit at 248-353-9038, e-mail: plippitt@bigfoot.com for details.

Please note: If you would like to donate used or new hearing aids for a project that distributes them free of charge to people in Israel who cannot afford to purchase them, send them to Al Newman, Hear Oh Israel Project, c/o Hadassah, 5030 Orchard Lake Rd., W. Bloomfield, MI 48323, toll-free phone: 800-683-2920 or 810-683-5030, fax: 810-683-1139.

Eyeglasses: Your local Lions Club (and most optometrists) are the best connection for donating old eyeglasses to the most worthy recipients.

XIII. The Aftermath of the Shoah-Holocaust

A. THE NEED CONTINUES ($7,700)
We have known about the fine work of Blue Card for many years. Despite the growing number of years that separate us from the Holocaust, Blue Card's resources are still critically needed. Their work is very straightforward: giving financial support to more than 1300 survivors or their children. They tell us that current research is proving that the horrors of the Shoah will be felt by many, many generations to come.

[The Blue Card, 1 W. 34th St., #404, NY, NY 10001, 212-724-0580, Attn: Florence Smeraldi, e-mail: bluecard@erols.com.]

B. RECOGNIZING RIGHTEOUS GENTILES ($1,500)
The Jewish Foundation for the Righteous works closely with many of the non-Jews who risked their lives to save Jews during the Shoah. Not only do they provide economic support for those who are now living in poverty, but they are also the primary resource for telling these individuals' incredible stories. If you are planning a Bar or Bat Mitzvah, ask them about their meaningful "twinning" program.

[Jewish Foundation for The Righteous, 165 E. 56th St., NY, NY 10022, Attn: Stanlee Stahl, 888-421-1221 or 212-727-9955, fax: 421-1881, e-mail: jfr@jfr.com, Website: www.jfr.org.]

XIV. Global Tikkun Olam

A. FEEDING ON A GLOBAL SCALE - STOP HUNGER NOW ($3,000)
For those of you who have followed our work over the years, Ray Buchanan's name was associated with the Potato Project, the program he started with Ken Horne. Ray's new program, Stop Hunger Now, helps to fight hunger on a global scale. Ray arranges for supplies of food and medical supplies to be sent to countries in crisis or those with chronic hunger problems. This past year, his efforts included Central American areas shattered by hurricanes, as well as countries where civil war has destroyed an already-weak economy. Some of our money was used to buy worm medication for Central Americans. Worm infestation is a devastating, and sometimes fatal, affliction plaguing the villagers. $1,500 of our contribution to Stop Hunger Now purchased enough medicine for a year's protection for more than 22,000 people. To give you an idea of Ray's achievements: he had hoped to supply $500,000 of relief in the first year of operation - he delivered $7,500,000.

[Stop Hunger Now, POB 493, Bedford, VA 24523, Attn: Ray Buchanan, toll-free phone: 888-501-8440, fax: 540-586-6189, e-mail: hunger@centralva.net.]

B. MICROLOANS: THE GRAMEEN BANK ($750)*
Muhammed Yunus launched his program in 1983: extending loans of $50 or less to the poorest-of-poor women in Bangladesh. The women worked hard, made and sold their goods, but could never break the cycle of poverty. By lending them the money to buy raw materials, they could slowly move on to a stable economic life. Now it is a well-known, but not-well-enough-known story. Today, $30,000,000 a month is loaned to 2,300,000 borrowers, with a payback rate of 97%. Our donation will be used to provide seed money, operational costs, and loans in countries other than Bangladesh where similar projects have been established. Also, there are more than 300 programs - referred to as "microenterprise" - in the United States.

This is definitely a Tzedakah project worth exploring if you really want to consider long-term and permanent solutions to the problems of poverty.

[Grameen Foundation USA, 1709 New York Avenue NW, Suite 101, Washington, DC 20006, 202-628-3560, fax: 628-3880, e-mail: info@peoplesfund.org, Attn: Joseph Kotun. Website: www.peoplesfund.org. Donations made out to "The People's Fund."]

C. PREVENTING HUNGER, POVERTY, AND SICKNESS WORLDWIDE ($250)
There are ways to prevent the monstrous nightmares of worldwide poverty, sickness, and the unnecessary deaths that result. Sam Daley-Harris is obsessed with the horrible numbers, and, more, the human beings these numbers represent. He works continuously to make funds available, and to keep already-budgeted funds available, for programs that bring immediate results. Our donation purchases Sam's materials, which we distribute at my programs. A must person to learn about and to learn from!

[RESULTS Educational Fund, 236 Massachusetts Ave., NE, #300, Washington, DC 20002, attn: Mr. Sam Daley-Harris, phone: 800-900-LEAD, or 202-546-1900, fax: 546-3228, e-mail: microcredit@igc.apc.org, Website: www.microcreditsummit.org.]

D. NATURE'S FURY IN THE CARIBBEAN ($250)*
Rabbi Eric M. Lankin, of Harrisburg, PA, recently requested support for the victims of Hurricane Mitch in the Dominican Republic. Rabbi Lankin made his appeal most relevant by reminding us of the role this tiny, underdeveloped country played in the Shoah. During those desperate years when the call went out for countries to accept Jewish refugees, the Dominican Republic was one of the very few that offered a safe haven. How very appropriate for us, as Jews, to respond to their crisis as they attempt to rebuild their fragile country.

[Rabbi Eric Lankin, Beth El Temple, 2637 N. Front Street, Harrisburg, PA 17110, 717-232-0556, fax: 232-6240, e-mail: lankin1@aol.com.]

XV. Animals and Mitzvahs

Delta Society is the foremost organization involved in the subject of human-animal interaction and its many benefits to people. This group is a fine resource for information concerning how animals can be used to improve people's health, independence, and quality of life, and they are in the forefront of work which promotes those goals. Contact them if you would like the latest word on the topic. Check their directory of hospitals that have an animal-assisted therapy program to see if one of your local hospitals is involved. If not, consider starting such a program.

[Delta Society, 289 Perimeter Rd. East, Renton, WA 98055, Attn: Michelle Cobey, voice phone: 425-226-7357, toll-free phone: 800-869-6898, TTY-TDD: 800-809-2714, fax: 235-1076, e-mail: deltasociety@cis.compuserve.com, Website: www.deltasociety.org.]

A. THE MIGHTY MITZVAH STEEDS - THE THERAPEUTIC RIDING CLUB OF ISRAEL ($107,222.26)
We love to tell people about Anita and Giora Shkedi and their wonderful therapeutic horseback riding program. Many times, we get a puzzled look when we talk about the program. Horses? Medical problems? How can they help? The process is really quite simple. The horse is an animal whose walking movements most closely approximate those of a human being. If you put someone who is disabled atop the horse, those movements will stimulate muscles and nerves normally unaffected by traditional physical therapy. The result is truly miraculous. We have never been disappointed when we visit the Club each summer. There, before our very eyes, we witness miracles. A man who arrives at the club in his wheelchair is helped onto the horse with the aid of an electric lift. After a 45-minute session, he comes down from the horse and walks - yes, walks - with the help of a cane, back to his waiting car. Only after you witness it first-hand can you believe it. Spend an afternoon with Anita and Giora and you will witness miracle after miracle with your own eyes. Though most benefits from therapeutic riding come from more extensive efforts and intensive therapy, these other solitary moments - awesome - cannot fail to impress.
All types of people with disabilities can benefit from therapeutic riding - individuals with neurological disorders such as cerebral palsy or multiple sclerosis, learning disabilities, brain injuries, blindness, deafness, victims of road accidents, even troubled youths and Elders. Indeed, the Israel center is so special that Anita is considered an expert of international renown in the field of brain-injury and therapeutic horseback riding.

We expect that our upcoming visit this summer will allow us to witness another type of miracle. For years we have agonized with Anita and Giora over the sometimes primitive accommodations they have had to endure at their present site. With little protection from the elements and insufficient space for the beautiful horses that make it all possible, the Club has yearned for a new location. At last, their dream is coming true. Ground has been broken at a new site and we expect them to be in place by the summer. (If you are planning a trip to Israel, this is One Great Place to visit.)

Ziv's gifts provide for equipment, scholarships for riders who are unable to afford the fees, and, in past years, we funded the purchase of seven horses, three of which were purchased here in the States and shipped to Israel. We are currently collecting funds to be used for the purchase of two Icelandic horses, the premiere breed for this type of work. This year, we received a grant for $82,000 to purchase a much-needed van to transport riders and volunteers.

[The Therapeutic Riding Club of Israel, POB 3168, Bet Ye-hoshua, Israel, Attn: Anita Shkedi, phone: 09-899-7776, fax: 899-6103, 796-7705 (h), e-mail: trci@internetzahav.net.]

B. THERAPEUTIC RIDING IN NORTH AMERICA ($500)
For anyone interested in therapeutic horseback riding in this country, we recommend that you contact the North American Riding for the Handicapped Organization (NARHA). They will be able to give you the location of over 500 centers, as well as provide you with resource materials.

[NARHA, POB 33150, Denver, CO 80233, Attn: William Scebbi, phone: 800-369-RIDE (voice/message) or 303-452-1212, fax: 252-4610, e-mail: narha@frii.com, Website: www.narha.org.]

In addition, we funded the printing of publicity pamphlets ($210)* for a relatively new therapeutic riding group in the Orlando area. Contact: Ms. Jane Flora, c/o Freedom Ride, Inc., POB 3741, Winter Park, FL 32790, 407-251-0497, e-mail: freedmride@aol.com.

C. PRECIOUS PUPPIES ($1,175)
One of our favorite places to visit when we travel to Israel is the Israel Guide Dog Center for the Blind. Established in 1991 as a result of the tireless efforts of American Norm Leventhal, and headed by Israeli Noach Braun, the Center has paired more than 100 Israelis with these amazing dogs. The three-week training each blind participant takes part in, along with their new companion, prepares them for a more meaningful, independent life. A special treat, should you visit, is a trip to the on-site kennels where the newborn puppies are kept. Such exuberance! Such wet noses!

[Israel Guide Dog Center for the Blind, Bet Oved, 76800, Israel, Attn: Noach Braun, phone: 08-940-8213 or 940-8202, cellular phone: 050-404-070, fax: 08-940-8220, e-mail: igdcb@netvision.net.il; in the U.S., contact Norman Leventhal, 701 Easton Rd., Warrington, PA 18976, phone: 215-343-0373, fax: 343-0211, e-mail: igdcb@nni.com, Website: http://israelguidedog.org.]

D. ISRAEL'S THERAPEUTIC NATURE CENTER ($500)
Our good friend, Joël Dorkam of the Ya'akov Maimon Volunteers (see section XI:B) introduced us to Park Chai several years ago. Located on Kibbutz Tzuba, we have watched the center grow to become a very special nature reserve filled with beautiful plants and many, many animals. Our funding has underwritten visits by disabled people, people who live in institutions, and Elders. Often we forget that they, too, are touched in profound ways by God's creations.

[Kibbutz Tzuba Nature Center, Doar Na Haray Yehuda, Israel, Attn: Yaël Kerem, phone: 02-534-7933, fax: 02-534-7955, e-mail: kerem_yd@tzuba.org.il.]

E. CANINE COMPANIONS FOR INDEPENDENCE ($387)
While many people are familiar with the work of guide dogs for blind people, canine assistance for people with other disabilities is not as well-known. Perhaps, while walking on a city street, you have seen a dog with a yellow pack across its back leading a disabled person. Canine Companions are trained to do incredible things - from turning on light switches to pulling a wheelchair, these special dogs make independence possible for many people. CCI is also involved in providing dogs for hearing-impaired people as well as for pet-assisted therapy programs. A special focus of CCI's work is the "puppy-raising" program. Qualified families can raise these special dogs in their homes during the first critical year of life. To get more information on any of their programs, contact CCI directly.

[CCI, POB 446, Santa Rosa, CA 95402-0446, Attn: Bob Henning, toll-free phone: 800-572-BARK (V/TDD) or 707-577-1789, fax: 577-1711, e-mail: info@caninecompanions.org; Website: www.caninecompanions.org.]

F. PREVENTING PAIN TO ANIMALS TZA'AR BA'ALEY CHAIM-CHAI ($250)*
We have been following the work of Nina Natelson and CHAI-Concern for Helping Animals in Israel, for some time, and are impressed with the scope of their accomplishments. Founded more than 14 years ago, CHAI's focus has been on the humane treatment of animals in Israel. What they have achieved to that end is impressive. Following is only part of a very long list: Construction of an animal shelter in the Galilee, the purchase of an animal ambulance and its subsequent duty-free delivery to Israel, a proposed center in Tel Aviv dedicated to promoting humane education, and extensive educational efforts among Israeli animal shelter personnel. Nina and her very dedicated group of volunteers have encountered many obstacles along the way, but continue to work tirelessly to promote the humane treatment of animals.

[Concern For Helping Animals in Israel, Nina Natelson, Director, PO Box 3341, Alexandria, VA 22302, 703-658-9650, fax: 941-6132, e-mail: 74754.654@compuserve.com, website: http://host.envirolink.org/chai.]

G. THOSE AMAZING MITZVAH DOLPHINS ($700)
The term "alternative therapies" is a buzzword on today's medical scene. The work being done at the Full Circle Program at the Clearwater, Florida, Marine Science Center is such a method of therapy, though some day it will hopefully be considered "mainstream." Marianne Klingel started the program several years ago with the idea that children with disabilities could benefit from interacting with marine animals (which include sea turtles, dolphins, and others). This past year, the program has attracted children from Europe, where such therapy is not widely known. Many miracles, both big and small, happen at the center. We recommend a visit if you are in the area.

[The Full Circle Program, Clearwater Marine Science Center, 249 Windward Passage, Clearwater, FL 34630, Attn: Scott Swaim, 727-441-1790 x58, fax: 442-9466, e-mail: cma@cftnet.com.]

H. HELPING HANDS ($250)
We have followed the work started by Dr. M. J. Willard for many years. It is a brilliant and very effective example of the principles of human-animal interaction. Capuchin monkeys are successfully trained to act as "helping hands" for people with many types of disabilities. Fascinating stuff! We recommend a visit to their website to get the entire story.

[Helping Hands, Judi Zazula, 1505 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA., 02135, 617-787-4419, fax: 787-5665, website: www.helpinghandsmonkeys.org]

I. WHERE WILD THINGS ARE - THE BIRDS OF PREY FOUNDATION ($100)

Sigrid Ueblacker has been working at her Birds of Prey Foundation for many years. We are delighted to receive, on occasion, a full-color photograph of a recently-rehabilitated bird that Sigrid has rescued. Be it an injured hawk, an eagle, or other raptor, Sigrid provides them with special care, delivered with love and gentle hands.

[The Birds of Prey Foundation, 2290 S. 104th St., Broomfield, CO 80020, Attn: Sigrid Ueblacker, 303-460-0674, e-mail: raptor@birds-of-prey.org, Website: www.birds-of-prey.org.]

J. DOGS ALLOWED ($300)
We have admired the Pet Assisted Therapy (PAT) program at Huntington Hospital in California for several years. Indeed, the video that we frequently show never fails to bring smiles to faces in the audience when they watch patients interact with these special animals. It is a fine example of human-animal interaction and its many benefits. Our contribution provides Polaroid film for on-the-spot pictures that can extend the visit even after the dog has left.

[Huntington Hospital, PAT Program, 100 W. California Blvd., POB 7013, Pasadena, CA 91109, Attn: Cindy Neimitz, 626-397-3495, fax: 836-0497.]

If you would like to know how to get your dog registered as a therapy dog for nursing home and hospital visits, please contact Victoria MacKay in Northbrook, IL, at 773-714-8170 (h), 847-205-9982 (o).

K. MITZVAHS FROM THE VETERINARY SCHOOL ($100)*
When I was at Purdue for a week-end, I was dazzled by the variety of programs that the School of Veterinary Medicine offers relating to the benefits of the human-animal bond. We paid for the printing of pamphlets, so that we could distribute them at my talks. The school is a wonderful resource for students and teachers who want to move into this high-powered area of Mitzvah work.

[Dr. Alan M. Beck, Sc.D., Center for the Human-Animal Bond, School of Veterinary Medicine, 1243 Veterinary Pathology Building, W. Lafayette, IN 47907-1243, 765-494-7541, fax: 494-9830, e-mail: abeck@purdue.edu.]

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