How Jewish charities are helping people to a better place
Just as the Israelites moved to a better place, Jewish charities help individuals do the same every day. Here are some of their stories...
Abi, 17, (pictured above), has been supported by Camp Simcha since she was diagnosed with a facial tumour when she was six. “My diagnosis and treatment started to take over my life as my condition means I have multiple operations each year, doctor’s appointments and chronic pain from the condition which doctors can’t relieve,” she says.
“At first I tried to accept that I wouldn’t be able to do the things friends and classmates could do. I felt angry and depressed which impacted my self-esteem and confidence. But Camp Simcha came into my life and showed me everything is possible. Anything my friends could do, I could too.”
One of the most life-changing aspects for Abi was the therapeutic art sessions. “This is where my passion for art began. Together with their art teacher Belinda, I created wonderful pieces, some of which sold to raise money for charity. It has been a great outlet for my feelings – and really cheered me up when pain was getting me down. But mostly, it helped me gain confidence. That gave me the courage to create my Instagram page @braveartist2005.
“I’ve had other great experiences with Camp Simcha, such as going on family retreats and also children’s retreats with other chronically ill kids. One of my favourite memories is standing up in front of everyone singing ‘Let It Go’ from Frozen. I never thought I could go away without my family because of my health issues, but took a summer trip to its USA sister organisation and met many other people with chronic illnesses.” Camp Simcha’s constant presence reminded Abi that she could do things. “Just in a different way that empowered me to come out the other side of what I was going through.” www.campsimcha.org.uk
She says: “When we crossed the border, I experienced great relief. I’d been so afraid that the column of refugees could be fired upon from the Ukrainian side of the border. I was glad my parents were able to cross with me. I feel a great sense of gratitude to the people who organized the evacuation of children.”
Olga Marshak (pictured above), her husband and two children were helped to flee from Odessa to the Palanca border crossing into Moldova. Marshak’s husband had meningitis as a child so isn’t eligible to enlist into the army; he is one of few men who have been able to flee. Taking a 15-hour coach journey from Odessa to the border under police escort, they were met by WJR’s partners at the border and transported to emergency accommodation outside Chisinau. They will shortly be leaving for Israel. www.worldjewishrelief.org
Before moving into his Jewish Blind & Disabled flat, Jason, 58, lived with family and friends and then a B&B. Suffering from osteo-arthritis and waiting for a knee replacement, Jason hated the B&B: “It was horrendous, and I had a serious fall which left me with an ongoing arm injury.” Calling Jewish Blind & Disabled in desperation, just five weeks later he moved into his new home and is now happy and secure.
“I also come home to people I can chat to and have peace of mind knowing house managers are there if I need anything or have another fall. There’s also a minibus to take me shopping and a tenancy support team to help source donated furniture I could not afford.” Jason finally has a home with heart. www.jbd.org
Max Altaras wanted to find a volunteering role that would enhance his Jewish values. The 18-year-old was keen to work in an outdoor environment and help the homeless. JVN (Jewish Volunteering Network) was able to connect Max with City Harvest New Spitalfield’s Market. The placement has been a huge success, with the City Harvest crew declaring Max an essential part of the team. Max says he has met “some of the kindest and most sincere people, who I consider friends. I have a new insight into how the charity sector is run and the food waste that is experienced globally.” Nicky Goldman, Chief Executive of JVN couldn’t be more delighted. “We found Max his perfect volunteering role, which clearly enables him to live by his Jewish values and help make the world a better place.” www.jvn.org.uk
Ebby always wanted to be a teacher but found that it is hard to choose your own career path when you’re deaf. After studying business at college, she found it impossible to find work. Meanwhile, she was caring for her disabled mother. Without friends or chances to meet other deaf people, she became withdrawn, and her confidence dwindled. After eight years of struggling with depression, she found her place – on the Dcafe Volunteer Training Scheme at the JDA (Jewish Deaf Association) signing café. Now, Ebby is part of an inspirational team of unemployed deaf people, all working together to provide a popular hub for the deaf signing community. She has gained confidence and skills to become more employable. She has also discovered a mean talent for baking! Ebby says: “Dcafe has changed my life. It’s great to learn new skills and we love seeing customers with smiles on their faces!” www.jdeaf.org.uk
Stephen, a skilled furniture maker and respected expert in the field of antiques and philately was living alone in the same house for most of his life. Amiable and kind-hearted, he joined KKL on a legacy mission to Israel to see for himself the work that JNF UK are doing in the Negev. This was his first trip abroad and he was moved by the projects he saw and the people he met. When Stephen became ill and was unable to go out or to prepare meals for himself KKL’s pastoral team regularly visited him and made sure he had kosher food. They liaised with his family and accompanied him to A&E when he was taken by ambulance and was there for him until sadly, he passed away. They worked together with his cousins to ensure he received a dignified funeral and kaddish was said with a minyan. Although not all KKL clients need the level of involvement given to Stephen, the organisation is there when they do. www.kkl.org.uk
comments