Dear Friends,

I began the month of February with an incredible trip to Florida, where I drove across the state meeting new and old friends of Keren Or. It was particularly meaningful for me to get to know many second, and even third (!) generation supporters. I was moved by their memories of their parents and grandparents, and humbled to learn how Keren Or has inspired their families for half a century. 

One of the many highlights of my week in Florida was the Keren Or trip to the Vizcaya Museum. This SOLD OUT event included round-trip transportation, a lovely outdoor lunch, and a guided tour of the historical mansion and beautiful gardens. A wonderful time was had by all! Special thanks to the planning committee: Joyce Austein, Sherri Herring, Judy Levine, Linda Rothschild, Janet Spitz, and Lillian Stein! It was the first event we’ve held in Florida in many years, and we look forward to adding a Florida event to our annual calendar!

Back in Jerusalem, lots of terrific things happened as well. The Keren Or school hosted “open houses” so parents of current students could see the therapists and special educators in action. The capital campaign received a very generous gift, and progressed to the final planning stages. New playground equipment was installed, and the Keren Or fathers were treated to a “day out” to relax, bond, and learn from one another.

Despite all of the amazing things that transpired this month, my heart is heavy. Last week, my childhood friends lost their radiant son, Ma’oz Morell, in the battle of Khan Yunis. By all accounts, Ma’oz was a very special young man, who faced every challenge with humility, determination, and a smile. Everything we accomplished at Keren Or this month was due to the courage of Ma’oz and our heroic soldiers who are defending us, and allowing us to live our daily lives. I salute them all, and am profoundly grateful.

With Love and Humility,

Tears and Hope,

Shira  

Dads' AMAZING Day Out

At Keren Or, we recognize that raising a child with complex disabilities has an impact on the entire family unit. Therefore, in addition to caring for our students, we offer programs and support services for our students' families. This month, our fathers were treated to a fantastic day trip that nurtured both body and spirit!

The day began with a group ice-breaker during which fathers shared incredibly meaningful reflections. They immediately felt comfortable opening up to one another about their shared joys, challenges, and experiences. Then, they went on to the "Ima Restaurant," where our fathers continued the conversation over an all-you-can-eat lunch! Food, fun, and friendship flowed as the group savored course after delicious course. Finally, the group headed to the "Hamei Ga'ash" spa and hot springs near Netanya where they enjoyed swimming pools, Jacuzzis, saunas, more bonding, and pampering before returning home at midnight!

As one father said "most importantly, we laughed together. I haven't done that in a long time." Special thanks to Natalie and Davidi Jonas for sponsoring this program and putting smiles on the Dads' faces!

New Playground Equipment Installed!

Capital Campaign Corner: Keren Or Receives Anonymous $1,000,000 Gift!

Maimonides famously remarked that "giving is most blessed and most acceptable when the donor remains completely anonymous." This month, Keren Or was truly blessed when an anonymous, first time donor made an incredible gift of $1 million to the capital campaign! This gift will enable the renovation to begin immediately.

"There are moments in your career that you never forget," said Shira Reifman, CEO of Keren Or. "Receiving the email informing me of this gift was one of those mind-blowing moments. I am grateful to our newest board member, Mr. Brian Glick, for his help in securing the donation, and our whole organization is indebted beyond words to the modest hero who provided this support."

The capital campaign is a $6m campaign, which includes $4.8m of direct construction costs and additional funding for the ongoing maintenance and upkeep of the building. The renovation will achieve four main goals:

1) Adding classroom space and therapy rooms

2) Improving accessibility, including adding an elevator

3) Adapting the building to the visual needs of students with cortical visual impairment (CVI)

4) Enhancing life-safety features, including adding 2 wheelchair accessible bomb shelters, fire sprinklers and fire doors.

We hope this gift will inspire others to contribute to making the world a better place for children with visual impairments and multiple disabilities. To learn more about these urgent needs, and available dedication opportunities, please click here.

Support TEAM KEREN OR in the Jerusalem Marathon on March 8th!

Israel in Trauma: How are the Children Doing?

Join CEO Shira Reifman in Boston on April 3