By Haylee Mevorah
Over the past few years, tikun olam has become a significantly more integral part of my Jewish identity. This past May, I volunteered at Save a Child’s Heart and witnessed firsthand the power of nonprofit organizations in Israel. Hence, when I received the Nachshon Project schedule, I was instantly excited to visit Shalva and expand my knowledge of the nonprofit field in Israel. I feel particularly connected to Shalva’s mission as I am a disability studies minor and believe there is a significant lack of opportunities for those with disabilities. Shalva really opened my eyes to the power that one person and one organization can have.
Our cohort learned about the history of Shalva as it was started by Malki and Kalman Samuels when their son Yossi received a faulty vaccine. Realizing there was a lack of services, they took it upon themselves to take action. This is a very powerful concept that our cohort can take home with us. When we recognize a gap in society, it is very easy to view it as daunting and run in the other direction. Yet, if we shift our mindset just like the Samuels did and view it as an opportunity, we can make the world that much of a better place and create something bigger than ourselves.
One concept that I learned back at my university was that the number of resources significantly dwindle once students with disabilities finish high school. Ranging from job opportunities to housing options, people with disabilities often feel like they are at a dead end. During our session, I asked about the various opportunities that they have for young adults once they finish school. Unsurprisingly, Shalva had an answer. Every year, the Israeli government chooses one organization to help create a Yom Hazikaron package for families affected by terror. This year, Shalva was chosen and individuals are packaging tea bags that will be distributed to these families. Not only is this an employment opportunity for people with disabilities but it is also fulfilling a real mitzvah and putting Shalva in a positive light. In addition to the employment aspect, Shalva has begun a new initiative for adult housing that will hopefully continue to expand over the coming years.
Shalva has impacted a tremendous number of children and families over the past 28 years. Seeing and hearing narratives about the number of people that have been positively affected by the organization is truly astonishing. From the the beautiful new facility to the Shalva band to the overall variety of programming, I look forward to continuing to follow the beautiful work that Shalva accomplishes and be an advocate for such a meaningful cause.
