A group of students from The General Federation of Working and Studying Youth (NOAL), one of Israelโs largest and most diverse youth movements, visited ADI Moriah in Gedera, to celebrate the joyous month of Adar, the month of Purim.
Youth group participants, for whom this was their first personal exposure to people with special needs, were excited yet apprehensive and expected to be wary about the actual firsthand interaction. It took no time at all, however, for the smiles to break through the fear, and soon both sets of students were working together, accompanied by National Service girls, creating Purim arts & crafts projects.
Singing and dancing quickly ensued, and a pleasurable time was enjoyed by all.
Before leaving the village, Ron, NOAL counselor, commented that he was proud of his students for not allowing their reservations to prevent them from coming and joining in such a good deed.
Like Ron, we are also proud and happy of the students who came to visit, and we are just as proud of our residents for their part in teaching the values of acceptance and inclusion to yet another group of visitors.
We look forward to meeting on future happy occasions.
