April 14, 2011 / 10 Nissan 5771

Members of the UJA-Federation of NY Exodus Mission visited the Youth Futures program in Jerusalem to learn about social activism and of the dedicated work accomplished by the Trustees (mentors) and Shinshinim (gap year volunteers) for children at risk.

The mission members - Diane and Howard Wohl, Cynthia Wolf, Susan Ackerman and Ilan Halperin then joined the children for hands on work to each prepare for their own personal exodus and crossing of the red sea. Each decorated a figure of an Israelite and attributed to it the feelings they would want to carry with them to their new lives and those they wish to throw into the waters of the red sea and thus leave behind.

The children and the mission members took to the scissors and crayons enthusiastically and discussed their choices and thoughts.

This activity was part of the ongoing educational process the trustees are guiding the children through - the realization that they can each design their own future and choose what they want it to hold for them.

The visit concluded with the mission members and the children stapling the figures to a placard that will decorate the school entrance for the upcoming weeks. The placard, purchased by the UJA-Federation of NY for the mission, will serve as a platform for changing exhibits at the school.

Happy and healthy Passover!