May 9, 2024.
Dear Friends of Neve Hanna,Once again, it’s time to get in touch. At Neve Hanna, everything is okay so far. The children are enjoying the new playground to the fullest and yet not everything is as usual, as many are struggling with the trauma resulting from the events of October 7th and the subsequent developments.
Without going into further detail, it must be noted that the days of this season are particularly emotional this year. The day of remembrance for the fallen soldiers and victims of terrorism is coming up. We have already marked Shoah Remembrance Day. In view of the ever-growing wave of anti-Semitism, Neve Hanna was important to emphasize that during the time of Nazi persecution, people of many nations and different faiths helped and saved Jews. Including Dr. Mohammed Helmy. Born in Egypt at the beginning of the 20th century, this Muslim studied medicine in Berlin. Despite Nazi rule, he was able to practice his profession as a physician until 1937, but was then temporarily imprisoned. He later saved several Jews and was posthumously honored by Yad Vashem in 2013 as “Righteous among the Nations.” Dr. Helmy is not the only Muslim to receive this honor, but he is the only Arab Muslim.
Neve Hanna is looking forward to another day of remembrance as well as Independence Day, which we will celebrate together, as always.
Sincerely for today,
Antje C. Naujoks
Public Relations and Resource Development
Neve Hanna Children’s Home, Kiryat Gat, Israel
American Friends of Neve Hanna 