By Lisa Pollack, Executive Director, American Friends of Neve Hanna
Last March, I visited Neve Hanna just in time to attend the Purim Carnival and witness the behind-the-scenes hard work in making the Purim Carnival a success. I toured the campus, admiring all the beautiful updates, including the new playground, the library, the colorful murals, the whimsical sculptures, and the Yeladudes Bakery store.
I met with the leadership and learned about their work and goals for the children. Neve Hanna is not a job; it is their daily life, a mission, and vision. The staff consists of trained educators, social workers, psychologists, and psychiatrists, as well as experts in different therapeutic fields. They understand every aspect of Neve Hanna and set the tone for the children to follow.
Introduction to leadership and staff:
Rabba Liron invited me to sit in a circle with this year’s B’nai Mitzvah class as they discussed being Israeli, their Jewish pride, their way of life, studying the Torah, the holidays, and the values of Tikkun Olam and Tzedakah. Her warm, caring qualities when working with children are extraordinary and special. It meant a great deal to me that I was able to watch it firsthand.
Antje, PR and Resource Development, took me on a tour of the Negev Bedouin community, who are traditionally nomadic Arab tribes, living in the desert region in southern Israel. On the way back to NH we drove through impoverished Kiryat Gat, which gave me a better understanding of the at-risk youth who come to Neve Hanna.
Maya, Director of Cultural Affairs and Education, understands the children, drawing them out by inspiring education and creative ideas. Her enthusiasm is passed on to them. She is the creative force, undertaking responsibility, guiding the children, as can be witnessed at the Purim Carnival.
This Year’s Purim Theme: Blockbuster Movies
Maya led the incredible schoolwide event with beautiful costumes, creative kids’ interactive booths, remarkable decorations, and fantastic festivities. The children, staff, and volunteers were involved in every aspect. Their creativity and hard work were evident throughout every detail. It was a special treat to witness it all and watch the kids rehearse their dance numbers. Attending the carnival and witnessing the children’s enjoyment was pure pleasure. The Purim Carnival is open to the parents, families, and the community at large.
Judith, NH Librarian, discussed daily work at the library where she organizes and catalogues the books, and works with the children, who come in at least once a week, to get new books. Their reading comprehension scores have
vastly improved. The library fosters a love of reading, improving their study habits, introduces vocational ideas, and inspires the pursuit of higher education. Watching the children interact with Judith was inspiring.
Ishay, Director of the Petting Zoo, understands the importance of how each child relates to the animals through Animal-Assisted Therapy. Many therapy programs take place in the Petting Zoo. The children referred to this program are between 6 and 15 years old. They have weekly individual sessions with their therapists as well as group activities.
Michal, NH Social Worker, discussed a day at Ziv Neurim. The approach to the Path of the Sea program is based on strengthening teen self-image, building up their ability to cope and deal with their fears, stressful situations, thus creating positive experiences, encouraging perseverance to cope with overcoming obstacles. They develop expertise in swimming and handling small sea craft, enhancing their skills. This experience transfers over to a positive effect on their studies, their national service, and their future working careers.
Dudi, Director of the Yeladudes Bakery, a former child and a success story of Neve Hanna, discussed the bakery’s integral part of daily life, and how the children explore their talents and experience success working at the bakery.
Zohar, baker at Yeladudes, is a success story. Zohar is a former child who lived at Neve Hanna since the age of six. Following his graduation from NH, Zohar served in the IDF, where he appreciated the art of baking. Subsequently, because of his love of baking, he returned to NH, entering the bakery apprenticeship program. I was able to observe how well he relates to the children working at the bakery and how his success is an example to them.
Throughout the years, there have been many successful alumni from NH. These young people were given the chance to grow beyond the circumstances from which they emerged. Neve Hanna is truly “Changing Children’s Lives.”
I thank Janet and Irwin for allowing me to experience Neve Hanna. I thank Antje for arranging the itinerary and interviews with Neve Hanna leadership. Thank you all for making me feel at home.
Written by Lisa Pollack, Executive Director
American Friends of Neve Hanna
American Friends of Neve Hanna 