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22 HASHALOM December
2016 / January 2017
December
2016 / January 2017
HASHALOM
23
COMMUNITY NEWS
By Cheryl Unterslak
During my last trip to Israel I delivered numerous Bar and
Batmitzvah gifts from Bar and Bat mitzvoth in Johannesburg.
It is very special that these young men and women partner
their simcha with others who are also celebrating their Bar
and Batmitzvah and have suffered from acts of terrorism,
and that their simcha is not only about them but also about
their fellow Jew who has suffered.
Everyone that I deliver to is always so surprised that they
were remembered and cared about. The gifts and letters
are so special and touching, and are very much appreciated.
The love and support from South Africa is felt by everyone.
I also delivered a large number of gifts that have been
knitted and crocheted by wonderful women around the
country. They use their G-d given talents to bring warmth
and so much happiness to so many children and families
in Israel. The recipients are so excited to receive something
that someone made for them and some have told me that
they feel that they have a grandparent in South Africa. All
these handmade gifts of love are extremely well made. The
items that are made are: beanies, blankets, mittens, jerseys
for every age, scarves and toys. Some of the knitters knit
only for the soldiers and others for the children.
All the recipients that you see in the photos have suffered
terrible tragedies recently because of acts of terrorism, and
you can see their happiness and gratitude when receiving
their gift.
I would like to thank all the knitters from around the whole
of South Africa who use their time and talents to touch the
lives of these beautiful children.
Hi Cheryl and Riki,
I must share a beautiful story with you!
My cousin’s daughter learns at Bnos Avigayil on the Neve
Campus. She frequently comes to my house. Recently we
were discussingwhat were the Chesed project opportunities.
As we discussed the different presentations, she told me
that one option was to volunteer with the families from
the Har Nof pigua. Yakoba Kupinsky presented this option.
Yacoba told the girls that a woman in South Africa educates
the school children about terrorist attacks in Israel. She has
the school children buy age appropriate items for each terror
victim and put them into back packs. The woman from South
Africa brought Yacoba’s children some of these wonderful
back packs. One of her younger children opened the back
pack and found socks. The socks made him laugh because
they had different colored toes and heels! Whenever he
needed a lift, the little boy took out his colorful socks and
wore them.
This was the beginning of his healing process after his
father’s murder. Yacoba told the girls this story to illustrate
the importance of one small act of Chesed which can
positively impact on another human being’s life.
I was so touched. I told my cousin that I know the lady that
distributes the back pack, named Cheryl, and her dedicated
friend, Riki.
May Hashem bless you with continued strength to see
another’s pain and stamina to execute this amazing project.
Besorot Tovot
Fondly, Lisa
BEAUTIFUL STORY