FC Jerusalem Salutes Volunteers

“The Friendship Circle of Central Jerusalem’s volunteers are the ones who keep the program alive throughout the year. The teenage girls and boys who volunteer their time, selflessly and tirelessly every week and at special events, have made this past year a success. FC of Central Jerusalem, loves giving back to those who give of themselves!” says Chana Canterman, director of the Friendship Circle of Central Jerusalem.

This year its volunteers were saluted with an evening of fun and inspiration. A private Zumba class, delicious finger foods and desserts, and of course entertainment awaited them at the event last week.

“See it differently” (inspired by a FC International promo video in 2015) was the theme of the volunteer evening and the program stayed true to that throughout. The evening began with a short video (produced by Menucha Sperlin) highlighting all of their tremendous efforts over the past year.

This year the volunteers were in for a surprise when the special guest speaker was announced. Dr. Rachamim Melamed-Cohen, who suffers from A.L.S. and can communicate only with his eyes, was videoed (as seen below) giving over his beautiful blessing to the girls that they will cherish for years to come.

Through the perspective of a mother of a child at FCCJ, the volunteers understood how each and every one of them makes a difference in the life of a child with special needs. Aside from the `Friends at Home` buddy dates and a host of other events and programs throughout the year, FCCJ has also begun facilitating buddy dates for children with disabilities, for whom school has become a home away from home. They enter school at 7:30 am and leave at 7:30 pm; their only interaction being with teachers and medical personnel.

Zissel Klein, a dedicated volunteer, shared vividly, how her weekly friendships with children who practically live at school, has impacted her life. Zissel volunteered at Keren Ohr, a school for children who cannot see. She together with Chaya Raskin, Rechyl Korf, and Mushky Lapidus gave their special friends a different way to view the world with every visit.

Fleur Hassan Nachum, daughter of the previous Prime Minister of Gibraltar and newly nominated Jerusalem City Councilor, surprised the girls and thanked them for their contribution to the Friendship Circle. The volunteers were given certificates and gift tote bags as a token of appreciation.

Chushi Rozenson, Miri Touger and Chani Urmacher were presented with the Hochstein ‘Hineni’ Award for their constant dedication and distinction in volunteer work.

A surprise moment was up next; the Hochstein ‘Nediv Lev’ Award (announced by video) was given to Michal Ashkanazy of Shaalvim Girls’ College, for her outstanding solo volunteer work, at the Hettena School in Kiryat Yovel, for children with severe and unique challenges. The love, dedication and care that she showered upon them were not only life changing for them but also for her.

The evening came to a close with a fabulous private concert with world renowned Ricka Van Lewin, of the famous singing Razel family. The girls enjoyed being spoiled, while FC Central Jerusalem much enjoyed ‘showing’ them their respect and appreciation.