KKL-JNF inaugurates an environmental garden and upgraded mobility paths at the Haifa branch of ILAN, the Israeli Foundation for Handicapped Children, thanks to a donation from 91-year-old philanthropist Judith (Giuditta) Matalon of Milan, Italy.
"The aspirations of a healthy society are to ensure that each member can utilize his abilities to the utmost, for himself, for his family, and for society. And that is exactly what ILAN does, and the reason why we at KKL-JNF respect and appreciate ILAN," said director of KKL-JNF's Northern Region Yiftach Har-Hol, at the inauguration ceremony.
The proceedings began with the unveiling of a plaque in the newly landscaped grounds of the ILAN Haifa facility, bearing the name of the donor and the logos of ILAN and KKL-JNF.
The inscription, in Hebrew and Italian, reads:
“The environmental development was donated in memory of Alberto Avraam Matalon, Rachel Modai Matalon, Beniamino (Beni) Matalon, by Judith (Giuditta) Matalon of Milano, Italy.”
In the large hall of the Beit Kessler building, in the presence of many of the compound's residents, Moshe Dolev, CEO of ILAN Haifa and the Manager of Beit Kessler, welcomed the guests and thanked everyone present for attending. He said that the completion of the new garden and pathways was the culmination of a five-year-long dream that was made possible due to KKL-JNF and the generous donation of Judith Matalon.
“The garden and the safe, sheltered pathway from the Beit Kessler Home to the Beit Miryam Day Center support the wellbeing and safety of 150 people, who slowly negotiate the path each day, using walkers or wheelchairs. It adds to their quality of life. I hope that this project will be expanded in the future to connect the sport and rehabilitation center to the other buildings as well.”
In his speech, KKL-JNF's Yiftach Har-Hol explained why he was so deeply in favor of the project.
“I am not aware of any other association that makes such an important contribution to people with disabilities in Israel as does ILAN. KKL-JNF is the largest environmental organization in Israel, and like ILAN, we work towards ensuring that everybody is able to experience and enjoy the treasures that nature in this country provides.”
The Director General of ILAN, Shimon Tzuriel, responded with gratitude.
“I want to commend the donor and the movers and shakers in KKL-JNF for carrying this project forward from conception to completion, because without each and every one of them, all this development would not have happened. They did it simply because they thought it was important to help ease the lives of our residents and members.”
Eti Lankry, manager of KKL-JNF's Italy, Belgium and France Desk, said a few words about the donor, 91-year-old Judith Matalon of Italy, who was unable to attend the ceremony.
“Yehudit - Giuditta - is a warm Jewish Zionist who loves her nation and is an avid advocate of KKL-JNF. She has been supporting Israel for over 50 years. The products of her investment are found throughout country in major projects such as afforestation, water recycling and land reclamation. For the past two years, Ms. Matalon has made significant donations to organizations that support the disadvantaged sectors of Israeli society. When she visited ILAN Haifa in February last year, she said that she was thrilled to be able to help."
Beit Kessler resident Avivit Perry presented Eti Lankry with a gift from ILAN, as well as gifts for Judith Matalon and KKL-JNF emissary to Italy Shariel Gun.
The Chairperson of ILAN Haifa, Sarah Levinstein, said that the donation was an enormous help for the organization in Haifa.
“Look around: all that you see is the fruit of years of collecting donations – agora by agora," she said. "This gift from KKL-JNF helps us leap forward in our effort to maintain the facility, and give all the assistance we can to the people who live here as well as those who come on a daily basis."
Ofer Shpitzer, a veteran resident of the ILAN Haifa facility, spoke on behalf of all ILAN members and residents.
“The new renovations are already improving our quality of life. The outdoor spaces that were created are beautiful, and the paths are wonderful to move along. For all this we are truly grateful to KKL-JNF and the donor Judith Matalon for making it all possible,” he said.
The ceremony ended with a wheelchair dance performance by the Hora ILAN Dance Troupe.
Read this article in Italian