This past summer, Jerusalem families with special-needs children enjoyed a unique holiday organized for them by KKL-JNF with the support of its
Friends in Switzerland: two days of excursions and unforgettable experiences out in nature.
“These families face complex challenges in their daily lives, and not all of them can afford to take a trip like this one,” said
Shmuel Silverstein on behalf of the participating families. “KKL-JNF’s excursions teach people about the country in an enjoyable and experiential manner, and this gives the parents renewed energy while at the same time providing a lot of holiday fun for the children. It’s really heart-warming that donors from Switzerland think about us and look out for us.”
Dudu Ashkenazi,
KKL-JNF Education Division Director of Training and Projects, said: “We throw KKL-JNF sites wide open, and with the help of experienced guides, make them accessible to people with special needs, too. Families tend to leave a special-needs child behind in care of others when they go on holiday, but we at KKL-JNF have introduced camps and excursions that enable these kids to get away with the whole family. We embarked on this groundbreaking initiative four years ago. Today it serves as a model for other organizations involved in similar ventures.”
The first excursion was to the
hilly terraces of Sataf just outside Jerusalem. Among the thirty-five participating families were the Saadons, who have been taking part in KKL-JNF outings for several years now. The father,
Yosef Saadon, told us: “The entire family shares in the challenge of raising a child with special needs, and today we’re all having fun together. We’re seeing the country, learning about its history and enjoying being in natural surroundings.”
Sataf’s magnificent views reveal the Jerusalem hills in all their beauty and offer a glimpse of the terraced agriculture practiced by local farmers as far back as 6,000 ago. Visitors to the area today can enjoy the sight of the gurgling springs and channels, stroll along the accessible paths paved by KKL-JNF and view ancient winepresses and other agricultural installations from days gone by.
KKL-JNF’s Friends in Switzerland have been supporting tourism development at Sataf for many years already. Among the projects carried out with their help are a lookout point, an information center, footpaths, restoration of springs and terraces, orchard maintenance, and picnic and seating areas. An appreciation center overlooking the magnificent landscape honors the generosity of these donors.
“We love to tour the Land of Israel with our dear sons and daughters,” said
Shmuel Movshovitz. “Our Ruhami is confined to a wheelchair, but she loves to get out of the hustle and bustle of the city and escape into nature, listen to the birds and the silence, see cool water, and paddle in it. I’m grateful to KKL-JNF for its meticulous attention to every detail and the joy they give everyone.”
Ruti Nerya, special needs coordinator at the community administration of Jerusalem’s Neve Yaakov neighborhood, accompanied the holidaymakers. Nerya said that the administration has been holding joint activities with KKL-JNF for years. “For many families this is their only chance to get away for a holiday that is affordable and offers the necessary accessibility. Here we welcome everyone and accommodate any special needs they may have,” she said.
After the Sataf excursion, the families paid a visit to the Stalactite Cave near Beit Shemesh, before spending the night at
KKL-JNF’s Nes Harim Field and Forest Center. The following day they set out on another trip, this time to the Zikhron Yaakov area on Mt. Carmel.
“Without these KKL-JNF outings we wouldn’t be able to visit all these interesting places,” said
Jonathan Harris. His son Yehuda piped up: “It’s fun to travel around and take part in all kinds of activities. I enjoy meeting up here with friends I know from previous trips.”
“When you see how green and flourishing the country is, you realize it’s a clear sign that redemption is close at hand,” said another father,
Shlomo Ben Israel. “There’s nothing so rewarding as exploring these marvelous landscapes. We’re all enjoying ourselves and learning about the countryside, but of course all this is especially important to the children, who are getting away for a wonderful break.”
His wife
Sara added: “Taking a trip with other families who have special-needs children also gives us an opportunity to get to know one another and share information. We’re busy all year long coping with bringing up a child with autism, but thanks to KKL-JNF and the Swiss donors, we’ve had a chance to recharge our batteries.”