“...Every small act of kindness touches the heart and is particularly appreciated.” Tsipora Kolet, Beit El local resident.
(Photo: Yossi Zamir, KKL-JNF Photo Archive)
Gift packages for the elderly and for families with children were distributed in Beit El during the runup to Rosh Hashanah. Thanks to the support of JNF Norway, KKL-JNF participated in this well-received initiative by donating bundles of snuggle blankets, emergency lights, sweet treats, arts and crafts materials and games for the children.
“During COVID-19, many elderly people hadn’t been going out at all, so we decided to prepare a treat for them as the holiday approaches,” explained Sherri Lerner, coordinator of the Beit El community center. “We just wanted to cheer them up and make them smile.”
Volunteers preparing the gift packages for distribution. (Photo: Yossi Zamir, KKL-JNF Photo Archive)
A group of schoolgirls (6th-8th grades) volunteered for the mission, together with representatives from the community center. The girls organized the packages in bags, added decorative holiday greetings, and then made their way from house to house to distribute the gifts to around 500 people. With health as their top priority, they took care to wear masks and observe social distancing.
Fourteen-year-old Michal Gilboa was among the volunteers. “It’s really moving to visit the older members of the community, especially now during Corona, when they’re longing to see their grandchildren, but can’t”, she said at the time as they were preparing to distribute the packages. “I’ve been thinking about my grandmother, who wants so much to see me. I’m sure these gifts will cheer the elderly people up and remind them that we’re all thinking of them, appreciating them and taking care of them.”
Two of the volunteers with the donation-ready care packages. (Photo: Yossi Zamir, KKL-JNF Photo Archive)
Guided by a list of addresses provided by the regional council, Michal and her companion set out to visit people in need, brightening their day with modest gifts and warm words. The two excited girls knocked at the door of Tsipora Kolet, whose surprise and gratification were immediately evident as she welcomed their smiling young faces.
“I’m really touched by this gesture on the girls’ part, it’s quite remarkable,” she said. “These are hard times for all of us. Every small act of kindness touches the heart and is particularly appreciated.”
Handing out gifts to Beit El local citizens. (Photo: Yossi Zamir, KKL-JNF Photo Archive)
Moshe Kahan, another local resident, encountered the group of young volunteers quite by chance, while he was out riding his bicycle. He thanked them for their gift and added: “This comes as a very pleasant surprise. It’s good to know that the community is looking after its members and that people want to do something nice for one another. I wish us all a wonderful, sweet and healthy year.”
What especially warmed villagers’ hearts was the friendship and concern shown by KKL-JNF’s friends in Norway for needy Israelis living thousands of miles away, even without having met them in person.
“We’re all full of gratitude and appreciation for KKL-JNF’s marvelous packages. May we all have a wonderful year, both here in Beit El and the whole world over,” Sherri Lerner said in conclusion.