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The Bravest of the Brave... Israeli Children Battling Cancer |
Summer Camp 5765 - April 2005
05.17.05
The advent of Spring brings with it renewal, vigor, release from the introversion of winter, and hope. The children of Zichron Menachem waited with bated breath for the coming of Spring since for them it means "Zichron Menachem Spring Camp" - more than "just" a vacation for them - a liberation in every respect.
Children from the South (even from distant Eilat), from central Israel, from Jerusalem and from the North, meet in Nahariya full of expectations for the joy and excitement in stall for them during the next few days. The National Service girls and the devoted counselors receive the children and they proceed to lunch at the beautiful "Levy Halls". Zichron Menachem children have been the guests of the wonderful Levy Family every year over a period of many years and are always greeted with love and generosity coming straight from the heart.
After lunch the campers traveled to the Achziv Beach where they sailed on Tornado speed boats, disappearing within moments from the shore. The boats sailed towards the Rosh Hanikra ridge and grottos, an amazing sight usually approached from the top. It was a novel experience, capped by the traditional entrance to the grotto via the cable car and viewing of the film depicting the history of the site. By all counts exciting and invigorating!
The next stop was the Kinar Classic Hotel on the shores of Lake Kinneret where they were welcomed by the staff. After a delicious dinner the evening activities began: Karaoke singing and dancing with full participation of the children. In the morning they arose to find a calm sea and after breakfast, hopped onto the jeeps for a thrilling trip through breathtaking scenery. Nobody minded the rough and tumble ride over the ups and downs of steep rocky terrain, crossing riverbeds as well as running streams. In fact, it added to their exhilaration: WOW - this is really scary but tremendous fun! In the Majrassa stream, hard to believe, the jeeps were seemingly transmuted, into boats with the engine casings barely visible above the water! Over hills and dales, crossing orchards and wheat fields wending their way between giant haystacks, the jeeps raced on, to the extreme delight of the children.
That evening there was a surprise: a "romantic" meal on the Ein Gev promenade. This was no ordinary dinner but rather a surprise Bar-Mitzva celebration for Matan. Matan arrived at Ein Gev with his parents straight form Rambam Hospital following a radiotherapy treatment that day. Immediately after dinner everyone got on the ship for a cruise on the Kinneret. Soon after setting sail, the band began playing dance music and the Bar-Mitzva boy, as expected, was in the center of the circle of dancers. The well-known multi-talented magician Shlomo, performed his outstanding magic tricks and the children were enthralled. The final activity of the day for the group's teenagers was a culinary event and game evening during which they made fondue and fruit shakes and socialized.
The final day of the camp was spent at the Manara Cliff with the varied activities the site offers: cable car, mountain train, rapelling and omega. While we were there TV personality Danny Rupp paid a surprise visit with a photo crew to film the children for a presentation on the evening television news program. Needless to say the campers were very excited to see him and eagerly posed for the photographers. This was an experience in and of itself. They were thrilled to be interviewed and filmed with Danny. On the return trip to Jerusalem that evening the bus stopped at the "Mifgash HaBik'a" roadside cafeteria where they were invited to see the program on TV. The group gathered much strength and vitality from the camp activities and the escape they offered from their daily hardships. We believe this experience will stand them in good stead in their battle with the disease and God Willing, enable them to conquer it.
Weekends in the North for Support Groups
04.28.05
The efficient and successful tradition of the support groups continues with renewed energy while lessons from the past, gleaned from a great deal of experience, contribute to the project's success.
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The first group of parents of children with cancer consists of bi-weekly meetings led by the psychologist Dr. Baruch Scholem. At the meetings topics such as fear, dealing with stress, the family cell, interpersonal relations between couples, pampering, etc., and their ramifications in families with a child with malignant disease, are discussed. Recently, the parents have attended enrichment activities prior to the meeting - two enjoyable hours of unique arts and crafts, photography, aerobic dancing and more.
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At the beginning of April the group went on a recreational trip to provide a congenial atmosphere to get to know each other and form a crystallized group. The destination was the flowering North, the Jordan Valley, Mt. Gilboa and the "Iris Hilltop", Hamat Gader and the southern Golan Heights. Shabbat was spent at the Kinnar Hotel on the shores of Lake Kinneret. The parents were treated to every indulgence and enjoyed the good weather as well as the lectures given by Dr. Baruch Scholem and his wife Mrs. Yehudit Scholem. On Saturday night they had a tour of the Tiberias Promenade, attended prayers in ancient tombs of the righteous, and on Sunday they went on a fantastic jeep trip to see and experience the flowing rivulets of the Golan Heights and the Beteha and Madrassa area. The challenging hike through water passes contributed greatly to the high spirits of the group.
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A second group, attended by bereaved parents, is led by the psychologist Amit Laron of the Hadassah Hospital in Jerusalem and Mrs. Yael Lieberman. In this group is parents come from various locations in the country since there are no such groups elsewhere in Israel. This group too, enjoyed a long weekend in the North, a group-solidifying event which strengthens and provides renewed energy for the continuation of their confrontation with sorrow and grief.
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Tu B'Shevat Celebration
02.16.05
At Zichron Menachem we make the most of every holiday or special day and use it as an excuse, as if we needed one, for a party. This year, as usual, we celebrated Tu B'Shevat, with the Jerusalem children and their families at the Day Center. The event, as befitting the New Year of the Trees, included terrific wonderful arts and crafts activities relating to trees and fruits.
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Among the creative activity corners were the design and construction
of "grass heads", fashioning of faces from oranges and dried
fruits, making fruits from modeling clay, making and coloring flowerpots.
Those with a culinary inclination bent prepared individual portions
of fruit salad, etc. The National Service girls opened a kiosk which
distributed popcorn and cotton candy, fruit milk shakes and other sweets.
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The entertainment program was somewhat out of the ordinary: a show
put on by the trained dogs of the Border Police and their trainers and
masters in the sports hall. The dogs demonstrated their ability to locate
various types of explosives and drugs. The trainers described their
work with the dogs and explained the benefits of working with them.
(In the near future we plan to open a new activity group in the Day
Center for training dogs led by Border Policemen).
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The day ended with a festive meal prepared by the National Service
girls. In keeping with the custom of the holiday, a variety of fruits
were distributed to the participants.
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In Haifa, too, the National Service girls arranged the festivities
at Rambam Hospital including fabricating "grass heads" and
other creative activities. A unique display of forest fruits culminated
the event.
Lag Ba'Omer Outing - Jeep Tour
05.17.04
Lag Ba'Omer Ba'Omer is a school holiday, and what better excuse for "ZamZam" [Zichron Menachem] to organize an outing for families in the blooming countryside, to give them a chance to enjoy the sunshine and the beauty of nature?
The Object: To have a good time.
The Way: Paths and Tracks in the Jerusalem Foothills.
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The Means: Jeeps.
Supporting Means: Loads of meat, an amplifier playing music, and exuberant joy.
The Doers: As in the Army, there are three components:
A. The Zichron Menachem Family
B. The Volunteers
C. The Jeep Drivers and Jeeps.
Some 160 men, women and children met at Mt. Herzl and each mounted their appointed jeep. A very long caravan was formed and each jeep proudly flew the "ZamZam" flag. There was great excitement and hullabaloo in the jeeps as they careened along the dirt side roads, rocking the children to and fro. The procession raised a cloud of dust. After about an hour the jeeps were ambushed by "ZamZam," forcing all the drivers to a halt. A sack of gifts was hurled into each jeep. A little girl grabbed a cuddly teddy bear and proceeded to hug and kiss it.
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After another half hour or so of racing through the forest we reached a cave in the Forest of the Martyrs, where we stopped for lunch. Tables laden with salads, meat, and refreshments had already been set up. Everyone arrived at the picnic ground armed with a hearty appetite. It wasn't a difficult mission to "clear" the tables! This was also a welcome opportunity to stretch out bones and muscles after the bumpy ride through the forest at breakneck speed. The rhythm of the music contributed to the relaxed and happy atmosphere and enjoyment of the outdoors. After all, it's Lag Ba'Omer - a day traditionally spent in the country, rejoicing in Nature. And, a pleasant surprise awaited the younger set: who but Zichron Menachem could set up blown-up air mattress playground installations for the kids to romp, rollick, and roll on in the middle of a forest? All this accompanied by sugar cotton candy and refreshing soft drinks This was where the action was!
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After the lunch break, it was back to the jeeps for an even bumpier ride on the Burma Road, climbing steep hills and exploring hidden corners, at times barely holding the rocky road! All this on a full stomach, don't forget. Hang on tight, kids! Screams of delight and a little bit of fear, it must be admitted, reverberated through the hillside
Doubtless, the Jewish fighters in the War of Independence who broke the ground and laid the Burma Road with sweat and tears would never have expected that a time would come when children would happily traverse this road in jeeps, determined to overcome all difficulties and hardships.
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A concluding ceremony was held at Mt. Herzl with enthusiastic and heartfelt thanks to the wonderful jeep drivers, who volunteered their services and "sacrificed" their jeeps to bring happiness to Zichron Menachem children. Grateful thanks are also owed to the troopers of the Police Special Security Unit who led the way, and to the volunteers.
The 5th annual Purim Panoply
04.26.04
Zichron Menachem was the chosen charity of the year to receive the benefits of the 5th annual Purim Panoply, an extraordinary evening production which took place in the Puck Building of New York City, on the 13th of March, 2004.
The Purim Panoply was originally spearheaded by a group of young adults in Toronto in 1996 and this unique event has been celebrated in Toronto, New York, New Jersey, Ra'anana, Jerusalem and Chicago. This year, the special event was held for the very first time in Montreal and Antwerp as well.
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"Panoply means `array`" says Tamar (Rubinstein) Koschitzky, founder and initiator of the production. "This event is a multimedia trivia night. All players are divided up into individual teams of ten, according to personal choice, and each team selects amusing and fanciful names. Challenging questions ranging from a wide variety of topics are asked and it is up to each individual team to come up with as many correct answers as possible."
"The Hall was set up beautifully" says Ester Kelen, Zichron Menachem Office Manager in New York. "Everything was done with an outmost devotion to detail, such as colorful "Panoply" inscribed pens and "Panoply" lollipops on each table."
This colorful evening witnessed three rounds of challenges, with an intermission between each round for socializing and buffet refreshments. During the intermission, the results were projected on screens scattered throughout the hall.
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Tamar (Kuhl) Rosenthal who joined Tamar Koschitzy in organizing the event, explains: "350 young people attended this year, which made a total of 35 competing groups. There were all kinds of interesting tasks such as the construction of a suitable memorial to the tragic events of Sept. 11th out of dough-like material, the identification of the titles of various songs, as well as providing answers to all sorts of trivial questions and much more."
Team members of the winning group, "Wardrobe Mailfunction," won tickets to the Broadway show, "Avenue Q", and dinner at the "Prime Grill" restaurant.
"It is wonderful to witness how young people take the initiative to do Chessed in such an innovative and unique manner" concludes Ester Kelen, while adding: "I hope that this will be an inspiration to others."
Chaim Ehrental, Zichron Menachem Chairman, wishes to convey his grateful thanks to the panoply committee for placing Zichron Menachem on their agenda.
The annual Dinner in London
16.02.04
This year, the London Friends of Zichron Menachem took it upon themselves to finance purchasing and activities for "Naava's Club". The annual Dinner for which Andrew and Ilana Album in particular worked so hard, was devoted to this goal. The Dinner was held in a specially designed elegant tent which was put up in the home of the Lipman Family who gave their home for the Dinner for the second year in row. Last year, the Dinner was in conjunction with their own "simcha" on the Bar-Mitzva of their dear son Adam, and this year, their daughter Jessica elected to forgo her own Bat-Mitzvah celebration in favor of the Zichron Menachem Dinner. Mrs. Deborah Applebaum, mother of Naava, HY"D of Blessed Memory, and Naava's sister Shira, came specially to London from Israel, to attend the Dinner. Shira spoke of how much Zichron Menachem meant to Naava and of her devotion to the cancer-stricken children and their families.
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A visit of the G.A. leaders
6.02.04
Zichron Menachem had an auspicious visit on November 18, 2003 by leaders and policy makers of Jewish Communities from the United States at the Educational and Social Day Care Center in Jerusalem. The visitors were in Israel attending the G.A. (General Assembly) of the United Jewish Federations of the United States which took place in Israel over a period of four days. The participants toured all over Israel and discussed our common future. A whole day was devoted to in-depth visits to projects and organizations throughout Israel and Zichron Menachem was one of the projects visited. The visitors came from all parts of the United States and spent a day of learning about Zichron Menachem's activities and facilities. Following the tour of the new building, meetings were held with the parents of sick children, with the children themselves, and with the devoted volunteers. At the end of the visit the guests joined in at the birthday party of one of the children. The important guests left full of inspiration and admiration, and were especially impressed by the scope of activities of Zichron Menachem and the important, compassionate, humanitarian work accomplished there
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Weekend Support Groups
01.02.04
As in the past, this year too, a group of parents of children with cancer participated in a long weekend vacation in the north of Israel. The parents, who had just gone through a difficult period in their lives, were invited to a 3-day break from routine and change of atmosphere, to renew and gather strength for their continued battle at their children's sides.
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The families, whose children are under treatment at the Hadassah Hospital in Jerusalem, set out on a Friday morning. The sun came out suddenly, warming them, and improving their mood. The first stop was the Naharayim Bridge, above the massive flow of the Yarmuch River, thus beginning the holiday. Photos were taken, smiling faces appeared, and the atmosphere in general warmed up. The next stop was on the Golan Heights for an enlightening short tour and panoramic view of the Kinneret, and on to the Kinar Classic Hotel.
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Each family received from Zichron Menachem an elegant suitcase, an "Ahava" kit of cosmetics for the woman, cake and sweets, and beverages for each couple. The hotel management also prepared baskets of fruit and sweets for the parents and they indeed felt like welcome guests. After the Friday Night dinner the parents heard an outstanding lecture from the well-known psychologist Baruch Sholem. On Shabbat afternoon Mrs. Yehudit Sholem delivered a talk to the women.
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Following a wonderful joyful Shabbat, the group went off to Tiberias to pray at the gravesides of Righteous Men [Tzaddikim]. On Sunday the group enjoyed an entertaining recreational experience at the snow-covered Mount Hermon Ski Site and were wonderfully hosted by the members of Neve Ativ. The day was completed by a visit to the breathtaking "Sa'ar" waterfall and a barbecue supper, before returning home.
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A Curtailed Good Deed - The Results Remained Positive
25.01.04
Mr. Robert Kramer (formerly of the Sha'arei Hessed neighborhood of Jerusalem), a beloved Jew full of ambition, decided with his dear wife Elisheva, to celebrate his 85th birthday by holding a special concert for his friends who, in the past, enjoyed concerts which they had organized. The money raised at this benefit concert would be donated to "Naava's Club" at Zichron Menachem's Educational and Social Day Care Center in Jerusalem. The invitations had already been sent out when to the great sorrow of his dear family and friends, Robert unfortunately suffered a heart attack which cut his life short. Mrs. Kramer approached all of the invitees and requested that despite the cancellation of the event, they make a donation to Zichron Menachem in Robert's memory. Needless to say, thousands of Shekels were donated to Zichron Menachem by Robert Kramer's friends and admirers. May his memory be a blessing.
The Basketball Game
20.01.04
The cooperation of the Hapoel Yerushalayim Basketball Team gave much pleasure to the many children who attended a basketball game at the Teddy Stadium in Jerusalem, accompanied by their families and Zichron Menachem staff.
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The game was between Hapoel Yerushalayim and the Belgian national team and was part of the European basketball championship games. The children and other guests were given team scarves as gifts, and were treated royally and seated in the stand near the basket.
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The Educational and Social Day Care Center in Action
16.01.04
"Blessed art Thou . . . who has preserved us alive, sustained us, and caused us to attain this season" - After eleven years in rented accommodations, the Day Center moved to its new premises. Two years of planning and four years of construction, produced an amazing and unusual building in which thousands of hours were invested by consultants from various disciplines, planners and architects, accompanied by the vast experience of the Zichron Menachem staff. The meticulous and careful planning along with strict supervision, provided the anticipated result: a comfortable and cozy "dream house" offering hope and encouragement. Here, under one roof, are concentrated facilities for comprehensive professional services in a relaxed atmosphere specifically designed to meet the special needs of this population of children fighting cancer, their siblings and their dear parents.
 Click on the picture for a slideshow |
 Click on the picture for a slideshow |
This Center also established an advanced clinic which will facilitate follow-up of oncology patients, offer medical consultations and second opinions, and more. It is the first and only one of its kind in the world, to the best of our knowledge, and includes, among other things, classrooms, a dark room for photography classes, library, computer room, multi-media lecture hall, support groups, rooms for rest and relaxation, club for adolescents, music wing, medical wing including nurse's room and laboratory for blood work, treatment room, doctor's room, physiotherapy room, auditorium, arts and crafts room, synagogue, dining hall, kitchen, sports wing, nursery, coffee shop, an expansive lobby and a recreation park and playground. The various functions are being opened gradually until the full operation of all facets of the Center.
 Click on the picture for a slideshow |
Winter Recreation Camp - Eilat 5764-2003
16.01.04
Some 100 children with Cancer celebrated the Hanukkah Holiday in the Eilat sunshine at the 13th Zichron Menachem Winter Recreation Camp. ISRAIR was again chosen to fly our dear children from the center of the country down to Eilat. For the sixth year in a row the wonderful King Solomon Hotel hosted the children where, in keeping with its name, the children indeed felt like royalty. The children were accompanied by medical staff supported by equipment constituting a mobile hospital which included diagnostic laboratories for various blood tests, digital instruments for diagnosis and treatment, resuscitation kits, monitors, and a wide spectrum of medicines necessary for the special needs of these children, providing immediate solutions for almost every problem which might arise in the course of the camp. As in previous years, the educational and support staff made up of the young women volunteers of the National Service as well as many other dedicated volunteers who work with Zichron Menachem children throughout the year, were given special training and attended workshops preparatory to the camp. The devoted management consultants of the Behavioral Science Unit of the Police provided assistance without remuneration.
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Analysis of past results, meticulous planning and preparation, outstanding events, unique experiences, together with emotional support, with God's help, accomplish the desired results.
The camp program was extremely varied and adapted to the tremendous age range from 6 to 20. The wonderful staff was also able to deal with the "empty" moments while the children were awaiting their turn at the attractions. Among other things, the children visited the Under-Water Observatory, the Dolphin Reef, and the "Gulf of the Pirates" - the largest video game center in Israel - where they were given a quantity of tokens to operate the video games. They also paid a visit to the I.D.F. Engineering Corps Base where an impressive exhibit of weapons and various accessories used by these units was displayed as well as various vehicles. The event culminated in a demonstration of the capabilities of the soldiers with live fire, accompanied by breathtaking pyrotechnics, to the delight of the children. One of the older children was even afforded the opportunity to participate in a private firing range practice session with an M-16 rifle. At the end of the event the children were invited to lunch at the base with the soldiers - an experience in and of itself!
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As one would expect, the sea in Eilat has many exciting attractions, and many activities were centered around these sites. Sightseeing yacht trips and sailing on glass-bottomed boats, parachute gliding, and water skiing were among the adventures in which the children happily participated. The relaxing effect of the water and the refreshing sea breezes added to their fun and enjoyment during these activities - an unforgettable experience!
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Along with the jubilant parties with dancing and Karaoke singers, the children had a great time at the "Mul Hayam" [Across from the Sea] Shopping Mall where they played "Find the Counselor". The counselors and some of the teenagers masqueraded as window display mannequins, made-up and dressed in price-tagged clothing on sale in the shops, standing in the window display without moving a muscle. Other counselors, dressed-up as Mall cleaners, guards, etc. and the children's task was to identify them. Prizes were awarded to those who identified the most masqueraders. The counselors were given a sum of money to be distributed so that each child could buy him or her self Chanukka presents. The money was donated by "Chanukka Gelt" of Canada".
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The amazing and absolutely extraordinary success of the camp were a source of great fulfillment and gratification to the staff and a wonderful reward for their inspiring efforts. Eleven-year-old D. has a brain tumor and has been operated numerous times, with all the resulting side-effects, including daily epileptic attacks. During the five days of the camp he did not suffer a single attack! Seven-year-old E. began to eat normally at the camp after 11 months of nourishment through a tube (T.P.N.).
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Seventeen-year-old N., a young girl confined to a wheelchair, and fourteen-year-old B. who is seriously visually impaired, both suffered from insecurity and lack of faith in their ability to function physically. Both of them (with no connection whatsoever), participated in and enjoyed all of the activities. Moreover, afterwards, each spoke of the camp independently as an experience which exposed them to a world of joy and action and admitted that were it not for the camp, they might never have reached this conclusion. Many of the families took advantage of the service offered by the Zichron Menachem web site during the camp and sent regards and messages to their children and viewed the photos posted on the website "on-line". This project minimized homesickness and reinforced the children's enjoyment.
Students of the Danilack Middle School treats the Children of Zichron Menachem with presents
15.01.04
Students of the Danilack Middle School of Associated Hebrew Schools of Toronto raised funds to benefit speedy recovery of Zichron menachem's kids
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