“A palace on wheels” for the children of Aleh Moriah (Gedera)

Mar 11, 08

The children of Aleh don’t allow their handicaps to keep them from being constantly on the go. And residents of Aleh’s Moriah residence facility in Gedera now have a brand new, specially equipped van to help transport them to hospitals, clinics, enjoyable outings within the community, and on day trips. Fitted to allow wheelchair access, the van is built for safe, easy travel.

On February 21, a special event was held to mark the launch of the new van, and to pay tribute to its generous donors - Alony-Hetz Properties & Investments, Ltd, under the stewardship of Natan Hetz. Mr. Hetz explained why he had chosen to give this gift. “I am simply the messenger,” he said. “I absolutely believe that if I were not giving and donating, I would never have received all the good G-d has granted me.” It was clear that his powerful words served to inspire the assembled crowd of family and friends of Aleh.

Prominent among the attendees at the event were Mr. Yoel Gamliel, Deputy Councilman of Gedera; Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz, Rabbi of the Western Wall and the Holy Sites in Israel; Yehuda Marmorstein, Director-General of Aleh; and Major Gen. (Res.) Doron Almog, Chairman of Aleh Negev-Nahalat Eran.

The occasion was also graced by the presence of Jon Allen, Canadian Ambassador to Israel, and his wife. Ambassador Allen was clearly moved by concern for Aleh’s special children, and expressed a strong desire to do what he could for their benefit. In fact, everyone present felt honored to be part of the collective and communal obligation to help the most vulnerable segment of Israel’s population.

Tzippy Setter, Moriah’s social worker, probably summed it up best, as she described how the children’s eyes lit up as they first entered the van. She likened the experience to that of entering an extravagant “palace on wheels.” In making this much-needed donation, she said, Alony-Hetz had become a true partner in a worthy venture, advancing the belief that the children of Aleh are equally as worthy as every other person. Just like the rest of us, they are human beings and for that alone, they deserve to be treated with the utmost respect.

With the donation of a vehicle, this message was driven home.

	Natan Hertz with Rav Hakotel - Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz and Yehuda Marmorstein - Director of Aleh

Canadian Ambassador to Israel Jon Allen signing the Aleh guestbook	Canadian Ambassador to Israel Jon Allen with Aleh staff and resident