I’m raising money to pay for my trip and give back to charity. The Program will provide me with a scholarship of $7,500 if I am able to raise $5,000 for one of the important causes which they endorse.
I chose to raise money for people with special needs. Last year I joined my school’s Unified Basketball team which puts both special needs athletes and helpers like myself together on a basketball team. Little did I know it would become one of the most meaningful things in my life. One of my favorite moments was in the final play of a close game. One of the kids hit a three-pointer to win the game and the crowd went wild. I ran over to him and hoisted him up in front of the fans. Seeing the smile on his face, and in the hallways even days later was amazing.
Through Unified Basketball I learned that everyone has their own unique story but that society unfairly overlooks people with special needs. It has become important to me that everyone gets an equal opportunity to participate in society and make connections.
The JNF program I’m fundraising for makes Israel accessible to all. The inclusion of people with disabilities and special needs into Israeli society is a fundamental Jewish value. I will fundraise for projects that integrate special needs individuals into the Israeli army (IDF), support adults with the most severe developmental disabilities throughout their lifespan to live independently and receive support services, provide therapeutic horseback riding to children and adults with disabilities, and, make parks and nature accessible to people with physical and visual impairments, children on the autism spectrum and those using wheelchairs.
I hope you can support me in going to Israel and helping people with special needs.
Thank you so much,
Nadav