TORONTO — Only a few years ago, the southern Negev community of Sderot was in the news nearly every day, the target of frequent Hamas-sponsored rocket attacks from Gaza. Although thankfully the rockets are no longer falling, today more than 10,000 Israelis throughout the country continue to struggle to recover from serious injuries, the loss of loved ones and psychological trauma as the result of terrorism.
One Family Fund provides direct financial, legal and psychological support to Israel’s thousands of victims of terror on a daily basis.
“Although an attack lasts a minute, the aftermath lasts a lifetime,” says Canadian executive director Pam Albert, who was instrumental in founding the Canadian office of the organization in 2004.
Funds raised by One Family Fund provide financial, legal and emotional support and can include direct financial assistance, psychological counseling, support groups and retreats, summer camps for children, and other types of assistance such as job retraining. One Family provides help to the entire family unit and helps them to find a way to get back to their pre-attack functioning level.
One Family Funds’ 4th Annual Cross Israel Hike will take place in Ein Gedi from October 29 to November 3, 2011. The hike offers participants the opportunity to personally help victims of terror rebuild their shattered lives while hikers discover the land of Israel in a unique and special way.
The group will depart from Tel Aviv after Shabbat ends on Saturday, October 29, travel by bus to Ein Gedi, and hike from Sunday, October 30 to Thursday, November 3, in small groups at different levels of challenge. All hikers are escorted by experienced guides and medics, while being immersed in the spectacular scenery of the Judean Hills in the Dead Sea region. Individuals who have been affected by terrorism and have received support from One Family Fund accompany the hikers throughout the five days and nights of the hike, creating memorable bonds and meaningful connections.
“Although it’s a very emotional experience,” says co-chair Shari Silverstein, “participants forge a deep bond with the victims they connect with on the hike. We all want to help Israel and it’s immensely gratifying to see our dollars doing so much good.”
Two information nights are currently scheduled, where prospective participants can learn more about the hike: 7:30 pm, Wednesday, February 9 at Beth Torah Synagogue, 47 Glenbrook Avenue, Toronto, or 7:30 pm, Tuesday, March 1 at Shaar Shalom, 2 Simonston Blvd., Thornhill.
For further information or to reserve a spot, please contact [email protected] or phone 416-489-9687.