Max Adler, Josh Sussman, Catherine O’Hara and more donate their footwear for Ron White’s 16th annual shoe drive.

To read the full article, click here.

Posted by admin |

He played for the Toronto Blizzard until his knee blew out. He became a cop and today he is the Deputy Chief. Listen to Peter speak about the police and their compassion. Worth a listen!

Click here to listen.

Posted by Robyn |

To see all the photos, click here.

Posted by Robyn |

Sunday, January 22, 2012

Jambo (hello) and Kwaheri (goodbye) from Kenya!

It was with mixed emotions that we began and ended our final morning of dental clinic Thursday in Maai Mahiu’s IDP (internally displaced people) camps. Even the generator battery rebelled against its assignment – the car battery dying too shortly after! David pulled off some feats of repairman-ship to get us through the morning smoothly, and the team did what they do best for the remaining patients, among them a few Marafiki support people, the local pastor, and our matatu driver. When the time came, it was hard to stop registration, screenings, and begin to turn people away, after 7 days of clinic and over 350 patients seen!

But close shop we did, even as we dismantled and packed up the stations for future service. We sat down in the evening for a last goodbye dinner with the full family of partners, volunteers, and friends of the Ve’ahavta-Marafiki Dental Mission 2012. We remembered -over thank yous, a (tooth!) cake, spoken word and laughter- our landing in Kenya less than 2 weeks ago, arriving with our excitement, our 12+ bags of dental equipment, jetlag, our challenges and our continuing partnership to meet the obstacles of dental outreach on the periphery of the system in the middle of a community displaced.

As we leave for safari and make our way home we say ASANTE SANA!

…To our team of pioneer dental volunteers who have built this mission from the (dirt floors) ground up with their experience, compassion, and hard work.

To our partners for their commitment to the rights of displaced peoples and these joint efforts to bring healthier smiles and larger dignity to those in need.

And to the community who have welcomed us into their homes, their hearts… and in their mouths!

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Today’s clinic started on Kenyan time with a few technical challenges- but ultimately overwhelming results. Over the course of the day the team treated a record total of 37 hygiene patients and 29 patients for extraction. Mindy, Tina and Pauline received some of our local dental support aides among their patients- including our beloved technician and his family. The future “Dr. Mark,” 8 years old gloved and masked to practice dental care on our puppets alongside his mentors . “Dr. Mark” was among an increased number of children receiving treatment at the extraction stations with Dr. Ira, Dr. Thileeb, and local Kenyan doctor, Dr. Mike. On the other end of the spectrum, an elderly patient of Dr. Thileeb had her last problem tooth extracted- also her last remaining tooth!

Working next door to Marafiki’s local school has allowed us to get to know the community and spend time with neighbourhood children and their teachers. One of our young friends honoured us today with Kikuyu names, others sang and danced with us, skipped rope, and gathered together around the common water source as the students’ morning meal program progressed.

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Hello, how are you?/ Habari yako?/ Wemwege? The team is well here in the land of the Swahili and Kikuyu and other peoples of Kenya. We are still recovering from an active weekend hiking and scaling gorges in Helll’s Gate and an impressive trek up the crater of nearby Mt. Longonot. From the peak of the volcano at 2617m we could see the dry landscape of the Rift Valley and the reflection off the tin roofs of the IDP camps in the distance. The communities of the hundreds of the hundreds of families still living in makeshift tarp homes, we could not.

The return to the clinic was victorious with a total of 54 patients seen Monday, our 4^th day of clinic operations. The competition is on now with equal patients treated between the two extraction stations and 3 dental hygiene stations. The team are busy screening, scaling (cleaning), extracting, suturing, counselling, and providing dental health education to the IDP and vicinity communities with the support of Marafiki representatives and a courageous band of local and longterm volunteers for our dental assistance and translation including Community Elder, Mr. Frances. Facilitating my job and that of our Marafiki technician, David also, is the fact that everything is working! Suction. Cavitrons. Autoclave. Check!

Our feedback and rapport with the community and local dental and healthcare workers allows us to better reflect on highlights and lessons learned in the field:

• There are fewer than 800 dentists registered in Kenya, a country with a population of over 41 million.
• The prohibitive cost of dentistry and local understandings in Kenya often result in patients preference to remove teeth rather than preserve. This is dynamic in play as patients request treatment in our free dental clinic.
• The local, and limited amount of barrelled water piped in from the mountainside has very high levels of fluoride.

• Dental equipment, instruments, and freezings plus mizungus (foreigners) can be scary. Puppets help.
• Nursing station also equals education. Older patients are learning how heart rate can be monitored through pulse points.
• Patients often exhibit different muscle development and dental problems on one side of the mouth as a result of chewing patterns from persistent dental problems.
• - How long does one have to brush one’s teeth for every day and night?

- Two minutes each time.

- No, for how many days?

- For the rest of your life.

Our team education volunteer, Miranda enjoyed her first day of placement at the nearby Maii Mahiu Primary School. Miranda is working together with local teacher Mr. Peter and his small 3^rd grade class of 74 students. Miranda is offering lessons in English, organized after-school recreation and looking forward to offering support by introducing drama activities.

Please keep your thoughts with our team and out patients as the day breaks this morning over the mountains into the Rift Valley, Maai Mahiu.

Posted by Robyn |

Folks:

Another dental care day in the refugee camp.  Today our volunteers treated 38 patients including some who came back a second time for additional treatment.

Melanie tells me that morale is high even though the environment is challenging.

The weather is relatively cold, very windy, and dusty.  The dust makes dental work difficult, but the crew is finding ways to cope.

Still no photos.  There was some brief internet time, but it’s not stable yet.

We may not have a report tomorrow and Saturday, but I hope to update you on Sunday.

Epi

Posted by Robyn |

For an exciting interview with our Chairman of the Board, Henry Greisman, click here.

or to subscribe to all of our radio shows on iTunes, click here.

Posted by Robyn |

Folks,

Melanie just called at 10:30 PM Kenya time Tuesday.  She reports that her roommate is trying to sleep while she is busy calling us with the latest mission news.  The group has arrived at the refugee camp in Maai Mahiu and spent a long work day setting up the dental clinic.  Melanie reports that it looks great and is ready to receive patients tomorrow morning.  There were all kinds of equipment and voltage challenges, but everything is ready to go.

All went well at customs clearance in Nairobi , actually smoother than loading the baggage in Toronto where the group was challenged by having bags with the wrong dimensions!  Dr. Ira has joined the group and we now have a full volunteer contingent ready to begin the mitzvah work alongside our Kenyan partners, Marafiki.

There seems to be good cell reception, and I expect to hear more news from Melanie as the clinic begins its work.

Epi.

Posted by Robyn |

Good morning everyone.

This morning I went to my old stomping grounds of Lakeshore Blvd in Etobicoke to deliver some jackets. My first stop was to a lovely lady Barb that I have known for years. Barb is disabled and mentally ill. I stopped by her home to give her a jacket. We sat and recalled the days of my past and she spoke so kindly of my big heart and appreciated that I thought about her.

My next stop was at the LAMP Community Health Center where I went to their daytime Out of the Cold Program. I know a lady Judy there from the times that I was using. She was so very excited to see me and thanked me over and over for staying dedicated to the community that I came from. I dropped them about 15 jackets, one of which was given to a woman right in front of my eyes. She only had a skimpy denim jacket on and was complaining about the cold nights as she is homeless. She was almost emotional to have received a jacket and gave me a HUGE hug.

My next stop was Women’s Habitat Drop in where I dropped off about 20 jackets. I didn’t see any of the clients but the staff were very grateful for the donation.

I was told that there is a women’s group home for young women leaving CAS care on 9th Street. I am going to see If I can drop some jackets to them as well.

I appreciate Ve’ahavta allowing me to give back to my community. They are in such desperate need with a total Lack of services in the area.

Thank you Ve’ahavta.

Theresa Schrader
Community Poverty Relief Associate

Posted by Robyn |

Click here to see the latest Ve’ahavta TV episode.

Posted by Robyn |

When a men’s fashion mogul, and a philanthropist hook up tikun olam can flow. It does with Wendy and Lou Myles.

Click here to listen to the radio show.

Or subscribe to the radio show on iTunes by clicking here.

Posted by Robyn |

A VE’AHAVTA HANUKA MESSAGE

Hanuka means dedication but the same Hebrew root means education, and I’ve always thought that Hanuka is the most educative holiday.  First, the rabbis considered the hanukia that we light each night to be an advertisement to the world.  They called it pirsumei nisa, publicizing the miracle.  The hanukia is meant to enlighten the outside world, not our homes.

But, perhaps even more importantly, the complex story of Hanuka changes as we mature and learn more of its history.  As youngsters the story is all about the 8-day miracle of oil.  As we read history we learn that the oil story doesn’t exist in the early primary sources on the Hanuka events of 166 BCE.  We wonder why the rabbis so stressed that story and under-played the original version.  And why didn’t the Hasmonean account end up in the Hebrew Bible?  These questions create an ongoing learning experience as adults celebrate the holiday every year.  We grow with the story and the story grows with us.  As much as we want the festival to be relevant to children and fun as well, we have a responsibility to ourselves as adults not to permit Hanuka to become “Pediatric Judaism”.

Ultimately we will find that Hanuka has adult significance in that the original struggle was one of maintaining the spirit of Second Temple Jewish life while under the powerfully attractive influence of Hellenistic culture.  Sound familiar?  No holiday could be more relevant to our own complex ambiguities.

Here at Ve’ahavta we are constantly reminding ourselves that in a consumerist self-centered culture there are ancient Jewish values found in our classical texts that speak to us today regarding our responsibility to bridge the gap between the way the world is and the way it ought to be.  We call that tikun olam.  Let the bright lights of Hanuka advertise to the world that we remember the life-critical lessons and aspire to apply them in our daily lives.

HAPPY HANUKA

Epi

Posted by Robyn |

Here is the latest Ve’ahavta Radio episode. We interview Steve Schwartz, of Herzog Hospital in Jerusalem.

To listen to the radio show, click here.

If you would like to subscribe to our radio show on iTunes, click here.

Posted by Robyn |

To read the full article about Starry Nights 2011 in The Canadian Jewish News click here.

Posted by Robyn |

Click below to see our most recent episode of Ve’ahavta TV, a warm and introspective interview with Rabbi Yossi Sapirman, of Beth Torah.
Check it out!

To view more episodes of our TV show, click here.

Posted by Robyn |

Hi everyone!

Last night was a truly special night on the van, and after discussing it with Eric we think everybody should hear about it!

It is hard to understand the full scope of the program and what we can offer our clients unless you are on the van regularly, with that being said yesterday was an epic example of what Ve’ahavta is all about!

I encountered a client last night who was in a T-Shirt, freezing and wanted to go to a shelter. Just being released from CAMH with an addiction and mental health issues he needed extra support during our time with him. We were able to take him to the Assessment and Referral centre (where you go to find a shelter bed in the downtown core) but all the locked doors and the hospital-like appearance was a trigger for his mental health issues. This client became extremely anxious and paranoid and would only calm down when myself and another volunteer were with him. We spent over 3 hours with this specific client (while serving others simultaneously at the referral centre) and ended up bringing him back to CAMH where he voluntarily signed himself back in. Before being taken away by the doctors, he told me and our volunteer that because of us he was safe, warm, and would be alive another night because without us he would have frozen to death outside.

I think everybody should be proud of themselves for being apart of an organization that can provide this kind of support for the people who need it the most!

I also feel very proud and honoured that because of Ve’ahavta, I am able to do what I do best out on the streets every night.

Thanks

Lauren.

Posted by Robyn |

Listen to 3 fascinating stories of addiction – past, present, and future.

One of these guests checked into a rehab program shortly after this interview, stating that we had lifted him up and inspired to make a change.

Click here to listen to part 1.

Click here to listen to part 2.

Posted by Robyn |

A moment in time, sanctimonious and pure, Ve’ahavta’s annual ‘Starry Nights’ gala was a smashing success. Our friends, donors and volunteers as well as all other attendees made this year’s event one to remember.  Driven by an innate desire to push and promote unity, to alleviate suffering of many kinds,

all of those in attendance have in one way or another made a substantial contribution to this end.

Master of Ceremonies Jian Ghomeshi was at his wittiest, Juno award winner Chantal Kreviazuk’s inspirational anecdotes of goodwill evoked gasps and exclamations of wonderment from many.  ‘Humanitarian’ award recipient Alice Bartole – the founder of the ‘House of Hope’ orphanage in Haiti – encouraged all of us to look deep within ourselves, to challenge ourselves to do even more.

‘Starry Nights’ was indeed a celebration of all that Alice and others have accomplished,  and a galvanizing call to action in order to encourage more love, peace and harmony amongst all people, everywhere.

Posted by Robyn |

Click here to read John Sacke’s blog entry about Ve’ahavta and Starry Nights

Posted by Robyn |

Jane Hawtin spoke with Theresa Schrader. She is a former sex trade worker and now runs Ve’ahavta Street Academy, a program that bridges homeless people and schools.

Click to listen to the interview here.

Posted by Robyn |

Sometimes co-host just need to talk. Listen to Avrum Rosensweig and Vac Verikaitis, co-hosts of Veahavta Radio – talk about life and tikun olam – repairing the world.

Click here to listen

Posted by Robyn |

Taken at the University of Toronto’s Multi-Faith Center.

From the left: Seymour Epstein (Acting Director of International & Education), Henry Greisman (Chairman of the Borad), Avrum Rosensweig (Founding Director and President), Tony Blair (Former British Prime Minister) and Melanie Lindayen (International Project Coordinator)

Posted by Robyn |

Jails are brimming with prisoners, with little to no rehabilitation offered; a place where men frequently come out ‘bad’ and women are regularly abused and demeaned. Joan Ruzsa, the Director of Rittenhouse, a Toronto based NGO offering services for men and women in jail joins Ve’ahavta Radio to speak to our listeners about people in jail, who they are, and how her organizations works toward enhancing their lives.

Joan has communicated with people in jail for over 9 years and brought hope to individuals who otherwise live very bleak lives. Please listen to this fascinating interview. You may not agree with all her thoughts and points, however will agree she is certainly compelling and involved in tikun olam (repairing the world). Your thoughts are always appreciated.

Joan Ruzsa’s Tikun Olam Interview

Posted by Robyn |

What does “Freedom” really mean?

There are a lot of words in the English language that have been kidnapped. Used in ways that have completely distorted their essence.

Take the word LOVE, for instance.

I’m walking by another one of the ubiquitous condominium complexes being erected in the downtown core where I live.

The boards surrounding the site proclaim the marketing motto: Charlie: Condos that love you.

Condos that love you? Are you kidding me?

How can an inanimate object made of glass, steel and concrete love me?

And then I hear an advertisement on the most influential purveyor of double speak, the television.

Cars love Shell gasoline.

I tell my children I love them, and it has deep, fundamental meaning.

But in the effort to completely brainwash the masses, advertisers, through their corporate masters, develop marketing campaigns that devalue the true meaning of words.

Another one of those words is FREEDOM.

I am free to choose between several different kinds of margarine in the dairy section of the

grocery store.

I am free to go to Tim Hortons or Second Cup or Starbucks if I want a coffee.

But what if you have little or no money?

Then freedom has no meaning. Because in a society that values material possessions above all else, when you have no money to make those consumer decisions, you aren’t free.

You are a slave to your circumstance. My poverty enslaves me and condemns me to a life of just trying to survive.

Leave a person with no work, no purpose, no hope, and freedom has no meaning.

Freedom to live means being able to take some measure of control over your own circumstances.

Still, my poverty has also enlightened me, and given me a different perspective.

I am now free to live without the fear of being poor. Simply because I am living it and have survived.

What else can happen to me?

Eat my meals in a soup kitchen? Been there.

Live in a shelter? Done that.

Be forced to live on the Ontario welfare allowance of $227 a month? I’m already there.

My freedom is the direct result of being unchained from those fears. Because my freedom comes from an internal, rather than external source. I am free to see an entirely different side of life.

For some years I have thought about freedom and other ways to achieve it. It hasn’t been that easy to specify what kind of freedom I really meant or really wanted. I have tried to specify freedom and how to achieve it and I hope this description can be useful for others that are looking to become free.

No attachments

Becoming free implies that you lose attachments. Non-attachment does not mean that you should become indifferent or emotionally cold. It means that you should accept that you can lose your job, your best friend could die and your girlfriend could leave you. Don’t fear loss, but accept it as a part of life and something that could and will eventually happen.

Look within. Be still.
Free from fear and attachment,
Know the sweet joy of living in the way.

Live in the present

Live, embrace and accept the present moment, instead of waiting anxiously for all future desires to be fulfilled. Like Gandhi said: Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.

Don’t carry the burden of the past,
nor indulge in the fantasies of the future,
nor intoxicate with the desires of the present.

No goals and dreams

Goals and dreams are mostly fantasies. You build a fantasy of how it’s going to be when you get that job or find the perfect mate. When you reach your goal you find out that it was just a fantasy and the taste is not that sweet as you imagined.

The lesson is to live in the present moment and not dwell on the prospects of the future. Enjoy what you have now, instead of being a slave of what you want to achieve or become.

Don’t act

Acting like you live in the present moment is not the same as living in the present moment. Acting like you you are non-attached is not the same as being non-attached!

Acting is a delusion and if you are acting you are cheating yourself. Don’t act free, but be free!

It’s a practice

Becoming free takes a lot practice. It’s not something that you can read your way through or something that magically happens to you. It’s a change within and a change that takes a lot of practice.

Then, there are other forms of freedom.

Freedom, as we have found out throughout history is measured in the actions of the people brave enough to seek it. To act on it.

Freedom of Speech

We need the clash of ideas in order to more fully understand reality. And we need to understand reality as deeply as possible not only for its own sake, but in order to change it (and there is plenty that needs changing).

People need to be free to follow their thinking where it takes them, and to air unpopular ideas and argue them out with others. This is essential in getting at and discovering the truth.

In capitalist society, the dominant ideas reflect and serve the interests of the dominant class in society, the capitalists. In that context, contending ideas are, at best, viewed as competing commodities in the “marketplace of ideas.”

I’m no Marxist. But as we’ve seen with the “Occupy Wall Street” movement that has spread globally, we do not live in an egalitarian society. The people at the top of the pyramid have to be held to account, and being truly free to express that is an indispensable part of that.

You can’t do that at work. What exactly is that “general waiver and release agreement” one signs when accepting work with a corporation about?

It means that you give up your rights and freedoms to the corporations.

This is a framework that stifles the exchange of ideas and severely restricts the search for truth.

Even in this context, supposed guarantees of freedom of speech are at best sharply contested under capitalism, and usually observed in theory only.

There is a whole history in Canada for instance, of the state jailing and even murdering revolutionaries and progressives—either through kangaroo trials, police assassination, sponsoring or turning a blind eye to lynchings, etc.

Police, and even the army have been called out to suppress people demanding equality or unions or opposing imperialist wars—again, all through Canadian history.

The Winnipeg General Strike of 1919 was one of the most influential strikes in Canadian history, and became the platform for future labour reforms.

Although many Canadian companies had enjoyed enormous profits on World War Icontracts, wages and working conditions were dismal and labour regulations were mostly non-existent.

In March 1919 labour delegates from across Western Canada convened in Calgary to form a branch of the “One Big Union”, with the intention of earning rights for Canadian workers through a series of strikes.

In Winnipeg workers within the building and metal industries attempted to strengthen their bargaining ability by creating umbrella unions, the Building Trade Council and Metal Trade Council respectively, to encompass all metal and building unions.

Other workers throughout the city went out in strike in support. At 11:00 a.m. on Thursday May 15, 1919, virtually the entire working population of Winnipeg had gone on strike. Somewhere around 22,000 workers in the public and private sectors walked off their jobs.

On June 17 the federal government ordered the arrest of eight strike leaders (including Sam Blumenberg and M. Charitonoff, two Jews of eastern European descent who were later deported to the U.S.) Four days later, about 25,000 strikers assembled for a demonstration at Market Square, where Winnipeg Mayor Charles Frederick Gray read the Riot Act.

Mayor Gray called in the Royal Northwest Mounted Police who rode in on horseback charging into the crowd of strikers, beating them with clubs and firing weapons.

This violent action resulted in many people injured, numerous arrests and the death of two strikers. This day, which came to be known as “Bloody Saturday”,ended with Winnipeg virtually under military occupation.

In everyday life there is an ongoing pressure and chill not to get out of line, lest you lose your job or worse. A climate of enforced conformity. In Winnipeg in 1919, people died for their freedoms.

Individual rights

I believe in our individual rights. I believe the spirit and letter of the law was designed and intended to offer maximum freedom with limited government intrusion.

I believe I should have the right to protect myself and my loved ones from danger by any means necessary to end said danger.

It is alarming how those that choose and are allowed to fully exercise their aforementioned freedoms, are trying to make it their business to deny me the right to exercise my own.

Lastly, freedom is not now, nor has it ever been free. When a majority of the people no longer feel the need or the desire to protect our freedoms, and they impose their will upon the rest of us, freedom swiftly begins to erode, and once lost, is nearly impossible to regain.

We need to stand for freedom, or we will die in the chains of slavery.

By Vac Verikaitis

Posted by Robyn |

Monday, October 24, 2011:
Good morning,
The team has arrived safely in Guyana and continuing into the Middle Mazaruni after receiving the VIP traveller’s treatment in Georgetown and Ogle. Bekkie confirms it is sunny and beautiful in Guyana as the team hydrates on coconut water and the journey of this medical mission begins.

Wednesday, October 26, 2011
The team are currently found in an Amerindian village, Issenuru, situated on a beautiful strip of the river. They passed the night camped out and began the first day of the mission smoothly, treating 82 patients including 1 malaria case. The team was able to take some time to swim in the river, and are also working together swimmingly.

Thursday, October 27, 2011:
With a total of 100 treated in Isseneru, our medical team moved on yesterday to Kangaruna, a village of 480. The five travellers were made welcome by the community, and greeted later in the night with torrential rains. Tents and spirits are holding up well after the tropical downpour. Bekkie reached us on the satellite phone as rains recommenced and the next day of clinic was underway. Tomorrow the team travels to Issano.

Monday, October 31, 2011
In a blessed turn of events, the medical team were able to save a life in Issano. A woman arrived at a Ve’ahavta clinic, in position in her village at the right time and place, and was able to receive emergency care during a life-threatening miscarriage, thanks to the Ve’ahavta team and team leader, Bekkie Vineberg equipped with her midwifery expertise and equipment. Once stabilized, the team were able to refer the patient to Georgetown and go on to treat over 80 patients total in Issano together with the 4 members of the regional health team and joined on Friday by volunteer physician Dr. Steele. The team are working closely with the local Community Health Worker, Mr. David, and also reporting on high incidence of malaria.
Outside of clinical hours, the team has experienced some busy evenings and nights. Night interruptions included, among rainstorms and other noises of the jungle interior, an emergency case for an individual with anemia. Last evening the team planned to carry out sexual health education outreach at Issano’s local bars.
Next moves bring the team out of the interior to Bartica for continued medical outreach and celebratory meetings of this work in the company of Ve’ahavta’s community partner, the Lions Club of Bartica.

In Bartica, the medical team dined in town with Ve’ahavta partners, the Lions Club, at President Rickford’s hotel. Another 88 patients were treated across the river at the Mazaruni Prison. Tonight sees the team stocking up on provisions before an early flight out in small plane to Kamarang. The mobile clinic will move straight on to Waramadong where they continue to set up clinics in hard to reach locales where they are most needed.

Tuesday, November 01, 2011
The group is in Kako, deep up the Mazaruni.  They flew in a bush plane and then traveled by boat to get to this remote spot, very beautiful because of its savannah.  They saw some patients today, will do a savannah walk early Wednesday morning, and see more patients after that.  Yesterday they saw 88 prisoners in the Mazaruni prison, some from solitary confinement, others in shackles.  They will be leaving later in the week for their final clinic in Waramadong, again deep in the interior.  Just as I was joking with Bekkie about a great pizza joint in that village (NOT!), the sat phone disconnected.
I can hardly wait to see the group Sunday night when they return and hear the amazing stories they must have.

Thursday, November 03, 2011
At the mercy of satellite phone reception, I was pleased to hear from Bekkie and the medical team from a boat en route to Kamarang! The team ran a busy clinic in Kako which included screenings for cervical cancer. Women visiting the Ve’ahavta-Lions clinic left with a sense of empowerment in their experience of health awareness. Kako’s savannahs offered a beautiful commute in and out of the village with good weather on the river passages after much rain.
The team is currently based in Kamarang and operating out of Waramadong for the day at a school for 500 students living in dormitories on-site. The heat and hard work make a favourite swimming hole welcome respite after these days’ and two weeks’ clinics.

Everyone says HI!

Monday, November 07, 2011
Fred, Miriam, Carol, Cassanndre, and Brian returned last night from two weeks in the Guyanese bush tired but successful and elated after treating hundreds of patients in a variety of villages carefully selected by Bekkie. Our thanks to them for helping us extend the tikun olam arm of Ve’ahavta deep into the jungle and a huge KOL HAKAVOD to Bekkie for everything she puts into these missions – blood, sweat , tears, and pure chesed.

Posted by Robyn |

Donated by: Med Plus

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Donated by: Anita and David Katz

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Donated by: MT Service

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Donated by: Apotex

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Donated by: Neauvo Ragz

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Donated by: Wholesale Medical

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Donated by: Tropical Treets

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Donated by: Indigo

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Donated by: Indigo

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The Shalit family, Israel and the world, welcome Gilad home, after five years in captivity. Tuesday, October 18th, 2011.

The Veahavta Family welcomes Gilad home, and with all of our hearts extend our love to the Shalits. We wish Gilad well, over the coming days, month and years and pray that he one day soon, leads a normal, regular life, where he will sit in a room surrounded by many people….that he should never sit alone again. B’shalom. Peace.

Posted by Robyn |

After the intense solemnity of Rosh haShana and the ten days of return culminating in the long fast of Yom Kippur, we enter into the joy of Sukkot, Shmini Atzeret, and Simhat Torah. The rabbis pointed out that the joy of Sukkot is emphasized in the Torah. Clearly, a holiday of festive meals, a beautiful sukkah, the four species of lulav (palm), etrog (citron), hadasim (myrtle), and aravot (willow) is an extended moment of joy. But is simha or joy the central theme of Sukkot?

As beautiful as we have made the sukka in all the various places we have sojourned over thousands of years, the legally required design is of a temporary shack that shakes in the wind with a leaky roof. Commentaries on the four species claim that only one has both good taste and a pleasant aroma, the others have their imperfections. The megilah that we read on Sukkot, Kohelet (Ecclesiastes), is hardly a joyous document, but rather the skeptical, even cynical, ramblings of a wise but world-weary old man. There are clearly mixed messages in this holiday that go beyond what we learned of Sukkot in Hebrew school. Sukkot is a harvest festival which celebrates the bounty God has provided in the agricultural cycle, but it does so by dealing with the reality that nature is fickle, and that not every year is one of great harvests. (Just look at the TSX!) The mitzvah of enJOYing the festival is an act of faith that emphasizes our role in working with the natural world to turn poor harvests into rich ones. In the same way that the earlier Tishrei holidays help us turn to better spiritual paths, this later festival encourages us to work on improving the material harvest of our world.

Happy Sukkot

Posted by Robyn |

Listen to the new riveting interview with two of Ve’ahavta’s own Community Poverty Relief staff Eric Cisterna and Lauren Gostick

Eric Cisterna and Lauren Gostick Podcast

Posted by Robyn |

After York High School student, Daniel Shade Silver, volunteered on Ve’ahavta’s Mobile Jewish Response to the Homeless, he knew he wanted to find a way to help homeless youth get the supplies and support they need to get off the streets of Toronto. He launched a fundraising initiative called “Cookies for Kids” in which he will be baking cookies, with the generous support from 2 Moms Baked Goods, and then selling them to the public to raise funds and awareness about youth homelessness . To buy one of Daniel’s delicious kosher and nut-free cookies, please click here. (until October 7th 2011) Click here to see Daniel’s video.

Posted by Robyn |

The upcoming Jewish holidays of Rosh haShana and Yom Kippur are called Yamim Noraim in Hebrew, Days of Awe, a more meaningful term than “High Holidays”.  Rosh haShana is traditionally celebrated as the anniversary of the creation of the world, but, interestingly enough, not the first day of creation, but day six, when humans were brought into the picture.  The message in that is that the world we inhabit is one in which we share responsibility with the creator for its ongoing growth and maintenance.  Over and over again, the Torah teaches us that our obligations far outweigh our rights, and that social justice in the form of tzedakah, hesed, and tikun olam is our means for keeping the world in good repair.  On Rosh haShana we celebrate the partnership with God by calling Him King and by recognizing our role as citizens of a sacred realm.

On day six of creation we were given involuntary systems of digestion and respiration, but we were not blessed with an involuntary system for doing the kind of good that will repair the world.  That kind of Ve’ahavta activity is totally voluntary and depends on our good will in contradistinction to all kinds of negative forces such as inertia, procrastination, consumerism, etc.  We all make mistakes, and Yom Kippur, coming so soon after Rosh haShana, reminds us each year that we can overcome error and re-create ourselves in the image we had at creation  -  full partners with God in the ongoing responsibility for a better world.

Best wishes from Ve’ahavta for a sweet and peaceful 5772

Posted by Robyn |

Recently one of our Starry Nights honouree was mentioned in the Toronto Metro. Click here to read the full article.

Posted by Robyn |

Homeless individuals encounter constant barriers everyday, one of which being access to healthcare. With a lack of identification and no address it immediately makes walking into a hospital difficult. One of our clients broke his hand, which already had an infection from an open wound that did not heal properly because of his living conditions. He is also a recovering heroin addict, which poses a huge barrier to receive any type of pain medication which would normally be prescribed in an instant for somebody without such history. I took him to the hospital at Midnight and started by supporting him through the registration/triage stage which can be difficult and embarrassing when explaining that you live on the street. I then waited with him for 3 hours which a lot of clients would lose patience for and leave, as the hospital is a trigger for many and it’s hard to wait that long alone for anyone. Once we saw the doctor I then advocated for him to receive pain medication which despite his history was extremely necessary. The doctor, the client and I all came to a middle ground in which our client was allotted pain medication that best suited his needs, and were not a detriment to his recovery as an opiate user.
The homeless population are often stripped of their humanity and their voice (amongst other things), and everyday I work to restore these very things within each client I encounter. Staying at the hospital till 4:00AM to advocate for our clients to receive respect and equal access, as well as to have their voice be heard is part of making people feel worthy and human again. We were largely successful this time around!

Posted by Robyn |

Click here to listen to the stories of two street youth and their struggles.

William and Amanda Ve’ahavta Radio Show#2

Posted by Robyn |

Here is a poem from the creative-writing component of this August’s Ve’ahavta-Lions Youth Camp in Bartica, Guyana.

On a Cold Night

On a cold night at a casino,
We gathered together around
A broken hearth

When a man walked into a beautiful woman.
He asked her on a date
But she didn’t answer.
She was dumb,

The man felt sorry that she could not talk.
He stepped out in a rainy night.

-Keifer Allen

For more poetry from the campers of the Ve’ahavta-Lions Youth Camp click here.

Posted by Robyn |

Ve’ahavta-Lions Youth Camp: Week 2

We set off into Week 2 of Camp in Bartica, Guyana with the Lions Club of Bartica, 3 full-time Ve’ahavta-Peace-Corps and Scarboro Missions Education volunteers, over 100 youth aged 5-17 and a bounty of exciting ideas and activities to fill our time together.

The weekend provided our team some rest from the first week, recuperation from a nasty bedbug run-in, and opportunity for planning some fun theme days leading up towards a Camp Closing Day presentation. Our team’s collective resume included degrees in creative-writing, music education, art therapy, social work experience, and (most importantly!) local experience… we had our work cut out for us!

The volunteers and I had the chance to learn more about the volunteers and each other as we explored Monday’s “Where I Live” theme learning local games and sports, expressing ourselves through word and images over different scales of place, and sharing multicultural songs. We had a “terrible” time on Opposite day, but decidedly wonderful adventures working in teams to complete a local eco-scavenger hunt, creating murals from found objects, and guest workshops with the Hope Foundation on Children’s Rights.

Over Week 2 the youth never ceased to amaze us over a broad range of ages, competencies, confidence, and characters. The Ve’ahavta-Lions camp programs pushed the boundaries of the campers’ creative experiences in writing, singing, visual arts, leadership, and teamwork. Keifer broke out of the box with his poetry. Bobin showed leadership on the football field. Shania shared her dreams of being a doctor. Denzil and his sister, Deborah created beautiful art and spirit in the camp. Whitney, Denzelina and Joshua became the camp ambassadors for Energy and Imagination!

On Camp Closing Day all our young performers wowed with steel band performances, creative-writing readings, and a multicultural rendition of “This Land is Your Land” (Guyanese, American, and Canadian versions) with Miss Ashley. It was a proudest moment for President Rickford and me to hand over the Ve’ahavta-Lions Certificates of Camp Participation to over 100 unique campers with newfound confidence, new jerseys from Ve’ahavta and brand-new Kinder Kits to begin the school year.

Highlights of Week 2:
-  Building an interactive map of Bartica
- Doing relay races, musical chairs, and limbo—backwards!
- Creating cut-outs for a positive and negative space lesson- and watching campers reuse the techniques all week.
- Playing local Guyanese games led by senior campers and local volunteers.
-Admiring the scavenger hunt treasures collected for: “Find something truly beautiful.”
- Photographing youth creating the flag of Guyana with their bodies.
- Reading aloud our all-camp poem, “Happiness.” Every camper wrote a line.
- A sea of gold: campers in gold Ve’ahavta jerseys, matching Lions Club members in gold vests, among gold-painted steel drums.
- From the Rupununi to the Corentyne…From the Arctic Circle to the Great Lake Waters. This world was made for you and me.

The campers expressed in words, pictures, and giant thank you cards to Ve’ahavta and Miss Melanie how they will miss us and never forget us.
May we never forget the needs -nor neglect the potential- of children everywhere.

In Peace,
Melanie Lindayen
Ve’ahavta International Projects Coordinator

Posted by Robyn |

2011 Uganda Spine Surgery Mission Blog
DAY 12 – Thursday August 25th:

It seemed as though the second week flew by and the final day had come at last. Ngozi had been invited to give a lecture for the Physiotherapists in the New Mulago hospital, where some of our more difficult ICU patients had passed through. Compared to the spinal ward, the New Mulago was the Bellagio. It had been established in the 1970s by Idi Amin, the Ugandan President, as a military hospital and it was considered among the most prominent hospitals in East Africa. In reality however, the Mulago hospital, like the spinal ward, is now in serious need of “rehabilitation.”  The team really appreciated Ngozi’s didactic teaching and demonstrations and insisted on exchanging contact information for future correspondence. Ngozi was relieved and delighted that she had gone from rejected to respected in terms of the value of her services and relationships with local physiotherapists on the spine mission and her patients. She even got a wave out of B.A., the 7 year-old girl from Monday who wouldn’t crack a smile.
Having already completed 16 surgeries, we expected a smooth final day in Kampala. But, as you may have guessed, fate struck us once again and the Mulagosystem tried to siphon off our last bit of energy. We arrived eager and early just to learn that the water supply to the autoclave had been disrupted, so the surgical tools could not be sterilized. We waited three hours for the water to come back on, and were finally able to start at 12:05pm.
The procedure was for M.W., a 51 year-old female school teacher with mechanical back pain with radiation to her legs since an accident in 2001. Two years ago she had a decompression procedure but had no substantial pain relief. She wore a back brace and used a cane with only minor relief of symptoms. Recently she had been experiencing right arm weakness and right-sided neck discomfort presumably due to neck problems.  An MRI showed degenerative changes and narrowing of the spinal canal and intervertebral foramina (the opening where the nerves exit the spine).  The team, with the help of interested local orthopedics residents and students, conducted a posterior L4-5 lumbar decompression and fusion. They approached from the back, removed part of the lamina (back wall of the vertebrae)and the arthritic facet  joints,  gently moved the nerves aside (this low, called the caudaequina, or horses tail) while working to remove the disc and replace it with bone graft and a cage.  They also inserted screws to maintain the spinal column stability until the bone fusion consolidated. Despite the late start the team still completed the case efficiently and all went well.
At the end of these two anxiety provoking,  yet gratifying weeks, we were ready to return home, but all struggled with the thought of leaving behind so many in need.Despite the emotions , as we left to pack our equipment and get ready for the trip home,  patients expressed their deepest gratitudeand pleaded for our contacts so they could keep us informed on their progress.

The team still however had one final challenge, get the equipment packed and collected from two hospitals and loaded onto Mr. Metu’s truck (the local shipper) to be sent home, all in time for a celebratory dinner .  Brian worked effortlessly to catalogue and box the gear while we shuttled boxes up and down stairs to the shipping van.  Lieberman set a challenge, “dinner at the Lawns by 8pm.”We arrived at 7:55, for a fine meal of Ostrich burgers and Chili Crocodile, serenaded by the clapping of rain on the wooden roof. At dinner  we shared our thoughts and feelings, our perspectives on the value of the mission and how we could continue to improve future missions. We spoke of the strength andbrother(& sister)-hood of the human spirit, our impact and how the Ugandans continue to learn from us, and we from them.
Quote of the Day:
“The behavior of the Uganda peoples is like video games. They think they have three lives. But this is not true. They have only one.” – Kris, on the whimsical attitudes and reckless standards sometimes encountered in the equipment, protocols, and patient care guidelines in Uganda’s health care system.
Epilogue
Isador Lieberman
This year’s mission set the standard for productivity, emotions and future goals.  New lessons were learned and old lessons were re-affirmed.  The veterans  were solid and the rookies were dependable.
 I am consistently reminded of how many good people there are on this planet. Likewise I am constantly reminded of just how much need there is throughout the world.  I strongly suggest that if anyone reading this message has even the slightest inclination to become involved or contribute to such a mission, please seriously consider the opportunity and take the leap to participate.  It will change your mindset and your life.
Personally I will remember this mission as the most special on three accounts.  I had the privilege of having my mother (Noemi Lieberman) accompany the team and myself on part of this mission; I was accompanied by three of my most respected colleagues (Kayanja, Siemionow & St Clair);  and I was able, with the help of many, fulfill my promise to deliver a sefer Torah to the isolated Jewish congregation in the village of Putti.
By virtue of my position I tend to undeservedly get the all the credit for these missions.  It is impossible for me to ever fully acknowledge all those who have contributed to the success of this mission.  Please rest assured that I will I never take for granted all those who have contributed along the way. 

Accomplishments  2011
1) 13 participants (including 2 anaesthesiologists and a physical therapist), two teams, clinics and surgeries at both Mulago and Case hospitals
 2) Delivery of over $200,000 worth of medical supplies, divided by need to both Mulago and Case Hopsitals
3) Distribution of 200 Kinder Kits (school bags) to children
4) 17 complex spinal reconstruction surgeries
5) Daily teaching of residents,  scoliosis lecture to staff and orthopaedic residents,  physical therapy lecture to therapists
6) Delivery, training and donation of BPAP breathing assistance machines to Spine ward at Mulago (courtesy of DrSkulmowski&Kusza)
7) Formalize collaboration agreement between Case Hospital and Uganda Spine Mission for future care of the less fortunate
8 surgeries scheduled for August 2012

Posted by Robyn |

2011 Uganda Spine Surgery Mission Blog
DAY 10 – Tuesday August 23rd:

Before heading to the Case operating room for surgery the team split up and saw post-surgical patients in the wards at Case and Mulago. At Mulago, Zbigniew, Kris and Jordan visited with three patients, who needed their surgical wound dressings to be changed. Patient J.S., a 35 year-old male was running a high fever since his surgery, while patient P.K. had trouble breathing at night, so required help from the BIPAP machine to breathe for him. Meanwhile in the clinic up the hill, Dr. Lieberman presented a lecture on congenital scoliosis to an audience of very interested surgeons and residents. It is important on our medical mission to make a lasting footprint by empowering the local physicians to improve their standard of care in addition to helping patients directly through surgery and consultation; we are only in Uganda for 2 weeks per year and must also think about the other 50. Even Master PT Professor Ngozi, PhD was asked to teach and present on key concepts in physical therapy – at both Case and Mulago.
The surgical case today was a 15 year-old boy A.T. who suffered from persistent complications of tuberculosis. He had surgery in 2009 for post-TB complications, but afterward developed a chronic, draining infection. Now, his hardware had become loose and he had multiple levels of bony breakdown (osteolysis) and inadequate healing of bone (pseudarthrosis), with a substantial left-sided abscess. In May, he underwent a procedure to clean it out (debridement) but it was unsuccessful. Our plan was to repeat the debridement of the incision, abscess, and tract and to remove the loose broken hardware. During the surgery, it was impressive just how much granulomatous (gunky) tissue had been created by immune cells attacking the unresolved infection.
We saw three new patients today. The first was E.N., a 2 ½ year old girl with congenital scoliosis. Had we seen her last week, we might have been able to squeeze her in, but now due to time constraints she would have to wait until we return next year.
C.A. is a 24 year-old female with history of progressive leg weakness over three years and lower back pain. She had extreme lower extremity weakness (1/5 on the power scale) and allodynia, the sensation of pain in response to a non-painful stimulus (eg. gentle rubbing feels like burning). In the absence of imaging studies, Jordan and Kirill exercised their differential diagnosis skills, ruling out vascular and autoimmune causes (the latter not at all common in Uganda) and suspecting a compressive lesion within her spinal cord, like a tumor. However, when Dr. Lieberman examined her he concurred that her symptoms are most consistent with a compressive lesion.  It was then that she pulled out the secret X-rays of her back and it was clear that she had a focal kyphosis at the T11/12 disc level with a spondylolisthesis and disc resorption.  Unfortunately, since the process had been going on for some time, the team felt that the damage was irreversible and surgery would be of minimal benefit. This was sad news to break, but having dealt with immobility for almost three years, it was not surprising to her.
The third patient was J.K., a 48 year-old male who was transferred from the trauma unit after a motor vehicle accident. Aside from being paralyzed from the shoulders down, he suffered a head injury and was confused and unable to speak (aphasic). He also had chemical burns over his body, but we could not illicit the history because of his head injury. His CT scan showed complete obliteration of the spinal canal (bone severed cervical spinal cord). This is the sad reality of spinal cord injury – and even in developed nations, motor vehicle accidents account for 50% of spinal injuries.
After a busy and interesting surgical challenge, Kirill didn’t have the stomach for dinner at the beautiful and sometimes delicious Serena hotel.  Actually, he didn’t have the stomach for anything but a loading dose of Cipro.  At dinner, the team howled at stories of spine missions passed (and present) and after the “Sister Sarah fiasco” yesterday, we did a “what time would Wednesday’s surgery begin” pool, Price is Right style: closest guess without going over wins!
 Quote of the Day:
“Ugandance if you want to.” – Jordan & Kirill (a team 362 effort)

Posted by Robyn |

2011 Uganda Spine Surgery Mission Blog
DAYS 6-8 – Friday-Sunday August 18-20:

At the end of this long week, these threemystical days seemed to blend together into one.
On the spinal side of things, the mission team split up so some could stay for the surgery onI.K., a 64 years-young female patient who was postponed earlier in the week pending blood test results. Sometimes, a low Vitamin B12 level can cause the same neurological symptoms as an insult to the spinal cord. So, to justify a surgery, we had to rule out a B12 deficiency (pernicious anemia). Overnight Friday, her blood tests came back and showed her to have a normal B12 level, so Kris and Kirill reassessed the patient on Saturday morning and went ahead with the surgery at Case hospital. It was another straight forward spine procedure even with poor lighting and less than ideal instruments.
Early Friday morning, the second half of the teamventured upon the final leg of the torah mission to Putti, a small village near Mbale (“Em-ball-ay”). “Ohhhhhhh Lord,” we prayed, “please deliver us and the precious sefer Torah to the village of Putti.”  Alex, Brian, Jordan, Judah, Doctor &Saftah Lieberman and the torah rode with Amos (our energetic driver), while Arne (the Dutch free lance reporter) and 150 Kinder Kits followed (almost too) closely behind. The apparently“220 km drive” took usEastward along Lake Victoriafor four hours on treacherously narrow, pitted roads and dusty boda-boda trails to the foot of Mount Elgon in the town of Mbale.When we finally reached Putti we were greeted by the village population, adults and children alike,charging the van with jubilant shrieking reminiscent of the peacock mating call. The torah as promised had arrived at its new home.
The Putti village was quite remarkable. There were a few small shacks for homes, and five larger structures. Of these buildings, isa kitchen with a sign post memorializing the “The Challah Project,” which had been donated to help theAbayudayahJewish peoples prepare their Sabbath bread. Also donated was a solar-powered chicken coup. Veterans noted that there were no chickens around last year, as they had been exterminated due to illness. Now, chickens roamed the dusty field and a sad-looking dog named “Master” wandered existentially.  The children were many. The older ones would smile, but the younger ones were instinctively wary of “Muzungos” (whites). Of the Abayudayah, there were 130 children and another 40 adults in Putti. Jordan contrasted the age distribution to similar-sized Jewish communities he had met in Bolivia, where the stats were perfectly reversed, with shrinking communities.
The history of the Putti Abayudayahstarted inthe late 1800s.  An elephant hunter namedSemeiKakungulubegan studying the bible. Upon further learning, he found his connection to the old testament, the books of Moses. He circumcised himself and his sons, a sign of Abraham’s (the first Jewish man) covenant with God. We don’t know how thrilled his middle-aged followers were about this initiation process at the time, but the incredible strength and devotion of the Abayudayah now speaks of their commitment to the Jewish faith. There are about a thousand Abayudayah in Uganda, but the orthodox ones (170) live in and around Putti. As they are not blood-descendants of Abraham, they have struggled for religious recognition for nearly one hundred years.  The former dictator Idi Amin had banished them and the few who survived after the ban was lifted became the new generation of the Abayudayah.  They prayed in a mud hut with a straw roof that was no larger than…well…a modest spine operating theater!A large Israeli flag covered half the back wall and Shabbat candles were stabilized with dried wax on the cement floor. Right next door stood the much larger new synagogue, which was about five times the size; aside from being large enough for all the Abayudayah, no wolf (or snake) could huff or puff or blow this brick synagaogue down.?
After unloading 15 boxes of Kinder Kits into the old synagogue, the villagers tied a sheet to four long sticks to build a “chuppah” (a Jewish ceremonial canopy used at weddings and Torah dedications). Torah in hand, Dr. Lieberman and community leader Rabbi Enosh marched under the chuppaharound the village, thento the old synagogue while the villagers rejoiced singing their favorite song, “We Love Torah.” It was then ceremonially placed in the AronHakodesh (holy arc) next to the original paper Torah replica that so compelled Dr. Lieberman to promise the delivery of the real one. The entire community gathered in the synagogue for a special mid-afternoon service. Nobody could find the words to express their joy and gratitude, but that didn’t stop them from trying. Dr. Lieberman spoke of the meaning of being Jewish, and Jordan spoke of Veahavta and the Kinder Kits. The kids then swarmed Jordan like the killer bees buzzing about in the papyrus thatched roof just above us and each got a backpack which they wore proudly. Brian taught the kids how to load lead pencils and how to spin a dreidel(special Hanuka toy) in the palms of their hands.
The next 24 hours passed like a dream.  In Putti, the Sabbath started when we saw 3 stars in the night skies. No clocks, no watches, and no calendars to adhere by. Every day consistently has 12 hours of sunlight because they are so close to the equator: no real seasons either – just a couple rainy ones.We attended services on Friday evening and after services we broke bread with the villagers and ate the sweetest challahthat we’d ever salted. We were invited to stay for dinner and we simply could not refuse! With no utensils, and the evening darkness over us, Arnie, Jordan and Brian graciously shared a plate while Dr. Lieberman and the Rabbi did the same. On Saturday, Alex our hard-working IT man took charge. He followed along in English intrigued by a prayer service quite foreign to him. Even Amos piped up and asked about the meaning of Torah, Tallit and Tefillin.
Alex taught the kids hopscotch, Simon Says and duck-duck goose much to their delight. Brian stirred flour, toured the agricultural grounds while Dr. Lieberman watched while Arnie interviewed the kind and patient Rabbi Enosh. Jordan chatted with the cantor, Moshe, discussing the Abayudayah’s love of music. After Shabbat they traded CD’s of their respective choirs – “When I Wake Up – the Music of Putti” for “This One’s a Kippah,” of the University of Toronto Varsity Jews A Cappella group. Judah meanwhile played volleyball and football (“soccer”) with the teens and tods, respectively, with imaginary nets.For the record Judah, who some called Jonah, is a unique individual. An accomplished outdoorsman with a BSof Electrical Engineering and a Masters in Geologic Sciences, Judah played an integral role in the torah project.In addition to being the “mule” (bringing the Torah in its massive indestructible, everything proof, floatable case, on the connecting flight to Uganda), he built the website, helped raise money for the purchase of the torah, and worked closely with Doctors Lieberman and Rabbis Bloomenstieland Zakon. As if that was not enough, Judah is staying in Putti for three weeks to install an irrigation system to water their crops, and teach them to raise chickens. How does Judah know how to raise a chicken farm, you ask? One of the 8 books he brought with him to Putti was“Chicken Farming for Dummies.” He will learn, he will teach, and he will hopefully come back alive, lest a cobra leaps into his jungle hammock.
Energized by a restful Sabbath, the team departed Putti (minus Judah) and stopped at the Nile’s Bujagali Falls near Jinja, on the road back to Kampala. The Nile begins at nearby Lake Victoria and flows into the Mediterranean Sea at Alexandria in Egypt. Amos, not content with just driving us on the life threatening roads in Uganda, even offered to captain a raft for us on the Nile.  At the falls we watched as risky local teens come bobbing down the rapids for money.  Every year two or three teenage daredevils die in the Bujagali falls in their quest for a livelihood which pays them 3000 Ugandan shilling (the equivalent of $1) per trip down the rapids.  Once we finally returned back to Kampala the team united again, we went for a late night dinner across the road from the apartment at “The Pyramids” Hotel and Casino.Sieminowchose the very adventurous “deep fried chicken,” while Alex, Jordan and Lieberman compared surgical skills as they dissected their whole Tilapia caught fresh from the lake. After that display of skills, Jordan was banned from the O.R.
These were days of miracle and mysticism. From the Israeli flag in the man’s back mirror to the plastic Jewish star on our doorstep days prior, signs of the torah mission were pointing to success. But it didn’t end there. Our motel in Mbale gave us room number 18, which in Judaism symbolizes life, just before the torah arrived in Putti on Friday. Soon after the torah presentation, we witnessed a rainbow in the field that the Rabbi pointed out then followed with the prayer memorializing the covenant between God and Noah.The story of Noah’s ark in the old testamenttells us about the significance of the rainbow; it is a gift given from God to man to remind us of the sacred covenant: the covenant that he would never flood the earth with rains again. Only, it had not even rained in Putti. It was a very special moment for all of us, bringing full circle the promise of delivering a Torah to Putti. And even more symbolic, after dinner we decided to assess the Ugandan definition of “casino” with a quick walk-through. While passing the roulette table, the empty-pocketed Jordan joked to Failla: “Let’s put 10,000 Shillings on number 18 for Putti.” The ball was thrown and sure enough, it landed on number 18. Despite the “could have, would have, should have” bantering, the whole sequence of events verified the importance of the weekend to the village of Putti and to all of us.
On Sunday the team visited the Equator and nearby craft shops, sharing the events of days past and those to come.  Disappointed by the closing of the famous French-Fries shop, talked up endlessly by the veterans, we ordered Nile specials and greasy fries at the next local restaurant and once filled moved on to visit the local neighborhood crocodile farm. There the 68 year-old monster croc Cleopatra recognized Lieberman and Failla, boasting its ancient teeth in their presence. Returning back to Kampala that evening was the most harrowing experience of most of the team member’s lives.  We were inescapably involved it the worst traffic jam of our lives. Truly bumper-to-bumper, mirror-to-mirror, with boda-bodas crammed to fill the space in between. Veterans noted that it had never been this bad in previous years, and that the recent increase in car-shipping to Uganda has caused dramatic changes in street congestion in the city.We are convinced that Uganda has the best and worst drivers in the world. On arrival to Kampala we returned to Mamba point for avocado pizzas, said our goodbyes to Kris Semienow, who by the way just ordered a sealed bottle of water for dinner, in fear of the potential gastro-intestinal consequences of anything else, while on an airline flight.

Quotes of the Day(s):
“Dorit, you’re not in Kampala anymore!”
“His name’s not Jonah, it’s JUDAH! Jonah got swallowed by the whale…Judah got swallowed by the village of Putti!”
“Being Jewish isn’t about where you were born, the colour of your skin, or what your name is. It’s about what you feel: what’s in your heart.”

Posted by Robyn |

2011 Uganda Spine Surgery Mission Blog
DAY 5 – Thursday August 18th:

At Case, things were running like clockwork. The surgical patient was a 50 year-old female agricultural field worker with neck and lower back pain that rendered her unable to work.She also had numbness of fingers and toes. She wasdisabled by spinal stenosis, or narrowing of the spinal canal where the cord sits in the neck.After rounding on the wards, the dynamic duo (Mark and Selvon) performed aC5-6 Anterior Cervical Discectomy (removal of the disc) and Fusion (locking the bones together) (ACDF) procedure. The team strategically exposed the spine, from the front, and masterfully removed the degenerated disc, a rubbery cushion between vertebrae that normally acts as a shock absorber. In this case, it was bulging out backward and compressing the cord, contributing to her stenosis. The disc was replaced by a solid implant to maintain the space between vertebrae, while screws and a platewere applied to the bones to hold them together until the fusion consolidates. The surgeons completed the procedure then came over to heckle the Mulago team, gloating about their efficiency and finesse. Sherrondecided to take advantage of her early dismissal and head into town to “get her hair did” (ie. braided). So much for roughing it!
On the wards at Case, Amy “the team Florence Nightingale” was administering pain medications where needed, while Ngozi“the team Joseph Pilate”was hard at work. Her patient F.T., who had few complaints yesterday, had a very uncomfortable physio session today, but was committed to getting up and back to school in September, so he pushed through the pain.
Also pushing through the pain of the penalty box wereRocky Lieberman and his corner man Jordan, being “rope a doped” by three more patients. One was a follow-up scoliosis patientthat Kris and Dr Lieberman had operated on in 2007.  She had matured into a beautiful young lady with a straight and pain-free spine.  Her x-rays revealed a solid fusion, intact hardware, and a well-maintained correction with a balanced spine. The other two patients were ambitious young teenswith aspirations of becoming computer engineers and businessmen, integral to Uganda’s future and who were not at all shy about sharing their ambitions. They both would eventually need surgery for their scoliosis and TB complicationsin the next couple of years, but wanted to finish high school first.Dr. Lieberman stayed in the center of the ring long enough to discuss all aspects of their predicament with them while displaying an incredible amount of patience, though he’d call it self-control, so as not to let the patients realize that he was rushing to get to the operating room before Siemionow and Ilalov did something he would regret (kidding of course – these guys are top notch!).
Unbeknownst to Lieberman, outside the ring, the surgical action at Mulagohad not yet even begun. The patient still needed pre-operative X-rays and the team was waiting on 3 units of blood for transfusion.While waiting, the Mulago orthopedics residents haunted Kirill, Kris and Jordan with articulate and detailed stories of the talented and deadly snakesfound in various regions of Uganda.  Later that evening the entire building heard Kirill screaming “Black Mamba” in his Malarone-enhanced dream world.
The surgical patient P.T. was a 14 year-old girl with a spine so twisted that her ribs, over time,had pushed out and lifted her sternum (chest plate), leaving her with humps in both front and back. The multi-step surgery would require stabilization of her spine with hardware from behind, then removal of her sternum and fusion of ribs in the front, all the while maintain her ability to breathe in an already constricted rib cage. The decreased lung volume made this a particularly challenging case for our Polish pair responsible for maintaining her vitals (breathing, heart rate, and fluids) throughout the procedure. The first step took Dr. Lieberman, Kris and Kirill six hours, and after review of the patient’s status Lieberman and the anesthesiologist pair decided that further surgery would subject her to unreasonable risk. She would need to recover first, and we will reevaluate when to proceed with step 2.
Today was also a big day for our equipment manager Brian, who, after riding the pines for hundreds of spine surgeries, got to “scrub in” and assist the scrub nurse “sister Sara”.  Giddy and camera-friendly, Brian worked diligently and learned that being a scrub nurse is a LOT harder than it looks.
As with every good story there is always a silent hero. Some one behind the scenes, who quietly goes about his/her responsibilities, unassuming, barely noticeable and never getting the credit they deserve.  Well this story is different. Alex was everywhere, was noticeable and performed above and beyond allexpectations, especially with the team’s videography and IT needs.
After an exciting day we retired to dinner, saddened by the departure of Mark (back to residency training), Selvon and Amy (on their honeymoon), and after waiting a comfortable two hours to be served, we filled our stomachs with curried delights.
Quote of the day:
“Would you please, for the love of God, bring the check next time you come?”

Posted by Robyn |

2011 Uganda Spine Surgery Mission Blog
DAY 4 – August 17th:

We split up to tackle three surgeries today.
At Case,the A-team (Kris, Selvon and Jordan)started the day with ward-rounds, visiting patients recovering from surgery. We discharged a 39 year-old woman who Mark and Selvon operated on last Friday to relieve spinal cord compression that was causing leg numbness and pain. We also saw a new patient, H.K., a 4 year-old boy with muscle spasms in his limbs and delayed mental and physical development. We diagnosed him with Cerebral Palsy (C.P.) and explained to his parents thatlow oxygen levels before or at birth had caused irreversible neurological damage.
Coincidentally, the surgical patient at Case, 15 year-old A.W., also had C.P. Fortunately, an international C.P. organization sponsored A.W. to have surgery to correct his severely hunched posture (kyphosis). The incision was 14 inches long and the team, under the command of Sherron (the REAL boss of the O.R.) and Nurse Betty (actually an anesthesiologist) brilliantly inserted 14 screws and two titanium rods to straighten out the spine.�
While the A-team was busy straightening spines, Ngoziand Amy ran physical therapy (P.T.) sessions for the patients recovering at Case. Ngoziworked for hours, sweat pouring down, in the overheated recovery wards. The complaints of the patients were minimal considering their operations, as Ugandans have a much different perspective on pain. Morphine is used sparingly, if at all, as addiction is overly feared. She was introduced to the new rehab ward, a tiny cubicle with one small bed and a chair. At first, Ngozi found herself butting heads with the staff physiotherapist, but things turned around when they discovered that our Texan hero had a doctorate in P.T. She was quickly volun-told to assist in patient teaching and to consult on a particularly difficult case tomorrow of a middle-aged man with 2 months of constant back and hip pain.
At Mulago, the DOUBLE A-team worked on 2 cases. The first was a 73 year-old male doctor with an infection caused by a previous surgery performed by a local surgeon one year ago. He requested to be operated on by Drs. Lieberman and Kayanja to remove the hardware and clean out the infection. The procedure was a success and the doctor had “no pain” when he awoke – just some mild irritation from the breathing tube. For the second surgery, Kirill, (very slowly) acclimatizing to the Mulago O.R., worked with Robert Kasirye, the 4th year orthopedics resident at Makerere University College of Sciences in Kampala. They operated on a 35 year-old patient who broke her neck carrying a heavy jug of water on her head, causing tetraplegia. The surgery aimed at stabilizing her neck to reduce and maintain her ability to breathe on her own. Spinal levels C3, 4, & 5 keep the diaphragm alive!
After a full day with all pistons firing, we retired to Mamba Point to sample the famous avocado pizza. Who knew that avocado worked with tuna, chicken, anchovies, pineapple and anything else one might normally put on pizza?After dinner, Dr. Lieberman ventured to the airport to pick up Noemi, his mother, and Judah, arguably the only Texan Jewish geologist in the world, and the securely-encasedand very much-anticipated Torah scroll.

Posted by Robyn |

2011 Uganda Spine Surgery Mission Blog
DAY 3 – August 16th:
The morning began with a trip to the warehouse where tens of thousands of dollars of medical supplies were waiting for us. VeAhavta, a humanitarian organization based out of Toronto, organized and delivered a 40-foot container also containing 200 Kinder Kits, bags of school supplies for our spine patients and children in the village of Putti. We divided up the supplies: two thirds would go to the state run impoverished Mulago hospital and the rest to the Case Hospital for future use by the team and charitable use by the Case medical staff.  For all those at VeAhavta we once again thank you for the tremendous effort.
Amy, Jordan and Dr. Lieberman returned to the penalty box to review the x-rays and CTs of yesterday’s patients.  Each study was as unique and special as the children themselves. They were tremendous deformities but nothing too intimidating for Dr. Lieberman. Dr L then painstakingly described the expectations and implications of major surgery to these young patients overcoming the language and cultural barriers.  It was imperative that both parties be in favour of the decision. Ultimately surgery was planned for five of the children. For the rest we prescribed exercise and annual follow-up, hoping the deformities will not progress to the point that precludes future surgery. Fortunately, everyone left with a wide-eyed grin sporting their new red backpacks with notebooks, pens, and pencils for school. MedWish, an organization based out of Cleveland, who have been wonderful partners for many years now, also donated vitamins and toothbrushes, which will go a long way towards our patients’ general health.
Kirill, Mark, and anesthesiologistsKristoff and Zbigniew were kept busy in the O.R at Mulago. Their patient was a 63 year-old educated man who, 6 weeks early, summer-saulted forward off of his boda-boda (motorcycle) while riding along the country-side. Motorcycle accidents are the commonest cause of spinal cord injury here in Uganda.Two hours after his flip, he was discovered by a lady in the field who found him paralyzed below his shoulders, with his head sunken into his chest. On his instruction, she grabbed his ears and lifted his head back into place then called for help. Kids, do not try this at home! As if this trauma wasn’t enough, he was picked up placed on the back of another boda-boda and “bobbled” along for 2 hours down the cratered roads, with an unstable neck, already paralyzed, to the nearest hospital.  It turned out he had dislocated the joint connecting two vertebrae in his neck (a bilateral jumped facet, in medical terminology) and the lady in the field actually “reduced” it to its original position. There was also a small vertebral fracture above the dislocation and damage to the spinal cord lining (a dural tear). Surgery to stabilize his spine and reduce further damage took seven hours.  After the surgery it was clearly evident that he would have trouble breathing.  Zbigniew, who has a special interest in mechanical ventilation, brought with him a CPAP machine (continuous positive airway pressure breathing device) and applied it to the patient (think of the mechanism as an air hose continuously inflating a tire at the same rate it is losing air through a puncture).  We all have no doubt that Zbigniew’s efforts spared this individual further suffering and maybe even saved his life.
At Case, Selvon and Kris operated on F.M, a 22 year-old male finance student. In 2005 he’d had surgery for congenital scoliosis which at the time he was told would be free of charge. After the surgery, he learned that a different doctor had operated on him and that he owed the equivalent of 2000 USD. His surgery today was a revision procedure, as the poorly-placed instrumentation from 2005 was no longer effective. He was also concerned about returning to his studies but we reassured him that his recovery would take 4-6 weeks. The surgery took 6 hours, which coincided perfectly with the passionfruit-flavoured “6-hour-power” juice that Kris consumed beforehand.  F.M. asked many questions about the prevalence of scoliosis in Uganda. In more developed nations, pediatricians and elementary schools screen for abnormal spine growth annually from a young age. When it does occur, measures are taken to prevent extensive curvature. Unfortunately Uganda’s population seems to have missed out on the epidemiology lecture and the incidence is disproportionately high. Even with screening the burden of spinal deformity in Uganda is substantial.
For dinner tonight we went to the all-time favourite Khyber Pass Indian Curry House.  The discussion over the flavourful curry dishes was dominated by Arnie, a free-lance reporter from Norway who was interested in learning more about the spine and Torah missions.
?
Quote of the day:
“I wouldn’t have made it through surgery today without that 6 hours of pure PASSION!” – Kris S, with reference to the energy drink.

Posted by Robyn |

Ve’ahavta-Lions Youth Camp: Week 1

The small boat heading into Bartica was as full as my expectations for this first week of Ve’ahavta’s inaugural youth program in Bartica in partnership with the Lions Club of Bartica.

Monday: I unloaded into the town’s stelling (port) with as much camp supplies as buoyancy would allow, and hit the ground running with our partners and volunteers. The Lions are local leaders and longtime friends of Ve’ahavta over 14 years of logistical support to our medical missions in Region 7 and Region 2 in Guyana, and months of planning for these weeks of service to the youth of Bartica and surrounding areas through camp programs for creative education, recreation, and healthy choices.

The 2,500 Ve’ahavta Kinder Kits, destined for the campers and poorest children of Region 7, arrived ahead of me through the assistance of Food For the Poor Guyana. The Lions have graciously moved their weekly meetings elsewhere, as the mountain of backpacks of school supplies fill the Lions` Den, awaiting distribution this September for Guyana’s Education Month.

With students out of school for the summer, our morning camp activities have borrowed the secondary school fields and outbuildings for organized sport, cricket, football, and games, as well as the steel band- an ongoing Lions project. We have taken over the beautiful Bartica Learning and Resource Centre with Arts and Crafts, Music Education, Creative Writing Workshops, team-building and leadership exercises, and health presentations under the enthusiastic leadership and expertise of Ve’ahavta-Peace Corp Education Volunteers Miss Ashley, Mr. Seth, Miss Jocelyn, and honorary Bartician, Miss Katie, of Scarboro Missions.

The week’s mornings and afternoons have developed their own flavour as their progress continues to reveal the friendship, teamwork and expressive talents of close to 100 unique campers ranging from ages 5-17! Some highlights from the week include:

- Sharing local, Canadian, and American games
- song and dance Interactive presentations on HIV/AIDS and healthy living
- Story-telling circle and drama
- Creative writing
- Music as a Muse
- Group murals
- Recycled material environmental crafts
- School cleanup competition (10 jumbo bags filled!)
- Introductory computer skills
- in support of “One Laptop Per Family”
- Daily debrief and volunteer preparation over dinner (Victory over bedbugs!)
- Lions Club of Bartica Reception
- Warm and open hospitality the Bartica community

The small boat heading into Bartica was as full as my expectations….and neither could be sunk!

Please send your good vibes in the direction of Guyana as we prepare for an equally energetic Week 2 of
Ve’ahavta-Lions Youth Camp together with the Lions Club of Bartica, Volunteers and the youth of Bartica and environs.

In Peace,
Melanie Lindayen
Ve’ahavta International Projects Coordinator

Posted by Robyn |

2011 Uganda Spine Surgery Mission Blog
By Jordan Silverman, Ve’ahavta Volunteer
DAY 1 – August 14th:
Our mission began at the London Heathrow airport on Saturday August 13th. Jet-lagged from our trips from Toronto, Florida, Texas, and Poland, some remained in the airport while others day-tripped into London before the connecting flight. The anticipation grew upon the arrival of Dr. Isador Lieberman (Spine Surgeon) and Ngozi Akotaobi (Physical Therapist), who created and delivered our 2011 Uganda Spine Surgery Mission shirts which we wore proudly. The team had doubled in size since the previous year. Hugs were shared among veterans and handshakes among rookies, and we were all excited to reach our destination.

For others, the mission had already began. Mark Kayanja (Surgeon), the motivation for the first Uganda Spine Mission 5 years ago, arrived on Monday August 8th. He was joined by Amy (RN) and Selvon St. Clair (Surgeon) on Tuesday, after a day of unanticipated passport problems. Together, Mark, Amy and Selvon saw over 30 patients in the clinic and performed three surgeries. The surgeries included: 1) a T10-L1 posterior fusion for 20-year old male who fell from a mango tree 6 weeks prior, 2) the removal of an abscess causing kyphosis (hunched posture) in a 9-year old girl suspected of having tuberculosis of the spine, and 3) repair around an irritated nerve in the lower back of a 39-year old woman with back pain and numbness of her leg. They scheduled four more surgeries in preparation for our arrival so we could hit the ground running and maximize our impact during the mission.

We landed in Entebbe at 7a.m. local time exhausted from consecutive overnight flights only to learn that the airline had misplaced two bags: those of our fearless leader, Dr. Izzy Lieberman. We were enthusiastically greeted by our driver, stuffed two vans with our luggage and supplies and drove to Kampala. It was a familiar drive for the vets and eye-opening for the rookies, as we all snapped shots of the diverse scenery of lush landscapes and busy town markets. We arrived at our accommodations, bunked up and unpacked.

We met at 12:30pm to discuss our plan for the week. Two surgeries had been scheduled at Mulago, Kampala’s general hospital and another two at Case, a private hospital nearby. We also planned a clinic for 15 children at Mulago who were traveling to Kamapala to see us. We discussed some of the challenges to be overcome, including licensing and new regulations about moving our critical equipment between hospitals. With a team of 13, we divided into two groups so we could work at Case and Mulago simultaneously, for the first time. After the meeting, we went grocery shopping and returned home for a much-needed nap. Later in the evening we ate dinner at the nearby Serena Hotel, where we shared thoughts and laughs in anticipation for the days to come.

We had the pleasure of meeting a few wonderful individuals. In the Heathrow terminal our shirts were recognized by Elizabeth Iverson, an Italian dentist who moved to Uganda in 2009 to treat children born with cleft palates. She lives there with her family now and had much to share about humanitarianism, her experiences and the culture of the Ugandan peoples. We were joined at dinner by Brooke Stern, and her colleague Nick, from an organization called Supportive Opportunities for Ugandans to Learn (S.O.U.L.) based out of New York. Brooke had read about our mission online and wished to meet up with us in Kampala. She was an impressive young nurse who started and grew this organization. She has now reached many Ugandans, raising school fees for 250 children and supporting an additional 300 women in cooperative programs such as fish-farming and subsistence farming. We look forward to the many more remarkable individuals we will encounter over the next two weeks.

Quote of the Day:

“I’m gonna have to re-adjust my malaria meter.”

Dr.Lieberman examining patient

Posted by Robyn |

Ve’ahavta has submitted this multi-dimensional photo into a photo contest and we need your help to win teh grand prize of $10,000! Simply click on the link below and submit your vote. You can vote once per day – an easy way to volunteer from home on your time! We appreacite your support. (Read about this photo below) VOTE NOW!

http://apps.facebook.com/cvent-contest/contests/132650/voteable_entries/27550112?order=recency

This photo was taken at Ve’ahavta’s Starry Nights Tikun Olam Awards Ceremony in 2007, which featured keynote speaker, Holocaust survivor and Nobel Peace Prize winner Elie Wiesel. In the foreground of the photo is the challah (tradiditional ceremonial bread) repesenting the Jewish spirit of the event. Also in the photo is  a crew of African drummers, representing one of the countries in which Ve’ahavta provides aid.  In the background is a screen displaying one of the Tikun Olam Awards recipients, Judy Cohen, a holocaust survivor and educator. This is an evening like no other, in which all in attendance walk away inspired and empowered to make the world a better place.

PLEASE VOTE TODAY!

Posted by Robyn |

Hi All.

I just wanted you all to know that I have entered the Canesten I Can Achieve Contest. This contest is about the Achievement of Women. I have a profile and story on their site that I will provide in a link below.

So I guess what happens now is all the stories get voted on. The Top 10 Vote-Getters will be judged by a panel of 3 people and there are 3 Prizes.

Grand Prize is – $15,000

Second Prize – $10,000

Third Prize is $5000

So let me ask all of your help. Each person can vote once a date. Voting puts you in a contest to receive a gift card of $100.

This is the best part. Ve’ahavta was so instrumental in me changing my life and attributed to the Achievements I have made.

IF you help me by getting lots of votes I will do the following.

If I win grand Prize I will donate $2500 to VSA. Second Prize $1000 to VSA and Third – $500 to VSA.

Please help as much as you can.

The link to vote is:

Just Type in Theresa and look for my graduation picture. There is a skill testing question. The answer is 7.

Thank you for your help, and let hope for VICTORY!

Theresa Schrader

Community Poverty Relief Associate

http://contests.citytv.com/icanachieve/default.aspx

Posted by Robyn |

http://www.vancouversun.com/news/Canadian+inmates+prepare+mark+Prisoners+Justice/5219671/story.html

Posted by Robyn |

Introducing VE’AHAVTA RADIO, hosted by Tikun Olam Productions, Episode #1.

We are thrilled to share episode #1 of Ve’ahavta Radio, in our Street Series. This pilot show features a deeply moving interview with former prostitute and crack addict Theresa Schrader. Theresa is now a graduate of the Social Service Worker Program at George Brown College, proud mother of a 5 year old boy, and full-time staff member at Ve’ahavta. How does an individual turn life around so dramatically?

Hosted by Avrum Rosensweig and Vac Verikaitis. Produced by Robyn Segall.

MP3 Audio file: Theresa Schrader and Vac Verikaitis

Posted by Robyn |

Blog entry by Tony Blair Faith Foundation’s Ve’ahavta fellows, Lorne and Sumayya, upon arriving in Toronto to spend the year working at Ve’ahavta:

After leaving the ’sunburnt’ country down under, with all its familiarities, it was with apprehension and excitement that I got on the 47B en-route to 200 Bridgeland Ave. It was a mammoth effort to move from Australia to Canada with the intention of working with Ve’ahavta for this year as a Faith Act Fellow and I had no idea what to expect.

However when I walked in I was greeted with smiles and enthusiasm which is always a good sign! Our first days here as fellows were all about getting to know the Ve’ahavta staff as well as the plethora of initiatives that are running through this office. We heard all about the Van that reaches out the homeless here in Toronto, the various projects of the international department working across the globe, and even got to go visit the VSA in their classroom down town. It was great to meet passionate people who are motivated to make a difference within their surroundings. I am sure that my fellow fellow, Sumayya and I will fit right in. Our job this year will be supporting the projects run through the International Department here at Ve’ahavta and seeing how we can broaden their scope by facilitating work with other faith communities and organizations working on similar projects. As a born again Christian I am looking forward to this challenge as I am sure it will broaden both my, and Ve’ahavta’s, horizons while being a very enriching experience for us all. Bring it on! Its going to be a good year!

By Lorne Anderson
___________________________________________________________________________________
My first week at Ve’ahavta has been great and fruitful. The Ve’ahavta team was very welcoming and quickly helped us settle into our new work place! I am really glad to be involved with an organization that gives back to humanity on a local and international level. My highlight of my first week in Ve’ahavta has to be attending a workshop at Ve’ahavta Street Academy and the Shabbat dinner at Epi’s! I truly enjoy seeing how Ve’havata works as a family for one common goal; Tikkun Olam. I am looking forward to the year ahead and based on my first week, I think I am in for a great experience.

By Sumayya Daghar

Posted by Robyn |

Ve’ahavta’s 10^th Annual Creative Writing Contest

Another year of Ve’ahavta’s Creative Writing Contest has come to an end. I would like to thank each and every person who was part of this very special landmark 10 years of giving people a voice; a voice that has often been silenced.

As a former Creative Writing Contest Winner is was my joy and pleasure to be the Coordinator. I can remember getting the call about winning the contest just over 5 years ago and how I felt. It was just as joyous to be the one making the call to the winner this year.

This year we received just over 200 submissions, which is the most that we have ever received in one year. The calibre of the entries was exceptional and I can certainly tell you that it was a tight race for our Grand Prize Winners.

This year’s Judging Process was a two step process, for the first time in the history of the Contest the highest scoring pieces went to 3 Judges for 3 different perspectives after the First Round of Judging. Our final round Judges were Ron MacLean from Hockey Night in Canada, Dr. Gabor Mate – Physician and Best Selling Author of “In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts” and Joe Fiorito – Columnist for the Toronto Star who writes about the minute underbelly of Toronto highlighting issues of poverty, inequality and substandard living. I would also like to send a very special thank you to all our first round judges who gave of their time to hear the passionate stories of those struggling in our society.

On June 12, we held our Coffee House Ceremony at Congregation Habonim. We had a small intimate crowd of about 60 who joined us for the event. The event was filled with love and togetherness as our writers shared their experiences and received their prizes.

I am pleased to announce that this year’s Grand Prize Winner of $2000 Cash is Matt Robbins. Matt wrote a piece titled Reflecting Glass about the experiences he had when he became mentally ill and hospitalized. Matt shared a small portion of his story of living in an institution. Our grand prize is sponsored by Kernels Popcorn. We would like to thank Scott Staiman from Kernels for his ongoing support and commitment to this contest. Scott Staiman has been providing the Grand Prize for Creative Writing Contest since it’s inception, we would like to thank Scott for his ongoing support, dedication and belief in this contest, we share this very special landmark with Scott and all those at Kernels. Mazel Tov!

Our Second Prize Winner of the Technology Bundle (Laptop, Digital Camera and 12 Months of Mobile Internet Service) was awarded to Henrick Sales. Henrick wrote a poem titled “I am”. During the Coffee House he read his poem with such passion and expression that many sat back in awe, just mesmerized with his every word. Our Second Prize is sponsored by the Greisman Family, and we would like to thank them for connecting someone to the world through this amazing gift. The Greisman Family have sponsored the Technology Bundle for the past 2 years.

This year’s Third Prize Winner of $1000 Cash was Kerri Anne Moore for her piece titled “a Dear John Letter to my Addiction”. Kerri Anne was not able to join us as she lives in Vancouver. When I spoke to Kerri Anne on the phone when she won the prize she told me that she just celebrated a year clean and sober. Congratulations to Kerri Anne. The University of British Columbia is offering Kerri Anne a free writing course at UBC this summer. The Cash prize was sponsored by the Arbess Family who has also been sponsoring the contest for the past 2 years.

At this time we would like to thank all our sponsors for providing donations for cash prizes and the Coffee House Ceremony. These sponsors include Whitegold Financial Services, Camp Manitou, Sarah Heller, Mayer Rosensweig, and the Canadian Jewish News. Your support to the contest was much appreciated.

Other prizes included the Judges Picks Awards. The winners are as follows in their respective categories:

 

• Courage – for the personal narrative “My Story” by Samantha St. Louis

 

 

• Hope – for the short story “The Power of Love” by Jennifer Turner

 

 

• Inspiration – for the poem “As the Water Rises” by Justin Burgraeeve

 

 

• Survival – for the memoire “Shinga’s Story” by Jason Boucher

 

We also gave three Honorary Mentions as follows:

1)”Avenue of Lost Souls” by Kara Penteluke

2)”A Chance at Freedom” by Jessica Haring

3) “I Made Kronkite at Six” by Jay Lawrence St. Germain

For everyone involved from the workshop volunteers to the Judges, from our sponsors to the office staff at Ve’ahavta, from the workers who spread the word about the contest to the people who posted the flyer, thank you one and all.

Most of all I would like to that those who took the words from their heart and wrote it on a piece of paper and sent it in. Year after year you are the ones that make the contest. Thank you for sharing your voice with us. We will continue to fight for your voice to be heard through our commitment of repairing the world.

Please see top 3 winning submissions attached.

Final Words from the Coordinator:

Finally I would like to express how much of an honor and privilege it was for me to have this full circle position of the Creative Writing Contest for the landmark 10 year anniversary. This project has now part of my full time position at Ve’ahavta, and I look forward to working hard to build this to a national contest. Thank you for allowing me to be part of this.

Winner Henrick Sales performs his rap entitled “I Am”

Posted by Robyn |

June 17, 2011

Below is a ‘thank you’ note from Theresa Schrader, 2005 winner of Ve’ahavta’s Creative Writing Contest for the homeless and marginalized, and now Community Poverty Relief Liaison at Ve’ahavta. As a former prostitue and crack addict, Theresa entered the contest not expecting to win. When she did, a series of events including attending the course she won at Ryerson, led her eventually to this proud moment. This week, single mom, Theresa Schrader graduated from the Social Service Worker programme at George Brown College, and received the Dean’s Medal. Mazel tov Theresa!

Thank you so much to each and everyone of you that supported me through this amazing journey.
I am so honored and proud to have been bestowed the Dean’s Medal at Convocation yesterday.

I know that I put in the hard work but each and every one of you included in this email has played
a very special part in my life. Thank you so much for believing in me and that this was possible.

I love you all very much,

Your very PROUD graduate,

Theresa

A response from Ve’ahavta board member and volunteer follows;

There could not be a more worthy candidate. You are an inspiration to so many, a role model and an outstanding woman who has courage, determination and amazing stamina. We are all here to support you and more importantly to learn from you. You have shown the world what is possible and you are helping others. WOW.

May you have many more wonderful successes and continue to share them

Way to go - you should be very, very proud

Best,
Alison Cohen

Posted by Robyn |

This morning I pulled into the Tim Horton’s on Caledonia for my morning decaf coffee. There are two entrances for the drive through ordering system. I happened to notice a car that wanted to enter the line up of cars from the uncommon entrance. I waved my hand and encouraged the gentleman to enter the line, in front of my car.When I arrived to the window, to pay for my coffee the Tim Horton’s employee had a huge smile on her face. Different from every other day she pleasantly hands over my order. She was beaming with a huge grin! I handed my card to her and she simply passed my coffee through the window and said: “the man in front of you paid for your order. She then continued to say that, he made sure I passed on the message to say Thank you! This was kind and unnecessary. It made my day and I think it made her day as well.

Submitted by: Shawna Meshwork, Development Officer at Ve’ahavta

Posted by Robyn |

 Published in The Toronto Star, Tuesday, June 14th, 2011.

Writing Contest offers glimpse into the lives of people who were homeless, addicted, left on the margins.
Excerpt from the 3rd place winning entry, a Dear John letter to crsytal meth:

“When we first met you swept me off my feet; I was the lonely, quiet girl who never really fit in…” In the end she realizes, “I don’t love you anymore. I don’t know how I’m going to live without you, but I know I can’t continue with you”.

For the full story, click here

Posted by Robyn |

Opening the Doors for Tikun Olam
By: Robyn Segall|

Over 150 people gathered in front of Ve’ahavta’s doors on Sunday, June 5^th to witness the official opening of its International Tikun Olam Centre, a first of its kind. Located at 200 Bridgeland Ave, near Yorkdale mall, the 5300 square-foot facility was nothing but a dream for President, Avrum Rosensweig, when he founded Ve’ahavta from the basement of his home in 1997.

Far more than a few desks, doors, and boardrooms, the International Tikun Olam Centre is a place where volunteers flock to roll up their sleeves, where millions of dollars of in-kind donations come in the doors and are re-distributed to people who need it most, where education and learning about volunteerism and empathy are at the core of the organizational mission.

Robyn Segall, Manager of Marketing and PR, says: “This is a momentous and exciting development for the Jewish and non-Jewish community. The Tikun Olam Centre is the first of its kind – a centre solely dedicated to the betterment and beautification of the world through hands-on work and education, all through a Jewish lens, yet accessible and open to all.”

Ve’ahavta’s loyal base of volunteers, donors, clients and partners, as well as special guests such as the Honorable Irwin Cotler, attended the grand opening event. Guests cheered as the Consul General of Israel, Amir Gissin, cut the ribbon at the opening ceremony. They listened intently as he delivered an insightful and refreshing speech on the importance of showing the world the true colours of the Jewish people, making friends not enemies, and gaining respect and empathy outside of the Jewish community. An excerpt follows:

The people who think we should only be on the defense and concerned with our own issues, they do not understand the situation at large. Advocacy by itself is not enough. Those who focusing on advocacy working within themselves and missing other important parts. Our goal is to build bridges and to make new friends and that is why Ve’ahavta’s work is so incredibly important in trying to secure the emotional support from all people by the good work they do for all of humanity.

With those words of inspiration guests then enters the doors, many rolled up their sleeves for some hands-on volunteer activities, including packing Kinder Kits (backpacks filled with school supplies for children in need), and Car Kits (a lunch-size bag filled with supplies needed by people who live on the street). Guests were encouraged to each leave with a Car Kit to keep on hand to give to the next homeless person they encounter en route.

Other activities included games and treats for kids, a live art performance by street artists, live interviews conducted by Avrum Rosensweig, staff presentations on local and international projects and volunteer opportunities, as well as awards given in appreciation of key volunteers.

For event photos, click here.

To join Ve’ahavta’s efforts, or for more information, visit www.veahavta.org or call (416) 964-7698

Posted by Robyn |

Jewish Orgs Set Up Slave Lake Crisis Fund, By Andy Levy-Ajzenkopf
Published in Canadian Jewish News, Thursday, May 26, 2011

http://www.cjnews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=21467&Itemid=86

Posted by Robyn |

Ve’ahavta Writing Contest Helps turn Lives Around, By Jared Lindzon
Published in The Canadian Jewish News, Thursday, May 26, 2011

http://www.cjnews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=21453&Itemid=86

Posted by Robyn |

Posted: Ori Belmont, Ve’ahavta Outreach Driver

Here is what I saw last night, and what I have witnessed over the course of the past few weeks.

 The damp chill affects those who live on the streets tremendously. Their bones are brittle and bodies worn to such a degree that is practically unbearable. For us. But they have no choice. They depend on organizations such as ours for assistance. Therefore we NEED your help. Please donate your lightly used (or new) jackets, blankets and socks to help our city’s homeless and less fortunate.

 Your donations will warm their bodies, hearts and souls to no end.

Posted by Robyn |

Title: Inter-Camp Classic
Description: Camps compete in a softball and hardball tournament to raise funds for various charities, including Ve’ahavta.
Date: 2011-05-15

Posted by Robyn |

Title: Creative Writing Contest Coffee House Awards Ceremony
Location: Congregation Habonim, 5 Glen Park Ave
Description: Top winners of the Creative Writing Contest for the Homeless will share personal accounts of their struggles and triumphs of life on the streets of Toronto. This is an event not to be missed.
Start Time: 3:00pm
Date: 2011-06-12

Posted by Robyn |

Click here to read the full article.

Published in the Canadian Jewish News, May12, 2011.

Posted by Robyn |

On April 19th, Congregation Habonim hosted Ve’ahavta’s 12th Annual Community Passover Seder. It was, by all accounts, an absolutely enchanting evening that warmed the hearts and souls for those in attendance. The traditional Passover seder is a time to recall the exodus of the Jews from Egypt as they fled Pharaoh. It is also incumbent upon all of us at this time to look within ourselves and to ask “what are my chains made of”?

We recall the flight from slavery to freedom. For our forefathers, for us. I had the good fortune of spending a few quiet moments away from the hub of the seder with George Smolarsh, one of the attendees. A gentle and soft-spoken fellow, he shared the following:Our seder was a collaboration from corner to corner of the yidden world and beyond. Many local donors and volunteers – corporate and private – dropped off gourmet dishes, desserts and drinks. A musical ensemble added much enthusiasm and joy to all present.

“I have never been to a seder such as this. So many people, so much fun and food. Can you invite my family next year so I don’t have to go there ever again?”

Our marketplace was stocked with an assortment of spring clothing and gift baskets for our guests as they departed.

In the haggadah, it is written that “all who are hungry, let him come and eat”. Over 140 people enjoyed a gourmet, 5-course meal courtesy of so many from our community. From all walks of life, and with unique and riveting stories and anecdotes to share. It was a collection of worldly, passionate and gentle souls that turned this event into such a beautiful gathering.

I would like to thank all who were involved for the unique magnificence that made Ve’ahavta’s 12th Annual Community Seder a resounding success!

By: Ori Belmont, Seder Coordinator, and Ve’ahavta Community Liaison and Outreach Worker

Posted by Robyn |

Yom haShoa v’haGvura – Yom haZikaron – Yom haAtzmaut

Three Days of Commemoration and Celebration

These new days in the Hebrew calendar added in the 20^th century, have become the Jewish response to the historical events of that century that re-shaped our destiny as a people. It all began with the evolution of political and cultural Zionism at the end of the 19^th century, the re-birth of the Hebrew language as conversational idiom, and the growing unease that Jews felt in the European diaspora. The destruction of European Jewry by the Nazis and their willing collaborators was a national trauma that we still suffer to this day, while the establishment of a democratic Jewish state in our ancestral homeland is a miracle that continues to inspire us and make us proud. It is the very juxtaposition of these three days of commemoration and celebration within one week that causes all Jews to stop and reflect on the overwhelming loss in both the Shoah and in Israel’s wars of defence and the glory of the “start-up nation” we are building together in the State of Israel.

Moreover, the fact that these additions to our calendar occur during S’firat haOmer (the 49 days of counting between Pesach and Shavuot) is also significant. Our sages considered Shavuot an extension of Pesach in making the point that liberation and freedom are not sufficient for nation building. The responsibilities and obligations we were taught at Sinai on Shavuot are an essential complement to our freedom from slavery and oppression. One thinks of the refugees from the Shoah landing in Israel and immediately taking on the burden of defending their new sovereign nation as a symbol of that very powerful combination of freedom and obligation. The celebration of Yom haAtzmaut at the end of this shiva is a challenge to all of us to recognize the miracle of statehood we have been given and to be worthy of the responsibilities it entails.

Seymour “Epi” Epstein

Acting Director, International & Education – Ve’ahavta

May, 2011

Posted by Robyn |

I arrived in Zimbabwe on Wednesday afternoon and was greeted by Isaac, one of the Howard Hospital’s drivers. We made a quick stop in Harare to pick up some groceries which are hard to get in rural areas, and headed to the hospital. We drove for what seemed like two hours, first through paved roads and then through dirt roads into the village area where the hospital is situated. Upon arrival at the hospital, I met Dr. Paul Thistle, the Canadian doctor who has been running the hospital for over a decade and lives here with his wife and two children. I was immediately made to feel at home by him, and everyone I came across. I also met two Canadian volunteers, a 19 year old Canadian who is here for a couple of months stocking supplies and helping in the pharmacy, and Rebecca, a 4th year medical student working in the hospital. I have been spending most evenings with them, cooking dinners from the eclectic array of ingredients we are able to find around here; it has been quite entertaining and (mostly) very tasty in the end.

The hospital grounds is comprised of the hospital, numerous houses where some of the staff and their families live as well as the volunteers, classrooms, a small church, and teaching centers for nurses. The hospital itself is a very old building with four wards (male, female, maternity and children), each in a large room filled with beds for patients, as well as an outpatient department, medical laboratory, operating theater, a kitchen and a church. The hospital itself has 144 beds in large rooms where patients occupy almost every one. Together, the hospital sees an average of 400 patients each day.Despite the large number of patients, there are only 3 doctors on duty (at the moment) and handle all cases, averaging about 100 patients per day. They are supported by a team of dedicated nurses and nurse aids. In addition to the enormous patient load, about 2,500 babies are born at the hospital each year and 4,000 surgeries are performed.

Each morning I have been attending the morning rounds, where all new admissions, deaths, and births are discussed. After, I head to the medical laboratory for the day. The lab has three technicians, Billy, Sylvester, and Benefit, as well as three assistants. Since Howard is a low resource setting, many of the procedures are quite different than those done in North America, and, despite having worked in laboratories for the last 10 years, the first few days largely involved getting up to speed with the test the lab performs. The people in the lab have been incredibly helpful in showing me how to carry out these tests, as well as introduce me to a lot of Zimbabwean music that is always playing in the background. On a daily basis, the lab runs scores of tests to examine blood and other samples for signs of infection (tuberculosis, HIV & AIDS, hepatitis B, syphilis, bacteria, fungi, malaria, intestinal parasites), as well as tests for blood composition and liver function. These tests play a critical role in helping doctors decide on the correct treatment for the patients. Unfortunately, the rates of infectious disease seen for the patients seeking medical help at the hospital are high.

I have also had a chance to rounds with doctor Thistle in the male ward and Rebecca in the maternity ward. We went to visit each patient in the wards, examine them, and re-evaluate their treatment. I have also spent two afternoons in the operating room, watching the procedures and lending a hand where helpful. Many of the cases involve management of wounds due to infections, but range from obstetrics to skin grafting, and tumor resections to amputations. Considering the scarcity of doctors, machinery, and medication, the operating room sees an incredible array of patients with successful outcomes.

Aside from the hospital, I have been spending time getting to know the people of Zimbabwe and the area. I can easily say they are amongst the friendliest people I have come across. It is not possible to cross paths with someone without them saying hello and inquiring how you are doing. Several times already I have been invited into people’s homes to taste the local food or share a cup of tea. I have also gone on hikes with local people in the surrounding area (with the mandatory entourage of children following us from behind), climbing a mountain nearby that provides beautiful views of the green farmland, river and many small mountains that seem to spring up randomly around the area. The weather has been perfect every single day, with mild nights and warm, sunny days.

Posted by: Ron Geller.

Posted by Robyn |

The team ran a clinic today in Mashabo, a beautiful community with a primary school, health post, and a large population of young children as well as very young mothers. They saw about 63 people today and Larry did a house call. They are, as I write, traveling back to Bethany via tractor-trailer for a relaxing evening before running a half day clinic in Bethany tomorrow. Its a bumpy ride (but fun!) They will spend Shabbat in Georgetown tomorrow at the Tower Hotel. Everyone is well and feeling good about the work they have done. It is unbelievable how two weeks have flown by (mind you, I’m not sure if the team members feel as though the time has flown or not!). I am sure everyone will enjoy the opportunity to be in Georgetown, swim in the hotel pool, relax, and debrief about the experiences of the past few weeks. Then on Sunday morning- the long journey back home! The flights are scheduled to arrive in Toronto at 8:40 pm (Caribbean Airlines). Please remember to check the airport website to make sure the plane is on time:

Have a wonderful evening,

http://www.gtaa.com/en/home/

Posted By: Sarah Zelcer, Director of International Projects and Education

Posted by Robyn |

I spoke with Bekkie this evening and the team is now safely in Bethany. Bethany is an Amerindian Village, and is also the site for the Bethany Medical Missionary College which is located about a 20 min tractor ride up from the Bethany Amerindan community. Along the tractor ride, one rides through dense jungle and can see many examples of local wildlife and flora and fauna- including the Purpleheart trees which are indigenous to Guyana. Ve’ahavta first connected with this community in 2007 when myself and Dr. Roy Rowsell, a founding volunteer with the Ve’ahavta Guyana projects did a site visit, and I visited the community again last year when we were preparing to expand into Region 2. The BMMC is run by a Seventh Day Adventist Missionary Group and is directed by two Americans, Melissa and Gilbert Sissons. Melissa has been with the team since the beginning of the trip- she is a trained nurse. Bethany trains local Guyanese and non-Guyanese students in various medical therapies, therapeutic massage being one of the main ones. Good news for our volunteers, who enjoyed a vegan meal and some massages this evening! Bethany also has relatively luxurious visitor accommodations, which means our volunteers will be sleeping tonight in beds, and will have flushing toilets (jumping frogs live in those toilets, but still!) and showers. The food is excellent (vegetarianism is a tenant of Seventh Day Adventism and this particular community retains amazing cooks who prepare wonderful vegan food) and the community is very warm and welcoming. Tomorrow they will run a clinic in Mashabo (an Amerindian village with a large population of children where we have worked before and which is located about 45 minutes from BMMC via tractor). The following day they will run a half day clinic in Bethany before departing for Parika & then Georgetown.

The team had a long travel day after a busy week of work and many referrals and no doubt are enjoying their massages and comfy beds tonight.

Posted By: Sarah Zelcer, Director of International Projects and Education

Posted by Robyn |

Some of the group will be seeing the Kaieteur Falls on Saturday. Others will be spending Shabbat in Georgetown.

More to come!

Posted By: Seymour Eptstein, standing Director of International Programs

Posted by Robyn |

As scheduled, the group is in Karawab and is having a relatively slow day, 50 patients so far.

Bekkie went up-river with a partner from the Lions Club to some small landings to get the word out about the clinic in Karawab. The local health worker is very enthusiastic about our presence in the village and has received some training from our volunteers.

Tomorrow is a vaccine day, and, no doubt, our doctors will be inundated with children and their medical issues.

The group members are happy and healthy.

Posted by Robyn |

Dear Ve’ahavta,

I wanted to share my experience with all of you and thank you for allowing us this beautiful tikun olam opportunity.

My Mom, Lindy Meshwork, Executive Director of ORT Toronto and along with my children, Joelle and Syvana and I travelled to Cuba for a relaxing vacation. ORT Toronto sponsored a “Ve’ahavta Kinder Kit Travel Pack” to be donated to the children in Varadero and the Jewish community at ORT Cuba in Havana. The kit was comprised of two duffle bags filled with customized school supplies for the children including toothbrushes, toothpaste and a year’s worth of school supplies.

The pictures attached include students at a school in Santa Marta, Varadero (children of tourism workers), and the Hebrew Sephardic centre in Havana which includes services for the geriatric (eye care, meals etc.), a full gym open to the community and a synagogue and youth programs for ORT students. It was amazing to feel the warm welcome and comfort of the Jewish community in Cuba. My kids even enjoyed an ice cream and we had a delicious guava smoothie.

This opportunity was extremely meaningful and became the most memorable part of our trip. The process was smooth as the airline was accommodating with the extra weight of our luggage. Cuban Customs let us through with our paperwork and a smile. The recipients were overwhelmed with joy and pride to receive these kits. Joelle and Syvana said they felt “proud and happy to give school supplies to kids that don’t have”. We will be sure to incorporate a Kinder Kit Travel Pack into all our future travels! We only wish we could have brought more with us….

Best regards,

Shawna Meshwork
Development Officer, Ve’ahavta

Posted by Robyn |

Our team is now safely in Akawini, a remote, beautiful village located in the middle of dense jungle. It took about 2 hours to get there from Wakapao. The skies did open but thankfully the rain held off until the team had unloaded everything from the boat. They are now eating lunch and preparing for the afternoon clinic. Karen and Barry spent an hour with the local health care workers to discuss the priorities in terms of addressing health care issues in their community. The Regional Health Officer, Dr. Allison Brown, has been in contact with our team and has been helping to restocking them with supplies (e.g., topicals & antibiotics) when they have run out.

The team saw over 300 people in 2 clinic days and gave public health talks to several hundred primary & secondary school students. Our team is healthy and happy and working hard!

Bekkie was calling from a satellite phone due to patchy cell phone access, so our conversation was cut off a little prematurely due to cloudiness. I will email again later today or tomorrow morning once I’ve heard back from her about Clinic Day #3

Posted By: Sarah Zelcer, Director of  International Programs and Education

Posted by Robyn |

We just heard from Bekkie (Field Coordinator) who tells us that the team is doing well. Marty, Aviva, Bekkie and the Medex went to the primary school this morning to give a health talk to about 100 students. In a few moments, Barry, Bekkie, and Karen will be going to the Secondary School. There are two British volunteers living in Wakapao at the moment who have been teaching English & who solicited anonymous questions from the secondary school students in advance of the talk.

It has rained a bit and is very, very hot. The team has seen some local wildlife, including a tarantula, a baby snake, and some dogs who have taken it upon themselves to guard the tents. Everyone is in great spirits, and well fed. Our volunteers have bathed in the creek and Larry & Barry took a ride in a local dugout canoe yesterday evening.

There is a big line up at the clinic today and the volunteers are busy. 126 patients were seen yesterday, and the team discussed the clinic day in detail during their evening debrief. It is always a challenge for our volunteers to grapple with the reality of how difficult it can be to refer complicated cases for follow up care. Adjusting to both the strengths and limitations of the local system is probably the largest challenge our team will face.

Tomorrow the team will leave for their next community, Akawini.

Posted By: Sarah Zelcer, Director of International Program and Education

Posted by Robyn |

Dear Kulam Friends,

Together with our partners Ve’ahavta (veahavta.org) and JDC (jdc.org) we’re thrilled to share the exciting news that our new school in Shumargie, Ethiopia is complete and students have started classes inside! Daniel our contractor delivered the project on time and on budget – something we rarely see in North America! On opening day each student received a “Kinderkit” (backpack filled with school supplies) donated by Ve’ahavta.

The teachers’ appreciation for the building, together with the enthusiasm of the students and the community is overwhelming. The school is allowing 60 students to study in a facility where they are no longer exposed to wind, dust, rain, nor distracted by animals roaming about. We are confident academic results will significantly improve and we are very proud that our Shumargie school is changing the reality, for the better, of the entire Shumargie community.

We’ve heard only good news about the 11 young Ethiopian patients of Dr. Rick who had major heart surgery in India. The vital medicines that we sponsored were instrumental in their recoveries. Dr. Rick continues to show us how with very little we can make a difference.

Now that the school project is complete we want to push Kulam forward with our next projects. We have recently applied to the Newman’s Own Foundation (Paul Newman’s philanthropic organization) for a grant for solar panels for the school. Our hope is to illuminate the building with sustainable green energy so that the facility can be used by the community for many activities. Imagine, maybe even one day there will be satellite internet!

While in Ethiopia in January we visited other villages looking for potential future projects from schools, to wells and much-needed medical care. One water well which costs approximately $3,500 eliminates the long walk that women have to make to collect water several times each day. This allows them to put energy into other activities including returning to school, and the community is able to drink clean water rather than water full of parasites and disease. With one well the health of an entire community can be improved.

We’d like to move forward on building several wells and need your help and support. And certainly we plan to continue to support Dr. Rick and his amazing work!

In our last email we mentioned that we’d also like to start contributing towards the Agahoza Youth Village for orphans of the genocide in Rwanda. We have secured funding for certain programs for the Village so that together with the children we can help build a future full of hope. There is much more that we can do for the village with your help!

Through your generosity over the past six months our fundraising efforts have been a huge success. We are grateful to you and have demonstrated that we haven’t wasted a second or a penny, delivering on results in a timely and efficient manner. We are now ready to move forward on our next round of projects over the coming months so that we can continue trying to make a positive difference in the lives of Ethiopians and Rwandans.

We would urge you to contact us should you be interested in supporting the Kulam cause. As you are aware we operate lean so that funds raised go to the projects.

Thank you for your continued support and interest. We look forward to sharing our progress with you as we move forward with Kulam and these wonderful projects.

Benjamin, Julie & the entire Kulam Team

Posted by: Benjamin Sternthal, KULAM

Posted by Robyn |

Just a short note to let you know that I just spoke with Bekkie and the team has just arrived in Wakapao. As you might imagine, they are quite tired after a long day of traveling which included a commercial flight, a bus ride, and several boat rides up the Essequibo and Pomeroon Rivers! Wakapao is an Amerindian community in Region 2, located creekside, with white sandy grounds. “Aunty” Irene, a long-time member of the Lions Club arrived in advance of the team and is busy preparing food for everyone. The group will take it easy for the rest of day, setting up tents, taking a tour of the health center, consolidating all of the supplies, and going to bed early. Their first clinic will open in the morning.

Posted by: Sarah Zelcer, Director of International Programs and Education

Posted by Robyn |

(Published in insidetoronto.com, March 24th, 2011)

Excerpt:

“I was just a slave,” Schrader, 35, said of her crack addiction.

A desperate bid to escape crack drove her to Toronto. She lived at Covenant House, then found her own place to live. She had a child. Toronto Children’s Aid Society took her son at nine months old. After a year-long battle to regain custody, CAS took him permanently.
To read the full article, click here.

Note: Theresa Schrader is now Ve’ahavta’s Community Poverty Relief Associate. You can contact her at theresa.schrader@veahavta.org

Posted by Robyn |

To make a donation in honour of Arieh and Val Waldman’s 30th anniversary please CLICK HERE. Mazel tov!

Posted by Robyn |

Recently, Ve’ahavta partnered with Holy Blossom Temple to distribute 700 Kinder Kits at the Bialek Rogozin School near Tel Aviv.  A documentary about the school, called Strangers No More, won the Oscar for Best Documentary Short Subject .

Read about this in the article published by Haaretz.com on February 28th, 2011;

Excerpt: The movie tells the tale of the children from 48 different countries who attend the Bialik-Rogozin School, many of whom have escaped genocide, war and hunger to arrive in Israel.

For the full article, click here.

Posted by Robyn |

Read about Julie Schneidermans and Benjamin Sternthal’s volunteer mission to Ethiopia to build a school. Ve’ahavta and Kulam partnered to provide guidance and support for the couple’s humanitarian venture.

(Published in the Canadian Jewish News, February 10th, 2011)

Montreal Couple Builds School in Ethiopia (CJN)

Posted by Robyn |

(excerpt from Ori Belmont’s report on homeless outreach services excursion with teams from the Toronto Doctors Lions Club).

Cooking a meal that is healthy and high in nutritional value for one’s self provides sustenance – but only for one.  Doing the same for someone that you know well brings great joy and pleasure in knowing that you have taken care of that special person who means so much to you. But Barb and her cadre went above and beyond this by preparing meals for a large group of people that they had never even met before to simply help those in need, irrespective of who they are and the circumstances that led them to where they are today.

Barb made me think and reflect.  She helped me to remember why it is that we help people in the first place.  Because it is the human thing to do.  When we lose our way in life sometimes, it is often more relevant and appropriate to ask ourselves ‘why not?’ instead of ‘why?’  In other words, there is NO reason why those precious and wonderful women who reside at the Fred Victor shelter should not have a full stomach every night before they sleep.  Moreover, every person unlucky enough to find themselves on our streets at night deserves the very same.

For the the full report click here:  MJRH and Toronto Doctors Lions Club Outreach Report.

Posted by Robyn |

(Ori is a Community Outreach Liaison with Ve’ahavta, and is the current driver for the MJRH program).

MJRH Musings -A Satirical Look at Life on the Streets

By: Ori Belmont

An eerily familiar shrill ricochets off of the facade of one building, then another.

Just as a cannon would echo through the night as its projectile hits its intended mark.

Alas, it is only the 504 car as it creeps through the veiled symbiosis of the poor and the priviledged.

Its magnanimous conductor always mindful of his fares.

In the midst of lattes and tuxedos, there lies a magnificent and noble soul, bereft of his will to attend the premiere and its gala.  It is possible that he will view it at some point over the course of this fortnight, after all.

For now, he is consumed with the need to rest.  If only he knew what he was missing.

As the performers enter with the expected fanfare, Victor shines his effervescent glow.  Did you even notice?

Perhaps it was his toothless grin that led your eyes astray, how quaint.

Was it his charming presence that led you adrift?

“I didn’t know there were so many of them,” the dolled-up figurine opines to her friend as she rushes in.

I scream for Victor, but only my silence rings out hollow.

His lips are now pursed once again, fused by the evening’s chill.

“A pity my dear”, I had wished to retort.  You have missed your opportunity to meet a wondrous and unique creature.   And yes, there is only one of him.

With a previously unseen gait will she re-emerge, I know.  She will shine more than any dress would allow her to.

For the intermission is not far off.   Now if you’ll kindly take your seats, we will begin momentarily.

Posted by Robyn |

Excerpt from the report and thank you letter from the Ankgor Hospital for Children in Siem Reap, Cambodia after receiving kinder kits for sick children…

As a result from his (Saphea’s) HIV/AIDS he has bad skin lesions all over his body. His mother, however, cannot afford to bring him back to AHC to get proper treatment. We recently visited Saphea for a follow up visit, checking his weight (18kg) and height (114cm) and his general health. As a small gift we brought him some toys – a bag of crayons and coloring books. Upon receiving his new gifts he started immediately coloring with a gleaming wide smile on his face. It was wonderful to witness the bonding between him and his younger brother, as Saphea showed him how to color in the pictures. They laughed as they eagerly played with their new gifts. It’s amazing what a small difference can make!

Click below for the full report, thank you letter and photos:

Campodia Report_ 2011-1

Posted by Robyn |

Camp Manitou, (www.manitoucamp.com) owned and operated by Mark Diamond (Ve’ahavta Chairperson) and Jeff Wilson, is a beautiful environment for children of all ages and backgrounds. Part of their character and mission is to share with the world around them. Please takea look at the following link to determine how you can share in MANITOU CARES.

Well done, Camp Manitou!

http://www.manitoucares.com/

Posted by Robyn |

Good morning Sarah and Avrum,

I want to start with a thank you; the partnership and support that Ve’ahavta has brought to the work of Food For The Poor Canada in 2010 has been exceptional.

We look forward to the work and successes that are ahead in 2011, and look back at the last 12 months and the incredible things that have been achieved in improving the lives of the poor in the Caribbean. Our partnership sending rice to Haiti, for House of Hope, as well as the recipients of FFP Haiti, has made a huge difference in the lives of thousands of people.

Thank you once again, and I look forward to continued collaboration and success in 2011, serving those who most need it in the Caribbean.

Take care,

Sam

Samantha Mahfood

Executive Director

Food For The Poor Canada

Visit us at www.FoodForThePoorCanada.org

Posted by Robyn |

Today was a very productive day.  I had a meeting with Claudia Jahn today.  She is from
Community Action on Homelessness(CAH).  She is a very lovely lady.  I went to check out their office
space and then we went out for lunch.  This was a Partnership meeting for the CAH and Ve’ahavta.
CAH has agreed to accept and distribute contest information for us in the years to come.  They are
very excited about this venture and I have all faith that they will be very helpful in continuing the Contest
on the East Coast.
The other meeting I had today was with Mayor Peter Kelly.  I was able to spend 30 minutes with him
discussing Homelessness in Halifax and plans to reduce Homelessness.  He was also very excited about
the contest.  I left him a Starry Nights Gala folder and the information for the contest.
I also had a chance to talk to him about the Ve’ahavta Street Academy and Peer Led Initiatives.  He was very
interested in VSA.  He said that he would like to discuss this further with me and mentioned that he would like
to bring me back down about the program specifically.  More details about this will be in my report that will
be completed in the next week or so.
I also had the interview with CBC Radio this morning, that was amazing.  The mayor was there as well, he
was on the air before me and told me later in our meeting that he tuned in to hear about the Contest after
he left the studio.

All in all, things are going really good down here.

Tomorrow all my ventures are across the bridge in neighbouring Dartmouth.

Will keep you updated.

Talk soon,
Theresa

Posted by Theresa |

Creative Writing Contest in Halifax

This Sunday January 30th, 2011 our Creative Writing Contest Coordinator Theresa Schrader will be arriving in Halifax to promote the 10th Anniversary of the Creative Writing Contest for the Homeless and Marginalized. Theresa was our grand prize winner from the 6th Annual Creative Writing Contest. We are very excited to be running the contest in 3 Capital Cities this year. Toronto, Vancouver and Halifax. Reaching Coast to Coast. The idea is to empower individuals through their writing to recognize that they may have the skills to persue writing or education and perhaps find their way off the street or out of poverty. We believe that individuals who are homeless and marginalized NEED A VOICE. Ve’ahavta has made it a goal to enable each and every person, nationally and internationally, to actualize tikun olam (repairing the world) through our actions.

The Creative Writing Contest is proudly sponsored by:

Theresa will also be meeting with the Community Action on Homelessness (CAH) Program Director Claudia Jahn to set up a partnership with CAH to continue the contest remotely in years to come. We have been working with CAH for weeks now on our travel plans. We wish to send a special thank you to them for all their hard work from afar in preparation of our arrival.

Theresa has been requested for an interview with CBC Radio Halifax –
Information Morning Nova Scotia. www.cbc.ca/informationmorningns/

If you have the opportunity to tune in: January 31, 2011 at 7:20 AM. Follow the link for the live stream. http://www.cbc.ca/video/radio-popup.html?networkKey=cbc_radio_one&programKey=halifax

PLEASE NOTE THE TIME CHANGE – TUNE IN AT 6:20am in TORONTO VIA INTERNET.

Later on Monday, Theresa will be joined by the President of Ve’ahavta Avrum Rosensweig for the contest launch.

ANNIVERSARY EDITION PRIZES

GRAND PRIZE

Sponsored By Kernels

$2000

SECOND PRIZE

The Technology Bundle

(A Laptop, 12 month of Internet Service and a Digital Camera, $50 BestBuy Card)

THIRD PRIZE

$750

Other prizes include:

The Judges Picks in Inspiration, Survival, Courage and Hope ($250 Each)

The Opportunity Award

A Writing Course at a Local College or University and $100

Posted by Vanessa |

It is with great pleasure that we start off the New Year with a very special landmark 10 years of our Creative Writing Contest. 10 years ago in the early days of Ve’ahavta this was a small contest and a big vision of giving individuals a VOICE! Ten years later our contest has grown and more and more people are sharing their story.

Last year we took the Contest to Vancouver and offered the opportunity to the Lower Eastside Community. We had an overwhelming number of submissions from them. This year we have decided once again to expand to another city.

On January 30th our Contest Coordinator Theresa Schrader will be arriving in Halifax, followed the next day by Ve’ahavta President Avrum Rosensweig. Theresa and Avrum will be spending 3 days getting the Halifax Community engaged in the Contest and setting up a future partnership with Community Action on Homelessness to run the Contest remotely in years to come.

So our 10 year Landmark is here, and currently the Creative Writing Contest is in 3 Capital Cities in Canada – Reaching Coast To Coast.

Theresa Schrader our Contest Coordinator and Former Grand Prize Winner has refreshed the contest into a new and improved process in which we are reaching out to members of the Social Work Community. We would like as many people to take advantage of this opportunity as possible, this year we focus more on getting the word out there. This new and improved process comes with a pamphlet series that is compact and easy to distribute, a new judging process, and a whole new look at Social Marginalization. Our contest in the past primarily focused on Homelessness. We recognize that homelessness is just one branch of Social Inequality. There are many individuals that are housed, living with little income that are discriminated against, judged, and stereotyped. We want to hear your stories too. With current income assistance rates it is also important to understand that there are a substantial amount of people living one step away from Homelessness.

Our goal this year is to receive 250-350 submissions.

GRAND PRIZE – $2000 Sponsored By Kernels Popcorn
Second Prize – A Laptop, 12 Months of Internet Service, Digital Camera
Third Prize - $1000
4 Judges Picks – $250
3 Opportunity Awards – A Writing Course and $100

JUDGES
Ron MacLean – Hockey Night in Canada Coaches Corner
Dr. Gabor Mate M.D. – Author of Bestselling Book “In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts”
Laurie Monsebraaten – Toronto Star Social Justice Reporter
Joe Fiorito – Toronto Star Columnist

Posted by Vanessa |

Today was a very special day for Ve’ahavta and the work that we do. We have now joined the Steering Committee of the 25in5 Network.

We have further joined the Election Sub-Committee.

This committee will organize key asks for political platforms as the 2011 Provincial Election nears. We want to represent the real needs of Ontarians. As part of Ve’ahavta’s Mission Statement we believe it is important to share our thoughts on repairing the world and assist in the efforts of many organizations that want to hold the government accountable to their promise of reducing poverty 25% in 5 years in Ontario.

What is the 25 in 5 Network?

25-in-5: Network for Poverty Reduction is a multi-sectoral network comprised of more than 100 provincial and Toronto-based organizations and individuals working on eliminating poverty.

We have organized ourselves around the call for a Poverty Reduction Plan with a goal to reduce poverty in Ontario by 25% in 5 years and 50% in 10 years.

Eliminating poverty in Ontario is possible. It just takes leadership and commitment— and a plan.

25 in 5 Steering Committee

Atkinson Charitable Foundation
Black Hat Media
City of Toronto
Colour of Poverty/Colour of Change
Community Development Durham
Council of Agencies Serving South Asians (CASSA)
Daily Bread Food Bank
Family Service Toronto
Income Security Advocacy Centre (ISAC)
Interfaith Social Assistance Reform Coaltion/MCC (ISARC)
Mennonite Central Committee
Metcalf Foundation
Ontario Campaign 2000
Ontario Coalition for Social Justice (OCSJ)
St. Christopher House
The Wellesley Institute
United Way Toronto
Voices From the Street
Windsor-Essex County Poverty Reduction Strategy
WoodGreen Community Services

The meeting was very exhilarating. Thank you for all your support to Ve’ahavta, which has allowed us to take this big step in becoming more involved in Poverty Reduction.

For more information about the 25in 5 Network please see their website at www.25in5.ca

Under Publications you will see their Blueprint to Reducing Poverty, and an update on Ontario’s Progress – Release December 2010.

Please lend your support by signing the Declaration. http://25in5.ca/publications/endorse-the-declaration/

Theresa Schrader – Ve’ahavta Street Academy Founder/Director will be our representative in the 25in5 Network.

If you have any questions please email Theresa at theresa.schrader@veahavta.org

Posted by Vanessa |

It is with great pleasure that we have begun a new journey into partnering with yet another established and respected organization which supports those living in hardship.

On January 13th, we brought nearly 250 warm sweaters to All Saint’s Church and the Friendship Centre.  They are as excited as we are because of the importance of these kinds of items.

Posted by Vanessa |

Ve’ahavta Board Member, Ron Baruch, and his family recently returned from Cambodia where they distributed Kinder Kits and funds to the Angkor Hospital for Children (AHC).

Thank you from AHC

Posted by Vanessa |

You may remember in May of 2010, we had been in contact with regard to a backpack drive that my son Cole completed at his school.  After an experience with Perry in the Outreach program, Cole was very much inspired by the Ve’ahavta model.  He initiated a backpack drive at his school, Sterling Hall in response to some of the homeless people requesting bags.  Cole and his classmates collected over 100 bags. They then prepared sandwiches and rode along for another outreach experience.

Cole recently celebrated his Bar Mitzvah and this experience became one of the lessons that he bestowed upon the congregation as part of his D’var Torah.  As Cole’s parents, we feel that charitable acts are much more significant in a child’s development than the simple, but needed, act of a monetary donation.

The opportunity that Cole was given will be remembered forever and has already formed a part of the man he will one day become. Cole decided to donate a portion of his Bar Mitzvah proceeds, specifically $2,000.00, to Ve’ahavta.  We trust you will continue to do good works and make similar impressions in the lives of many other youths.

Sincerely,
Nicole Swadron

Posted by Vanessa |

Shawna Meshwork just arrived home from Johannesburg, South Africa:

I had the pleasure of meeting with our partner, MaAfrika Tikkun: an organization that much like Ve’ahavta, never stands still as they focus on transforming communities. We had a tour of the Phuthaditjaba (Gathering of Nations) community centre in Alexandra township where they focus on serving 400 individuals in the areas of early childhood education, youth development, elderly services, food distribution and health care. There are two other community centres in Orange Farm and Diepsloot. Their outstanding work and achivements inspired extending our partnership to donate Kinder Kits in 2011 to the three youth development centres serving over 3500 individuals aged from 6-18. We are thrilled to include MaAfrika Tikkun, South Africa in our Kinder Kit distribution plan for 2011!

Posted by Vanessa |

HUTANO 1st Annual Fundraiser Goal Supported by Community

$1400 Raised by community donors in Campaign to Rebuild the University of Zimbabwe Medical Library

In its first fundraiser ever, HUTANO announced that its first event was a success. The Organization grossed just over $1400 due to the support of donors. The event featured Sarah Zelcer, Director of International Projects Ve’ahavta and Dr. Norman Musewe, Physician at Sick Kids Hospital.

“We are deeply grateful to our donors,” said Mugove Manjengwa, Trustee of HUTANO. “Most of them are not rich. They are students and parents — people who previously attended the University, and who are willing to help rebuild the library to keep it going. Their generosity is what keeps HUTANO available for aspiring medical professionals in Zimbabwe. ”

Launched November 20, 2010, the event was HUTANO’s first annual fundraiser. HUTANO also received support from Ve’ahavta, which offered support for future initiatives. “We are still looking for more donations as what we accomplished is only a small start in light of what is needed in Zimbabwe,” said Xolisiwe Ndlovhu, Trustee of HUTANO.

“I have been continually amazed and humbled as people have joined with us to rebuild through education,” said Chenayi Shava, Trustee of HUTANO. “The beauty of HUTANO is that it makes it possible for ordinary people to do extraordinary things. People like us initiate and organize, and people like us pay for it. It’s proof of our ability, together, to change the world.”

The money raised will be spent on restocking the library with books, teaching equipment and technology. HUTANO has 4 trustees, and several volunteers who provide technical, administrative, legal and outreach support for the global community of Zimbabwe.

About HUTANO
HUTANO is a non-profit organization that operates out of Toronto, Canada and is funded primarily through donations and grants.

Posted by Vanessa |

Click to view full size

Posted by Vanessa |

The Fires are Out, but Smoke Still Lingers…

After 82 hours, the Carmel Forest Fire was finally put out.

• 43 people were killed in the fire
• 247 structures were damaged, including 74 buildings which were completely destroyed
• 219 people were left without homes
• 50 000 dunams (over 12,000 acres) of land
• 10 million trees destroyed

Ve’ahavta has raised just over $10,000 to date.

60% of the funds we have raised are going to support the Israel Trauma Coalition. ITC does incredible work in Israel and internationally in the areas of trauma counseling, emergency preparedness and disaster relief. They are working to support the relatives and colleagues of those who lost their lives in this tragedy as well as the first responder organizations which were involved in managing the crisis on the ground. (http://israeltraumacoalition.org) Ve’ahavta is currently also partnering with ITC in Haiti.

ITC organizations were instrumental in providing immediate relief and support through the ITC situation room that worked out of Amcha’s Haifa branch, which was deployed early on Thursday, in accordance with ITC emergency protocol. The situation room ensured that efforts were coordinated amongst the various ITC organizations and also with ministries and other organizations in the field.

Now that the immediate phase is over, we can pause to assess the intermediate and long term needs. ITC is now working with its organizations to map the needs and the responses that the government is providing so that a clear picture of what is needed emerges. The circles of exposure from the fire are wide, spanning the nation. Firefighters, Prison Authority teams, Zaka and Hatzala called their forces from the entire country, as part of the acute-phase relief efforts. Families that were evacuated are returning to find their homes in shambles, their lives irrevocably altered and their landscape demolished.

Beyond the responding with the care, support and coping skills required at the individual, family and team levels, we now face the challenge, and opportunity, to provide both rehabilitation and infrastructure solutions to the organizations and local authorities involved as we have been made to understand that there is a dire need for this type of work.

30% of the funds we have raised are going to support Rambam Hospital to strengthen the capacity of its trauma and burn units.

10% of the funds we have raised are going to support Hazon Yeshaya Humanitarian Network. Hazon Yeshaya delivered thousands of meals to the emergency workers who were working to extinguish the flames, and to families who had been evacuated, and who returned to find their homes in ashes.

Its soup kitchens in Jerusalem and Rishon LeTzion pulled out all the stops to produce thousands of extra hot meals for delivery to the affected areas.

Ve’ahavta is still collecting funds. CLICK HERE TO DONATE.

Posted by Vanessa |

We ask our volunteers from the Mobile Jewish Response to the Homeless (MJRH) van to share their experiences with us. The questions are designed to help focus their thoughts and feeling about their time on the van.

Q: What brought you to seek out this particular experience?
Living in the suburbs, I often feel disconnected from the reality of urban life. This program provides me with an opportunity to interact with individuals in need. It is also follows naturally from my experience volunteering on a mental health ward.

Q: What was the most meaningful aspect of your experience- what about it affected you the most, and why?
Despite living on the street, many individuals have their intelligence, wit, and personality. It is such a shame that these smart, personable, people are on the street.

Q: Has this experience changed your view of the homeless population, and if so, in what way?
I’ve come to see that, despite being homeless, many individuals are smarter, funnier, and more well read than I am. I have a new found respect for many of them.

Q: Has this experience changed your sense of humanity, and if so, in what way?
I will be much less likely to give a homeless person the snub as I walk by him or her.

Q: Did you get what you were seeking by doing this work?
I moved towards my goal of being at peace with my place in the world. I did not attain this goal; nor will I ever.

Q: Has this work given you the desire to seek out more community involvement, or to involve yourself further in actions that carry out the spirit of Tikan Olam?
I will certainly be doing this program again.

Posted by Vanessa |

When I look at the supply of food in Canada and think about the food that goes to waste I ask myself – how do we let people go hungry in this country?  How do we live with this on conscience?  I thought Canada was  developed country.  The G20 Summit that was just held here tells me that we are not a third world country.

So why are we not taking care of our people, our fellow Canadians, who are hungry?

I attended a full day inquiry put on by the Recession Relief Coalition at the Holy Trinity Church on November 23, 2010.

The purpose of the Hunger Inquiry was to have a structured venue to explore real hunger issues in this province and in Canada.

There were a panel of six professionals that were appointed to hear varied evidence of hunger in the City of Toronto.  The panellists were:

• Joshna Maharaj (Celebrity Chef and Food Activist)
• Bruce McLeod (former Moderator of the United Church of Canada)
• Jim Stanford (Economist, Canadian Auto Workers)
• Gary Bloch (Family Doctor, St. Michael’s Hospital)
• Linda Chamberlain (Dream Team)
• Toni Panzuto (Baby and Toddler Nutrition Program Facilitator, FoodShare)

These panellists were chosen for their expertise on hunger. They will meet after the Hunger Inquiry to compile a report and recommendations to rally the government.

Throughout the day there were various individuals, including myself, that gave evidence of Hunger.  Some of the evidence was given from a personal perspective of being hungry and some came from both people and organizations that work hand and hand with food security such as: drop ins, community agencies, CAS, food share programs, food banks and social workers.

The common thread during the day is that we have bad policy in Ontario.  We have policies that keep people trapped in a cycle of perpetuating poverty to the next generation.

Some of the key suggestions throughout the day were to increase Ontario Works rates, and Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) benefits.  The level of inadequate income has grown as the cost of living rises in Ontario.  In order for people to have the things they need to be productive in society their basic needs have to met.

If we went back to Pre-Harris Days, the Ontario Works rates would be $904 today indexed to inflation, and ODSP rates would be near $1300.

Join Ve’ahavta and raise your voice for the province of Ontario to raise the rates and ensure that Ontarians have the ways and means to meet their basic needs.

Call your MPP today and tell them to support poverty reduction strategies in Ontario.

Thank you,
Theresa Schrader

Posted by Vanessa |

Inside an IDP Camp. The children after receiving the kinder kits have returned home and are outside their home playing and telling others about their wonderful gifts.  At the corner of their house are the kinder kits hung on the wall

Happy children displaying their gifts.

Timothy’s legs have paralysis below the knees.  With the wheelchair from Ve’ahavta, he will find it much easier to go to school

Posted by Vanessa |

I took this picture from a moving van. The girl was running home to show her siblings what a wonderful gift she had received from Veahavta.  I imagined what her feelings were and concluded that she was carrying valuable instruments in her kinder kit which would transform her life into a professional to care for her community.  This little girl lives in the IDP camp and goes to school at Maai Mahiu Primary School accross the street from the IDP Camp.

Here is Agnes and Moses.  Both are top students at Saikeri Primary Scool in the heart of Masailand.  Despite the poverty in their community Agnes dreams of becoming a nurse and Moses dreams of becoming a doctor.  Both say that when their dreams come true, they would work in their community.  With the kinder kits, they said that their dreams of becoming healthcare professionals will certainly come true.

Posted by Vanessa |

Ve’ahavta is in Jerusalem this week joining 19 organizations strategizing on Jewish volunteerism and the approach to modern Zionism, and exploring volunteer opportunities offered through Masa Israel Journey. With young adults’ growing interest in international volunteer opportunities, Masa Israel, a joint project of the Government of Israel and the Jewish Agency for Israel, is making Israel a global hub for service programs.

Young Jewish Israeli volunteer building the Negev one village at a time.

Kirill Zaretsky, Ve’ahavta Director of Development said,” I am thrilled to be a part of this trip and representing Ve’ahavta in Israel. We are looking to continuing to grow and enhance our projects in Israel moving forward.”

“Masa Israel brought together this incredible group of leaders in the fields of community service and leadership development, including Ve’ahavta, to join in our effort to significantly increase the number of Jewish young adults who do meaningful community service in Israel.” said Avi Rubel Masa Israel, North American Director.

Masa Israel collaborated with Leadership Development at City Year to develop this study tour that will enable American and Israeli service organizations to share best practices in leadership development and community service. Among the 19 service organizations participating in this study tour are Ve’ahavta, Teach for America, Peace Corps, City Year, the Corporation for National and Community Service, the American Jewish World Service, UJA Federation of NY, the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, JCPA, Avodah, Hillel, Jewish Funds for Justice, New Israel Fund, Repair the World, and Uri L’Tzedek. The tour and the emphasis on growing volunteer and social activism opportunities in Israel reinforces the new direction of the Jewish Agency as reflected in its strategic plan. The operative part of the plan, approved last month in Jerusalem, calls for the Agency to focus its work into two areas of activity: one, to increase the number of young adults on experiences in Israel, including Masa; and second, to increase opportunities for social activism in Israel – precisely what this tour for representatives of leading American service organizations aims to facilitate. The week-long tour will include visits to volunteer programs in the Tel Aviv and Jerusalem areas and consultation sessions with policymakers and senior practitioners.

Jews from Ethiopia preparing a coffee ceremony and a traditional meal. Israel marrying two cultures. Yesterday the Israel media announced that 6000 additional Ethiopian Jews have been approved to make allayah.

For more information, please contact Kirill Zaretsky directly at kirill@veahavta.org

Posted by Vanessa |

The Kinder Kits finally were cleared through Kenyan customs by the Israeli Embassy one and a half weeks after we arrived. We were so happy this day finally came. The boxes were stored for one day at the Nairobi Synagogue and then picked up by Marafiki in a lorry for delivery to the many schools, orphanages and kids at the IDP camp.

Marafiki guys unloaded the many boxes of Kinder Kits at the schools, orphanages, IDP camp for distribution. It was costly to rent the lorry so it was decided to do the drop offs in one day and then the actual distribution of the Kits to the kids after the weekend.

Before the Kits arrived, Marafiki took us to visit some of the places where the Kits would be distributed.

This IDP (internally displaced persons) camp is near Maai Mahiu (I finally learned how to pronounce it!), about an hour from Nairobi. People have been living here since the crisis of 2007 when it was not safe for them to stay in their homes. Some families are still living in plastic tents, initially provided by the UN.

Some three-bedroom stone houses have been built, with help from Habitat for Humanity, and the aim is to shelter everyone in a stone house.

Izzo, our main Marafiki contact, has been involved with the IDP camps for a few years. Marafiki was there helping the people when the government didn’t. He’s really good with the kids, who flock to you and slip a hand into your hand as you walk!

This little fellow looked about four years old. He’d just picked up all the corn cobs, put them in a bag, slipped the bag strap around his forehead, and took it inside his tent. Corn cobs are used for fuel.

Mark and his “assistant” videotaping an interview with Dorene, the headmistress. Such trust and interest by the little ones.

Southern Cross Academy, is a new school built by volunteers, and about 300 kids from the IDP camp attend the pre-school/grade 1 programs. The walls and roof are made of corrugated metal sheeting, the floor is hard packed earth, there are some windows. Children sit three of four on a long bench attached to a long wooden desk. There’s a large blackboard at the front of the room. A few school “charts” for alphabet, numbers,  are made from maize burlap bags and stitched with the letter, numbers, etc.  Children go to school from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30. The plan is to have kitchen attached to the school to provide lunches for the kids; then they’ll be able attend school til about 4:30.

Dorene, the grade 1 (class 1 or standard 1) teacher is also the headmistress for the eight-room school. Before the crisis of 2007 she had had her own school.

Before the Kinder Kits arrived, Mark distributed some extra notebooks he’d brought along; his company, ecojot, donated all the notebooks in the Kinder Kits. Kids were delighted to get them.

Kids at their desks.

Cynthia, an 11-year old, who seems much younger because of her height, asked me for my e-mail address! Surprised me to think about someone having e-mail access in this place. There are about 2000 children in the camps and like some of the older kids, she goes to the town school where she has Internet access. I watched her walk with such a confident stride and can only hope that her life will get better.

In addition to distributing Kinder Kits, I had a personal objective:  to help women start a knitting project. I’d taken 12 pairs of knitting needles with me from Toronto and purchased some acrylic knitting yarn in Nairobi. At our home stay in Maai Mahui, Stella, our second “house mother”, had arranged for me to meet with some of the women at the IDP camp with whom she works as a counsellor and who were interested in knitting. We gathered in Veronica’s stone house and when I asked who knew how to knit, every hand went up!  Turns out they learn to knit in Home Sciences at school. With a pair of knitting needles and a ball of yarn, their fingers became busy knitting and purling, while they chatted and sang. Something positive for them to do when they’re not busy in their garden plots, doing laundry and other household tasks.

On a visit to the IDP camp a few days later some of the women had knitted baby booties and one had made a baby hat. They were full of ideas about what to knit that would sell at the twice-weekly market in nearby Maai Mahiu. We talked about the cost of the yarn and the need to make a profit. They had already talked among themselves about opening a communal bank account once they sold a few items.

This group of disadvantaged women now had some Hope, as one of them said. And for such a small monetary investment on my part.

Little ones looking after even littler ones!

Lisa is good with the children. They flock to her, wanting to be picked up, quietly putting a hand in her hand as they walk.

Lisa taught some of the kids at the IDP camp a circle game.

One recess at Southern Cross Academy, Lisa and a teacher got the kids involved in circle games.

Our home stays were pretty basic; more like hostels. In the first one, there were three bunk beds to sleep six people. Fortunately Lisa and I had the room to ourselves, except for the time that Mark and Thomas had to give up their bunk beds and share this room. Showers had cold water; or if you wanted, a kettle of hot water was added to a large plastic basin for a warm sponge bath.

At Stella’s in Maai Mahiu I did some laundry outside in a big plastic tub and hung things on the line to dry in the warm sun.

In Nairobi we visited a school in the Kibera Slum. About one million people live in Kibera.

Lisa is walking along the hard-packed earth “corridor” of this Kibera school. The rooms are small and not well lit. There’s a damp feel to the place.

Twice a week this Kibera school has a lunch program for the kids. This day each child got some corn kernels for lunch.

Compass School is another school we visited and will receive Kinder Kits. Most of the kids are refugee kids, mostly from Sudan, and orphaned because of  HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis. There are about 300 kids, aged 4-20. It started as a feeding program, the main reason the kids went to the community-based day school, and gradually academic instruction was introduced. The deputy teacher told us that sometimes, because of funding problems, there’s no money for food and the teachers don’t get paid for several months. Yet the staff somehow manage to put together a bit of money to provide food for the students. I was impressed with the school and the staff.

Finally, our first Kinder Kit distribution (two weeks after we arrived)!  We went to a school in Maasai land about two hour drive from Nairobi. It was a large primary (K-8) school of about 400 students. Some of the parents were there in traditional dress to greet us and later thank us for the Kinder Kits.

One of the students gave me his necklace as a thank you. Lisa, upper right in red t-shirt, was showered with beaded bracelets and necklaces from students.

A group thank you picture with some of the parents, Lisa, and me.

Students from the Maasai school proudly showing off their Kinder Kits.

On the way to the second Kinder Kit distribution we got stuck.

Unlike yesterday, when the van got stuck in mud during a downpour and took two hours of pushing and manouvering by Marafiki staff and other men in the area (great community spirit), the van got “unstuck” quite quickly.   Nonetheless we were late for the students from the Naivasha slum area. They had waited patiently, lined up in classes by their teachers, and were rewarded with school bags and school supplies. When they heard that a pencil sharpener was included, they let out a big cheer!

Students from the Naivasha slum area proudly holding their Kinder Kits.

A Naivasha area student quietly examining his Kinder Kit.

Kids examining the contents of their Kinder Kits.

Me (Corinne) and some of the Naivasha students checking out the contents of the Kinder Kits.

The Kinder Kits Project was well received. Marafiki, Ve’ahavta’s Kenya partner,  continues to do great work to help the poorest of the  poor in their country. We got to experience a part of Kenya that the usual visitor doesn’t see. Also, it gave me great joy to see the beginning of the Knitting Project at the IDP camps.

I hope it will grow and provide a source of income for some of the country’s most needy people; I hope to keep in contact with Stella and Izzo at Marafiki.

Posted by Vanessa |

Hello Sarah,

I am now in Amsterdam on my way back. Everything worked well in Kenya; I feel very proud for the great effort my team put in assisting the marginalized families in Kenya.  I am also very happy with the Marafiki team for their great effort in helping us accomplish our mission.  Let me also thank for the support you provided us while we were in the field.  The suggestions you made to us to consult various resources assisted us greatly.  My regards to all Ve’ahavta staff.

Thomas

Posted by Vanessa |

Congratulations to the winners of our Kinder Kit Challenge:

Matthew & Aviva Gottlieb from Toronto! Thank you for your support.
To date our challenge has raised $24,000 which will distribute over 1,300 Kinder Kits!

Click here to read more about this event.

Our exciting eBay items are receiving a lot of attention!
Check them out here and place your bids today!

Posted by Vanessa |

Ve’ahavta is proud to announce that this year’s Tikun Olam Awards Ceremony, Starry Nights were attended by over 750 people on Sunday, November 7, 2010 at the Toronto Centre for the Performing Arts.

The event featured keynote speaker Sir Bob Geldof, internationally acclaimed humanitarian activist, and co-founder of the charity super-group Band Aid. He shared with us his inspiring personal experiences along with the many challenges that he faced in his career in music, humanitarian aid and politics. We were also thrilled have as our Master of Ceremonies for this year’s event David Shore, creator, writer and executive producer for the award winning television series HOUSE M.D.

During the ceremony, Tikun Olam Awards were presented to six inspiring individuals in the categories of Humanitarian, Medical, Remembrance, Education, Young Leadership and Community. The award recipients are people who have overcome adversity, lead principled lives, served our community and have ensured a better life for many.  The following people accepted Tikun Olam Awards on the night of the event:

• Shabir Hussein – Humanitarian
• Bill Glied and Sally Wasserman –Remembrance
• Dr Paul and Pedrinah Thistle – Medical
• Peter Oliver – Education
• Rebecca Cherniak – Youth Leadership
• Dr Naomi Azrieli – Community Leadership

We would like to thank everyone for playing a role in Tikun Olam by supporting this event. Read more about the event.

Posted by Vanessa |

My heart started racing as soon as I saw the Center for Performing Arts, and the large congregation of people inside the front doors.  I paused to collect myself, as I have never attended an event like Starry Nights.

Once inside my level of anxiety grew. I could not believe that I was going to deliver a speech to near  800 people.  I tried to eat, but my stomach would not allow me to enjoy the lovely spread.  My nerves had the best of me.

I mingled for a while, and then Kirill found me to take me to the side stage area in preperation for my speech.  I sat with Avrum and we spoke.  Avrum always calms me down.  He has such a gentle soul, and he always makes me feel like a worthy human being… something that I haven’t had for most of my life, something that I am very much still getting used to after years of marginalization.

Avrum and I sat and spoke with David Shore, and to my surprise, David knew who I was and knew about the Ve’ahavta Street Academy.  He told me that I should be proud of myself for all the hard work that I have done to help other people. He was pleased with me.

I shuffled my way to the seat in the second row so Sir Bob Geldof could sit beside Avrum. To my surprise, again, when Bob came in he sat beside me. He immediately extended his hand and said, in his lovely Irish accent, “Hello there, how are you?” We sat and made light conversation till the show started.

When Mark Diamond was speaking I was watching the visuals behind him and I felt so proud.  There were two of my very own ideas up for the whole auditorium to see.  The Ve’ahavta Street Academy and the relief  efforts for the 200 Wellesley Street Fire.  I felt like I have made a good contribution to Ve’ahavta.

At the end of Avrum’s speech he introduced me.  I took my spot at the podium.  When I got there I realized I could not see anyone in the audience and immediately I was calm and delivered my speech.  It is sometimes  hard to take a chance, to tell your story in front of so many.  I was unbelievably comfortable.  The speech was smooth and delivered just the way I wanted it to be.

After I was done I walked off the stage, I was met by Mark Diamond who asked me to turn around, when I did I saw the whole auditorium on their feet.  I was so overwhelmed.  Avrum asked me to return to the stage to thank everyone to which I did with great confidence.

During the intermission, I could not walk five strides without someone stopping me to congratulate me, or to wish me well.  Each and every person that I spoke to was inspired by me.  It was such a lovely opportunity for me to  see my worth.

When I returned home the adrenaline kicked in and I could not sleep for hours.

Here I was once again just wrappped up in the love that I recieve from Ve’ahavta.  Ve’ahavta has helped me so much over the years.  The one thing that I stand tall to proclaim is that Ve’ahavta has been pivotal in helping me feel good about myself.  Starry Nights was an exceptional example of this.  I felt so good, and so loved by the end of the evening.  It is so nice to know that I am never going to have to suffer in silence again.

Thank you Ve’ahavta for all the support that you have shown me, in the past and in the present.  I am forever grateful to you.

Thank you,
Theresa

Theresa Schrader
Founding Director, Ve’ahavta Street Academy

Posted by Vanessa |

I wanted to share with you some of the details of my conversation just now with Thomas Ngobe, who is returning home to Canada tomorrow after working in Kenya for these past three weeks helping to distribute our shipment of 2,500 Kinder Kits, rehab supplies (wheelchairs, walkers) and other donations (flashlights, tshirts) to Kenyans in need in IDP camps, orphanages and schools.

This Kinder Kit program has been, in my humble opinion, the most incredible to date. Not only did we have a wonderful, committed volunteer team in Thomas, Mark Gavin, Lisa Urbach and Corinne Farber, but the clearance of our container and its distribution was the result of an incredible international partnership between Ve’ahavta and the Jewish community of Canada, the Jewish community of Nairobi and the Nairobi Synagogue, the State of Israel and its Deputy Ambassador to Kenya, Maor Elbaz-Starinsky, and MaRafiki, a new and dynamic Kenyan NGO that is deeply committed to assisting Kenyans in need.  This was a true model of tikun olam in action on a global scale!

Thomas was bubbling over with excitement and passion during our call today.  1,800 of our 2,500 Kinder Kits have been distributed so far, the rest to be distributed when schools reopen after preparations for the national exam are over.  The distribution has taken place in seven locations.  As Thomas says, one must see it to believe it, to experience the love in which the kits have been given and received.  Although the state provides free education in Kenya, parents are still responsible for footing the bill for every single item their child might need as a student – uniforms, supplies, etc.  The kinder kits have tremendous impact and have helped alleviate the financial burden for hundreds of families.  Thomas felt tremendous pride when locals would hear him speak the language and express surprise – they had assumed he was African American.  For Thomas, as a Kenyan, being involved in this effort has been emotional, powerful, and incredibly meaningful.  I am so glad we had the opportunity to let Thomas shine in this capacity.

On Friday, Thomas and Lisa visited with Ambassador Elbaz Starinsky at the Israeli Embassy and presented him with gifts from Ve’ahavta as well as a distribution report.  He is tremendously pleased with the work we have done together, and would like to continue to partner with us.

Thomas will be sending photos as soon as he can and when he does, I will be sure to share them with you. We congratulate him on the amazing work he has done of behalf of Ve’ahavta in Kenya.  May we all continue to grow from strength to strength, in Kenya and throughout the world!

B’Shalom,
Sarah

Sarah Zelcer
Director of International Projects and Education

Posted by Vanessa |

Ve’ahavta is proud to announce that this year’s Tikun Olam Awards Ceremony, Starry Nights raised almost $700,000 for various tikun olam, repairing the world, initiatives around the world on Sunday, November 7th, 2010 at the Toronto Centre for the Performing Arts.

The event featured keynote speaker Sir Bob Geldof, internationally acclaimed humanitarian activist, and co-founder of the charity super-group Band Aid. He shared with us his inspiring personal experiences along with the many challenges that he faced in his career in music, humanitarian aid and politics. We were also thrilled have as our Master of Ceremonies for this year’s event be David Shore, creator, writer and executive producer for the award winning television series HOUSE M.D.

During the ceremony, Tikun Olam Awards were presented to six inspiring individuals in the categories of Humanitarian, Medical, Remembrance, Education, Young Leadership and Community. The award recipients are people who have overcome adversity, lead principled lives, served our community and have ensured a better life for many. The following people accepted Tikun Olam Awards on the night of the event:

• Shabir Hussein – Humanitarian
• Bill Glied and Sally Wasserman – Remembrance
• Dr Paul and Pedrinah Thistle – Medical
• Peter Oliver – Education
• Rebecca Cherniak – Youth Leadership
• Dr Naomi Azrieli – Community Leadership

All proceeds from the event will benefit Ve’ahavta’s top fundraising priorities including:

• Supporting the House of Hope Orphanage in Haiti;
• Increasing the number of people who benefit from our CPR program (Canadian Poverty Relief) – by working directly with shelters in addition to people on the street;
• Sending 30,000 Kinder Kits to Jewish and non-Jewish communities throughout the world – Canada, Israel (10,000 kits), Poland, Kenya, former Soviet Union, Guyana, Zimbabwe and Haiti;
• Enhancing our long-term efforts in Israel by sending volunteer teams to help out in soup kitchens, trauma centres and distribution centres for our Kinder Kit program;
• Expanding our Ve’ahavta Street Academy (VSA) to operate year-round;
• Sending two medical and public health education teams to Guyana, to serve communities in the rainforest.

We would like to thank everyone for playing a role in Tikun Olam by supporting this event.

Posted by Vanessa |

We are doing well in Kenya. Lisa broke her left hand finger on Thursday last week.  She was riding in the back of the truck delivering the Kinder Kits when she accidentally tipped a box and broke her finger.

We made our first delivery of the Kinder Kits in a school in Masai land, a remote place 50 km west of Nairobi. Every student who received the Kinder Kit was very happy. We were overwhelmed by the handshakes and thank yous from the students, parents and teachers.

The handing of the Kits to the  Malewa school, North of Naivasha was very well appreciated. The students all from poor backgrounds were very happy. The teachers expressed great joy, as well, and identified many areas which need immediate attention in order to help the children excel. Today we will be delivering the kits in an orphanage and in the IDP.

Corrine checked into a hotel and is not residing with us in the Homestays. The Homestays are not well managed; some have roaches and others have irregular meals. But we are undeterred. Corine leaves for Zanzibar Thursday

Access to the Internet is limited but we have lots of pictures and videos to present upon return.

We shall continue with our deliveries and we will bring wonderful stories.

Thanks,
Thomas

Posted by Vanessa |

Thursday, November 4

9:30 am
Seneca College King Campus
POD-C
13990 Dufferin Street, Toronto
416-491-5050 ext. 5273

The Tutsi Genocide and its Aftermath

In this presentation, Régine King will provide a short overview of the historical and political issues that led to the 1994 Tutsi genocide in Rwanda, some of the consequences of this genocide and some steps made towards recovery.

Régine Uwibereheyo King is a PhD candidate in the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto and a survivor of the 1994 Tutsi genocide in Rwanda. Her research interest are finding appropriate mental health approaches for survivors of massive violence and models leading to the reconstruction of healthy communities. Regine is a community activist on issues of genocide and other forms of violence.

This program is generously co-sponsored by Ve’ahavta, a Canadian humanitarian and relief organization that is motivated by the Jewish value of tzedakah – the obligation to do justice – by assisting the needy locally and abroad through volunteerism, education, and acts of kindness, while building bridges between Jews and other people, worldwide.
Supported by Hillel of Greater Toronto.

Download the PDF information sheet for this event.

Posted by Vanessa |

On Thursday October 28th we distributed the Kinder Kits to various places which Marafiki identified. The following day Lisa and Corrine went on a safari and I went to visit my family.  Tomorrow, November 2nd, we will start the actual distribution of the items to the recipients.

Thomas

Posted by Vanessa |

Hello!

I hope you’ve had a great weekend.

The team has now checked in at the airport in Timehri (near Georgetown) and should be departing shortly for Port of Spain, Trinidad, then Toronto.  They will be arriving home tonight!

Their past few days have been busy and they have been slowly winding down.  They ran a clinic in Itaballi, a mining riverine community near Bartica on Thursday, then a half-day clinic for members of the Lions Club on Friday, then traveled to Georgetown where they stayed at the Tower Hotel the past two nights.  One team member did a tourist trip to Kaiteur Falls yesterday, while the rest relaxed and did some debriefing about the trip.

We’d like to congratulate our amazing team on their incredible efforts and commitment these last two weeks in Guyana.  A special congrats to Bekkie Vineberg, Jess Lockhart, and Ray Deonandan for all their efforts to organize the logistics, our partner relations, and make sure our volunteer were safe and sound. Safe journey home, everyone!

With best wishes,
Sarah

Sarah Zelcer
Director of International Projects and Education

Posted by Vanessa |

These Messages of Hope were written by the grade 8 students of Bialik Hebrew Day School in October 2010 for the children in Haiti receiving Kinder Kits. Click the image below to see all of the messages.

Posted by Vanessa |

Hi Sarah,

We received the kinder and they are now at the Synagogue for distribution tomorrow to various places.

Mark leaves tonight and Izzo will drive him to the airport. It’s a pity Mark is leaving just when we received the Kinder Kits.

We have been extremely busy working with the IDP Community at Maai Mahiu. Corrine has engaged women in knitting and this activity alone has greatly empowered the women. They see that they can come together and knit and earn a living without great effort because their area is a hardship area where it hardly rains. Lisa has been working with the children playing games and she is a great source of inspiration to the children.  Mark has been very busy doing interviews with the victims of violence and has been working with the youth (men) playing football.

Everything so far has been going well and now that we have the Kinder Kits we will be much busier and fulfill the greater part of our mission.

P.S.  Moar and the Synagogue team have been very helpful and they deserve a pat on the back.

Thanks,
Thomas

Posted by Vanessa |

by Bekkie Vineberg

It was quite a shock to the system to wake up to the sound of an alarm rather than waking to the sun, birds and stirrings of team members in the tents around me.  Being back in Canada while the medical team is still in Guyana is a strange, new feeling – on one hand satisfying, knowing that the hard-laid groundwork leading up to the trip is successfully supporting the amazing efforts of the volunteers in the field. On the other hand, coloured by a sense of disappointment that I am not there to finish out the trip in a country I have grown to know and love, with my team; witnessing the reflection, transformation, and ultimate feelings of both accomplishment and humility that such an experience creates.

Being home early has given me a chance to reflect on the sense of awe and privilege I know all of the volunteers who visit Guyana share.  As I flew away, over the dense rainforest as the lone passenger on a small plane, there was a simple rainbow, and it overwhelmed me with a deep sense of gratitude for being able to do this work, for the loving, kind people we meet along the way, and for the support we receive in so many forms – partnership, friendship, sponsorship.  It has also brought me face to face with the great disparities that exist; the social determinants like education, economic independence, or political participation that define our health, and the role we as those living in relative privilege play in either ameliorating or contributing to those disparities.

As those of you who have been following along know, Ve’ahavta has been sending medical teams to the interior rainforest regions of Guyana for the past 14 years.  We have developed an amazing network of local friends and colleagues, who continue to welcome our support as they work hard to meet the health needs of their unique people.  Many of these communities are difficult to access – planes, boats and serious advance logistical planning are required, but that makes it all the more special and significant to know that we have the rare opportunity to visit, learn and share with people, in places, that few others – whether North American or Guyanese, will ever access.

The team rises early every morning with the sun, and while some head to river to bathe, others drink instant coffee and look out over an incredible scenescape of ancient geography, staggering biodiversity and remarkable beauty. Clinic work starts early, and while many patients face health challenges similar to what we might experience in Canada (Diabetes, Hypertension), resources for managing these conditions (which are related to rapid changes in lifestyle), are limited, despite the best efforts of the Ministry of Health and local health workers.  Often we will see interesting and unusual cases unfamiliar to our Canadian experience, such the “Bends”, also know as Nitrogen Narcosis, a debilitating condition that affects divers who ascend from the depths to quickly, or Malaria, Leishmaniasis or other tropical diseases to which we would ordinarily not have exposure.  We were blessed to be present at the birth of an Arekuna baby, delivered by flashlight, and ushered into a world at the interface of Amerindian culture and tradition and the technology and mobility that enabled us to be there.

The team has since moved from the interior to the Bartica region which is on the Essequibo River, just inland from the coast.  They will be visiting the all-male Mazaruni Prison, as well as a large mining community, Itaballi, over the next few days, and will be sharing basic tips for healthy living on a local cable television call-in program. They will continue to share our supplies with local health centres as they go, ensuring that equipment, resources, knowledge and skills, and vital medications end up where they are most needed.

As the mission nears the end, the team will have time to reflect on all they have seen and felt, and it is our great hope that they will share those insights with you, their loved ones, families and friends, so that we can continue to widen our community and promote the values of tikun olam (repairing the world), and tzedakah (justice) in Guyana.

Posted by Vanessa |

Hello everyone,

This is a short note to let you know that our team is now safe and sound in Bartica.  They flew out of Kamarang today into the airstrip near Bartica, where they were picked up by the Lions.  Everyone is experiencing a new kind of culture shock – where the interior is quiet, with no electricity and no cell phones, with small, isolated Amerindian villages scattered throughout, Bartica is a metropolis in comparison, with internet cafes, restaurants, traffic, and a bustling energy at all hours of the day.  Bartica is considered the “gateway into the interior”, so it also typically has an influx of miners and foreign workers coming in and out frequently.  Bartica is located on the Essequibo River, a river that is brown in colour and a mile wide.

Tomorrow the team will be running a clinic at the Upper Mazaruni Prison.  This is usually included on our itinerary.  The team will be accompanied by a number of members of the Lions Club and prison staff.

- Sarah

Sarah Zelcer
Director of International Projects and Education

Posted by Vanessa |

Good evening everyone,

I hope you’ve had a great weekend.  Our team in Guyana is doing really well.  They have experienced some big transitions and have been working through them cohesively and with great spirits.  On Friday morning, Ray Deonandan arrived to join the group.  His flight arrived in the morning, and he was picked up by our reliable and long time driver, Mr. Ganesh.  He went directly to Ogle airport to catch a flight on a 13 seater plane to Kamarang.  Bekkie was there to meet him and accompanied him back to Waramadong, where the team was (Waramadong is a boat ride of about 2 hours from Kamarang).  So a very long day of travel for Ray and a lot of advance coordination was required – remember, there is no cell phone access in the interior, flights into Kamarang do not run daily, boats need to be coordinated in advance, and  there is satellite phone and 2-way radio communication only.  I was glad to hear that all of Bekkie & Jessica’s carefully laid plans worked out so smoothly and Ray arrived safely.  That night, the team celebrated Shabbat (the Jewish Sabbath) which by all reports was beautiful and communal and spiritual.  Aunty Irene, a Lions Club volunteer and our long time cook, made braided challah for the team.  Irene, in her many years of experience with Ve’ahavta, also knows how to kosher a kitchen!

The next morning, the team left for Kamarang where they dropped off Bekkie before continuing on to Jawalla.  Bekkie was catching a flight to Ogle, and then heading into town to organize a few last details for the team before catching her flight back to Toronto this morning. It was difficult for Bekkie to say goodbye to the team – she has poured her heart and soul into the project and feels a great deal of ownership over our work in the field, so it is very strange for her not to be with the team until the end. Bekkie does incredible work and we are grateful for her dedication.  She has also promised us a detailed blog posting!

Everyone is in extremely capable hands with Jessica, who sounds fantastic during her evening satellite phone reports to me.  The clinics in Waramadong and Jawalla have been very busy, seeing about 70 patients a day (some more involved cases, including a circumcision this morning of an older man) and doing public health outreach.  Ray has settled in easily and is focusing on health promotion in the clinics.  Jessica says the team has been extremely positive, communicative, and cooperative which is always so critical on these types of trips.  She described the beautiful way one of our nurses, Nazmoon Audam, is particularly skilled at developing relationships with patients and members of the community and how her actions continue to strengthen our work in the field.

The team is heading back to Kamarang tomorrow and out of the interior on Tuesday.  The first leg of the trip has passed and the toughest part, physically and environmentally, is almost behind them.

Until tomorrow.

Have a wonderful evening,
Sarah

Sarah Zelcer
Director of International Projects and Education

Posted by Vanessa |

Hello everyone,

I received an update from the team at around 9:30 pm last night – they are in Waramadong and are doing very well. They were tired – they woke up quite early to get a head start but a downpour delayed their travel. The clinic has been busy, and there is also a large secondary school (which houses students from all over the area), so a lot of need and a lot of opportunity for health promotion. The volunteers are in very good spirits, are working hard, and are becoming more comfortable in this new physical and cultural environment each day.

As some of you know, Bekkie Vineberg could only stay with the team for half the trip. Dr. Ray Deonandan, a Guyanese expat, professor of epidemiology at Ottawa U and Ve’ahavta volunteer, flew in to Guyana today (and is flying into the interior today) to join the team and support our Site Coordinator, Jessica Lockhart, for the rest of the trip. We gave Ray an additional suitcase of toothbrushes, toothpaste and multivitamins to take down…we can never turn down an opportunity to send more supplies! The team is close knit and have worked out how to adjust roles and responsibilities in the clinic given that Bekkie, who has been doing the sexual health/family planning counseling, is leaving. Joanne will likely be taking on the bulk of this counseling role.

The team will stay in Waramadong today. Their next community will be Jawalla. I will update you over the weekend- most likely on Sunday.

With best wishes,
Sarah

Sarah Zelcer
Director of International Projects and Education

Posted by Vanessa |

Hello everyone,

This is an update to let you know that our volunteers are doing well in Kenya.  Thomas and I have been speaking each day. The volunteers are doing well and Izzo of MaRafiki has been keeping them busy and engaged.  They are eagerly awaiting the clearance of our container of Kinder Kits from customs but we appear to be closer now.  The latest word from the Embassy of Israel in Nairobi is that he hopes the container is released today and that it arrives at Nairobi Synagogue to be unloaded on Monday.  Let’s keep our fingers crossed!  I know our volunteers are encouraged by this news.  This is truly a beautiful example of partnership between the State of Israel, the Jewish people, and the people of Kenya.  Here are the past few emails I’ve received from Thomas:

October 19^th

Hi Sarah,
We arrived safely in Kenya and now we are residing at a Home-Stay near the city of Nairobi. Izzo gave us to understand that the Kinder Kits are in the country but the container has not yet been cleared.  I will be calling the Synagogue to get more info and I’ll let you know the progress. Izzo and his team has been a great resource for our activities.  This afternoon, Izzo give us a presentation of Marafiki and Marafiki’s involvement in IDP and it appears like there’s immense need at the camps.
Thanks,
Thomas

October 21^st

Hi Sarah,
I was in touch with the Deputy Israeli Ambassador today and he gave to understand that the container is in Kenya but in the port of Mombasa.  He said that the container might be cleared on Monday or any other day next week and then will be transported to Nairobi.  He added that there’s little he can do to hasten its clearance.  I gathered from our conversation that he is skeptic with the bureucratic tape of the government of Kenya. He also said that he will be in touch with you with regards to the clearance fees.  Today IZZO took us to two of Marafiki’s projects; one in the slums of Kibera and another in the Kikuyu area about 25 Km from Nairobi.  I will give you more updates tomorrow.
- Thomas

October 22^nd

Dear Sarah,
The container is indeed in Nairobi – at the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) offices.  Since it is under my name I had to send my passport which I did.

Hopefully it will be released today and shipped to the synagogue on Monday.

Working on the payment issue.

Best Regards,
Maor

Maor Elbaz – Starinsky
Deputy Ambassador
Embassy of the State of Israel
Nairobi, Kenya

Hi Thomas,
FYI
Ve’ahavta is doing the wire transfer today.  Hopefully you will have the container by Monday!
- Sarah

Hi Sarah,
This is great news; we’ll keep our fingers crossed!
- Thomas

Posted by Vanessa |

Hello everyone,

This is a brief note to let you know that Bekkie called a short while ago to check in from Kamarang. They saw about 60 patients yesterday, got through a torrential downpour unscathed, and assisted a woman through her labour and then the successful delivery of a healthy baby last night! I jokingly asked Bekkie if they named the baby after her – she said, “No, it was a boy! Just my luck.” ; ) Some of you might remember that one of our volunteers, Dr. Sharonie Valin, helped deliver little baby Sharonie in the village of Jawalla about eight years ago now.

The clinic was quieter today so Louis led a session with the local Medex on how to insert an IV into a child, and some of the other volunteers went to go do some educational outreach at the local school. They had a very interesting case yesterday of a patient who came into the clinic with “the bends” – a condition when nitrogen gas gets trapped in the joints. Thankfully, Louis had gotten oxygen donated and was able to treat the man successfully.

Depending on how things go at today’s clinic, the team may travel to their next community, Waramadong, a little earlier than planned (they were going to originally depart tomorrow morning). There is a long secondary school in Waramadong and a lot of students from other villages who come there to board – so certainly many health promotion opportunities there!

Have a wonderful evening,
Sarah

Sarah Zelcer
Director of International Projects and Education

Posted by Vanessa |

Hello everyone,

Today’s note is to let you know that Jessica called a little while ago on the satellite phone to let me know that our team is well and thriving in Kamarang. They ran a busy first clinic today. Despite their long day of travel yesterday, they still managed to see some patients as well. Everyone is doing well and adjusting to the new climate, the language barriers (many Amerindians in this area speak the oral language Aikiwao), sleeping in tents, pumping their drinking water, and the lack of amenities. I will get a fuller report with numbers of patients seen and the team’s thoughts at their first debriefing this evening.

Looking forward to being in touch,
Sarah

Sarah Zelcer
Director of International Projects and Education

Posted by Vanessa |

We arrived safely in Kenya and now we are residing at a Home-Stay near the city of Nairobi. Izzo let us know that the Kinder Kits are in the country but the container has not yet been cleared. I will be calling the Synagogue to get more information and will let you know the progress. Izzo and his team have been a great resource for our activities. This afternoon, Izzo give us a presentation of Marafiki and Marafiki’s involvement in IDP and it appears like there’s immense need at the camps.
Thanks,
Thomas

Posted by Vanessa |

Just a brief note to let you know that the team is now safely in Kamarang, which is in the interior of Region 7. The tents are set up, the bags unloaded, and their immediate plan is to have lunch, rehydrate, and for those who are up to it, setting up the clinic. I think all the volunteers will need a good rest after all of their travels and will have full day clinic tomorrow.

Have a great evening,
Sarah

Sarah Zelcer
Director of International Projects and Education

Posted by Vanessa |

Good morning!

I will be trying to email you every day for the duration of the trip with little updates on our Guyana team.

This first update is to let you know that everyone arrived safely – and early – this morning in Georgetown.  The flight was smooth and ahead of schedule, and all of our bags came through with no problems.  Bekkie was on the tarmac to greet the team when they arrived.  They should be preparing to travel into the interior this morning, which means that they still have another short flight ahead of them into the rainforest.  I’ve attached a photo with a view from the plane into the interior!

I will email later when I have heard that they have settled in Kamarang, their first village.

With best wishes,
Sarah

Sarah Zelcer
Director of International Projects and Education

Posted by Vanessa |

For the first time, we sent off TWO international teams in one day – our first volunteer team to Kenya this afternoon, and our third Guyana team of 2010 this evening.

Our Kenya Kinder Kit team – Corinne, Lisa, Mark, and our very own Thomas Ngobe (site coordinator)- were excited and ready to go. Thomas was at the airport with about 10 family and friends to see him off. It was beautiful to see his excitement and absolute pleasure to be traveling to Kenya on behalf of Ve’ahavta. I think our team will be so fortunate to have this experience with him. The team will be working with our local partner, MaRafiki Community International.

Our Guyana team – Dr. Louis Nel, Dr. Joanne Laine-Gossin, Glenda Mindlin (physiotherapist), Nazmoon Audam (nurse), and our Site Coordinator Jessica Lockhart- were fantastic at the airport, as was the team from Caribbean Airlines who graciously gave us 2 free extra checked bags and wonderful service. The team were hands on and cooperative right from the beginning and check in was smooth and fun. Louis showed up at the airport with a huge duffel bag of extra donation supplies from the hospital AND a wheelchair, yet somehow we still managed to get everything through. Our senior Site Coordinator Bekkie Vineberg is already in Guyana setting everything up and can’t wait to greet everyone on the tarmac in the morning.

We will be providing daily updates from the field – stay tuned!

Posted by Vanessa |

Last week we had our very first Ve’ahavta Street Academy (VSA) Alumni meeting. There were three alumni in attendance which was fabulous considering the pouring rain outside.

One of the two students that is going to George Brown College was in attendance. He reports how Redirection Through Education (RTE) is changing his life and how proud he is to be a student. The other student in RTE is doing wonderfully as well – I recently got a message from her thanking me for the opportunity.

We have three alumni who are now working part-time and one who is taking a continuing education course and loves it.

I am still in regular contact with all the students.

Its nice to see everyone continuing to move forward thanks to VSA.

Theresa Schrader
Founding Director, Ve’ahavta Street Academy

Posted by Vanessa |

On Tuesday of this week, I took my 16 year old cat, Fluffy, to the vet for the last time. She’d had two tumors removed from her tummy in July and unfortunately the cancer had spread to her lungs. Fluffy was sweet, gentle and kind with other animals and a comfort to me. Even though she is one of many cats in my apartment, she is one of the longest lived and has been with me since she was three years young. She will be sorely missed.

Everyone who knows me has been sending emails and calling, asking if there is anything they can do. More people have hugged me and offered comfort and “call me if you want to talk” than I can count (many of them are people that I work with). In my sorrow, I am finding the very best in people that I associate with every day, thanks to my little cat. What a jewel she was and what treasure she continues to give!

Posted by Terri

Posted by Vanessa |

The Chilean Miners: A Natural Miracle

By Avrum Rosensweig

The rescue off 33 men in a Chilean mine seems Biblical in texture and miraculous in nature.

Millions of us traveled into the guts of the earth, to join in a rescue of 33 Chilean miners and to witness the intersection of nature, faith, the Divine, and the brilliance of people hood.

We sat in our homes, and felt a deep emotion rise up in our gut as we did when Apollo 11 touched down in the Sea of Tranquility, and Apollo 13 returned safely. What could inspire us more?

Our faith in humankind was restored. Our partnership with the earth was confirmed, but we were reminded of our limited control while these men were trapped 1/2 a mile below civilization.

The rescue of 33 miners in a remote part of Chile was indeed the resurrection of simple men, who once again showed us that no person is simple.

Normally people go into the ground because they have died. They do not return. They do not exit a mine after 68 days of being trapped. They do not relive.

But these men are climbing out of a rigged cage at the surface of the earth as if they were hopping out of their grave, or what could have been.

They are being dug out of the earth through the shear will and intelligence of person kind. And they are arriving home, out of inner-space, with smiles on their faces. There is no grave here.

The president of Chile and his wife are there. CNN is giving us live around the clock coverage. NASA has played a role in the rescue.

This historic moment is right there in our living rooms, in our hearts and in our souls.

God bless the Chilean miners, their families and all those who made this natural miracle, the rescue, possible.

We will always remember where we were when the human spirit defeated tragedy and when 33 men were pitted against death in a test of endurance, and they won.

Love the earth you walk on, and above. Know that we, humanity, can achieve greatness, like peace, when we decide we want to.

Posted by Vanessa |

Starry Nights Tickets are on sale now! Click here to purchase.

Posted by Vanessa |

Ve’ahavta Partners With the State of Israel and Skyline International to Send Pharmaceuticals to Chad

Ve’ahavta, The State of Israel and Skylink International have committed to providing urgently needed pharmaceutical supplies to assist refugees from Darfur currently living in refugee camps in Chad.  The shipment left on October 5, 2010.