MJAA Helps Israeli Schools and Hospitals
Monday, January 4, 2010
By: Carol Jo Terri

The MJAA recently had the privilege of delivering furniture and supplies to the Dekalim School for disabled children and youth in Jerusalem.

These students have been diagnosed with cognitive deficits, epilepsy, autism, or other neurological disorders, and they are learning daily living and workplace skills. Gila, Principal of the Dekalim School, said in her thank-you letter, “Your very generous gift of furniture allowed us to improve areas of the school. In addition, you donated 15 green containers that have been put to excellent use in our workshops and have replaced the mismatched baskets that were previously used for holding workshop supplies. This integral workroom is now in better efficiency and order for our students. We would like to take this opportunity to express our heartfelt thanks for your contributions and relate that they help our educational framework. In the name of the students and staff, thank you so very much. Your generosity has touched the lives of many.”

The MJAA delivered a truck load of medical supplies to Hadassah Medical Center in Jerusalem and to some other Israeli hospitals that requested our help. It is with joy that we provided surgical drapes and wrap, paper gowns, wash basins, urinals, medical cups, pitchers, specimen containers, splints, and sharps containers.

MJAA visited children who were sick or having surgery at Meir Hospital in the Sharon Valley. As the children received new toys, their parents, doctors, and hospital staff shared in their excitement. Hospital staff were especially grateful and wrote us a lovely letter to thank us. The Donations Manager of Meir Hospital said, “We are very happy to receive your toy contribution for our departments to benefit the hospitalized children. We thank you for the praiseworthy initiative and the good desire, that you chose our hospital departments for the children to enjoy. On behalf of the hospitalized children, parents and ourselves, we wish you health and length of days.”

MJAA, in partnership with Crossroads International, donated large comfortable armchairs to Ha-Emek Hospital in Afula for several of the large hospital waiting areas. Now concerned family and friends of patients will have a suitable place to wait while their loved ones are in surgery or intensive care. Hospital staff were especially thankful for this gift because they cannot get waiting-room furniture from the national insurance system of the Ministry of Health, as it is not part of the budget.

Unfortunately, most hospitals in Israel do not have sufficient doormats, a situation that contributes to unsanitary conditions that hinder patient safety and wellbeing. Thus it was with great pleasure that we provided new doormats along with the armchairs to Ha-Emek Hospital. These doormats are even more important than the comfortable armchairs because they will help with infection control and improve the health of patients.

Assisting children and adults with medical needs is a special blessing for all. This work is an important part of ROI – the restoration of Israel.