Building Unity Through Positive Action
The Miracle of Kiryat Gat
In 1970 a small group of individuals came to Kiryat Gat with a vision, mission and hope. Among them were teachers and former soldiers who had served their country proudly. They wished to devote themselves to helping Israel and Israelis.
Their goal was simple. They wanted to provide young minds with a superior education but most importantly, they wished to teach and put an emphasis on Jewish values. A program specifically aimed at teaching Israeli children about their religious heritage while giving them a strong conventional education was simply unavailable in Kiryat Gat. Additionally, in a village of approximately 20,000 people, there was no kindergarten facility or daycare center.
The city of Kiryat Gat has grown to more than 48,000 people. A large portion of the residents are less fortunate and less affluent Israelis. Many non-native Israelis and new immigrants from Russia and Africa have settled there and continue to do so. In 1970, Kiryat Gat was a village where the educational system was not progressive. There was little to no religious or spiritual education available and social needs of a poor community that was experiencing an influx of immigrants were not being met by the government. The village was in need. This need was recognized and addressed by this small group of committed individuals who wanted nothing more than to serve the needs of their country and their fellow Jews.
Among this original group of young men was Rabbi Gershon Levin. After over 30 years, Rabbi Levin remains director and administrator of The Help and Education Center of Kiryat Gat; an institution that has become a model for other educational and humanitarian organizations in Israel. Kiryat Gat; an institution that has become a model for other educational and humanitarian organizations in Israel. Also among the group was Rabbi Moshe Havlin, who today is still on the Board of Directors and serves as the head Rabbi of Kiryat Gat.
With an initial staff of only three people, Rabbi Levin immediately did two things. He took over control of a small religious school that for the prior ten years had been educating only 50 children. There had been little, growth or progress for this school over its ten year existence. That was about to change. Additionally, a kindergarten, which had been lacking, was added.
Initially, the kindergarten was limited to one room and a class of twenty children. One year after its inception, there was a setback. The kindergarten facility was destroyed by a fire. Fortunately, the building was empty at the time but this was discouraging and almost put an end to the project. However, support from the community after just one year was so great that they would not allow the group top give up. Instead, a new facility was established and because of increased demand the size doubled to two classrooms and close to 50 children.
The need to do more was all around them. The streets were filled with children who had no place to go. Many were from poor Yemenite and Sephardic families living on next to nothing in the village. The city had limited resources and the government’s willingness and ability to support the growing educational and social needs was limited. The efforts of Rabbi Levin and his small group were met with great enthusiasm by the village and the local politicians, especially the mayor. However, very little funding was available. All initial funding for the project came from private contributions; mostly, if not exclusively, from within Israel. In fact, the Center has always maintained a low profile with regard to funding. However, in recent years because of their success, the demand for more and more services and the need to expand as well as replace aging equipment, they no longer can sit in the shadows and quietly hope to continue their spectacular humanitarian work. It is not a “Mom and Pop” operation any longer. A concerted effort is being made to reach out to the international community to help support this tremendously worthy but quiet organization.
By 1975 the efforts of Rabbi Levin and his staff were formally recognized by the Government of Israel and the school qualified for assistance in its educational programs. However, this assistance was limited and the need for private funding still prevailed.
Over the years, important government ministers such as Zev Boim and David Mogen, both former mayors of Kiryat Gat have visited the Center and applauded the efforts of Rabbi Levin and staff. In fact, visits from Government agencies and representatives were common and the Center has always been was met with enthusiasm and approval.
An important and unique program that was started almost immediately by Rabbi Levin and staff was an afternoon session for the children. Public schools closed at 12:30. Children had no place to go. They often played in the streets or got into trouble. Their parents either worked or were often unable or even unwilling to provide for them. Many children were from single parent homes. Many children were afraid of going home for fear of being mistreated or abused. The Center used their single old school bus to gather and transport these children to their facility and get them off the streets. Here they were provided with educational and recreational activities. They were taught songs, organized into choirs, had supervised play sessions, given treats and even taken on educational field trips. This was truly remarkable humanitarian work and would not go unrecognized.
A heart-warming story of someone who just could not turn away must be told. Almost 35 years ago when the Center was in its initial phases of growth and development, an America name Dr. Case who was visiting Israel read an article about the children and the school. He saw a photograph of the old school bus that was being used to take children to the school for afternoon sessions of learning and fun. He decided to come to Kiryat Gat. Upon his arrival he saw children playing at a garbage dump. The dump was their playground because they simply had no other place to play. There were no parks or public facilities for these children. He took a photograph. He used this photograph to influence contributors and benefactors. In this way he raised over $250,000 for the school.
Growth of the initial school for older children and the kindergarten could barely keep up with demand. Initially, when more classrooms were needed for kindergarten, facilities were rented throughout the village. By 1976 there were seven classrooms scattered throughout the village. By 1980, the school was educating 150 children at the kindergarten level and 150 older children.
1984 was a significant growth milestone. The demand for more services and support from the community was far in excess of what the existing facility could accommodate. To both expedite expansion and attempt to grow in the most economically efficient and cost saving manner, mobile classrooms were brought to the site of the original school. This also helped to consolidate many of the classrooms scattered throughout the city to one central location, making management less problematic.
Expansion and growth continued, yet management still maintained a low profile and was dependent upon local contributions and the variable amounts that the government would allow. Government support was always inconsistent and varied with the political climate as well as the general needs of a country that had to not only educate its young but had to protect its borders and its citizens.
Over the years the staff of the facility consistently grew in numbers. By 1980, the original three staff members had become over 20 in number. Today there are over 70 full time paid employees. Their loyalty and devotion is admirable. The only work done by volunteers is the delivery of food to those in need.
In 1989 the census of the school had reached 550 children. However, because of government cutbacks as well as growth and demand that exceeded expectations or plans, the organization faced a financial crisis. Equipment was aging and needed constant repair. The facility was showing signs of aging and also needed constant maintenance and repair. There simply was not enough funding to handle the growing and somewhat unexpected burden of expansion, operations and maintenance. The school filed for bankruptcy and reorganized. Many of the staff members, whose salaries could not be paid, remained committed and stayed on. In fact the loyalty, commitment and longevity of the vast majority of the over 70 staff members today is remarkable and a tribute to Rabbi Levin. This alone speaks for the nature and character of those devoted to lovingly caring for and educating the children and serving the community in the other outreach programs that have been added.
Despite this setback the school, which had significantly expanded its community outreach programs continued to grow, thrive and carry out its vision and mission. In fact, it had become a role model for other organizations and something that others tried to emulate. When the religious Sephardim gained power in the government, one of their tasks was to build a competitive school in Kiryat Gat. They turned to Rabbi Levin for advice and assistance. This was provided in a completely unselfish manner in the spirit of cooperation despite the possible underlying political nature of the new project. In fact, over the years, The Help and Education Center, as it is now known, has been a role model for and one emulated by many Israeli schools and institutions. It is truly a showcase for humanitarian effort and one that should be and has been envied by many.
Right from the start, in additional to adding kindergarten facilities, the organization began daycare. They lovingly cared for babies as young as three months. This allowed parents to work and maintain their homes and their dignity. No one has ever been turned away on the basis of ability to pay! No one has ever been turned away on the basis of degree of religious commitment. This is a humanitarian organization committed to Israel and Israelis, native and non-native.
Today, there are daycare centers at the main facility and throughout the village. The local government has recognized the importance of the services being provided. Kiryat Gat has built facilities to be used for daycare and donated them to the organization. The staff that run these facilities are among the poorest paid yet the most committed of the more than 70 employees that now help to keep the Center going and do the miraculous work from day to day. The Center remains the only one in the area to provide children with afternoon programs a hot meal and a place to go other than the streets. For many less fortunate children, it may be the only meal they will get for the day.
The children are and have always been a priority even after they become of the age when they must leave the Center’s direct care. The staff follows the children and offers them assistance and guidance as they pursue further education. Some pursue religious education while others go on to high school and university. Many join the military to contribute to Israel’s defense. Here a young adult can also learn valuable skills that will help him or her pursue careers once their obligation is over. Some of our students must join the local workforce when they are of age and again, our assistance and guidance is there for them if needed.
Since our inception, outreach programs were organized. Initially, these programs were less formal. As far back as 1970, assistance was provided to troubled families. Teachers would visit the homes and provide counseling when needed. If there was suspicion or evidence of child abuse, more proactive forms of intervention were attempted. Beginning in 1990 more formal social service programs were undertaken. Today, the outreach has achieved new heights. There are skilled and trained social workers that go throughout the community to assist families in need. Assistances may be in the form of intervention and protection of children from troubled homes to caring for and feeding the sick and elderly. The Center does it all and cannot meet the growing demand for their services. Hot meals are provided to those in need and again, no one in need is ever turned away. The Center runs a food distribution program that reaches 150 families. As often as twice a week volunteers from the community working on behalf of the Center bring food and other necessities to those families in need.
During the recent war with Lebanon, the Center provided housing and food for refugees from the north who sought safety. They have done the same for residents of Sderot who often seek safety from missile attacks initiated in Gaza by Hamas.
As with any organization of facility of this nature, the Center is fully licensed and subject to constant government inspection and scrutiny. They have always received high marks. They have received consistent praise and commendation from the Health Department for their cleanliness.
Today, the Center provides a wonderful education and loving services to more than 800 children and infants. They cannot keep up with the community’s demand for their services or the social outreach programs. The buildings that house the classrooms at the main location need to be replaced. The time has come to establish a completely modern and up to date educational facility. Much of the original equipment has aged beyond repair. The operational budget of approximately 1.3 million dollars does not provide enough residual or contingency funds to accommodate the need to replace the aging equipment, let alone account for the need to expand further.
The current vision is to construct a four story building with enough classrooms and daycare centers to accommodate the existing needs of the community as well as the ever growing demand for educational, social and daycare services. Of course, there would be a new modern kitchen and dining facility as well as computer rooms and expanded recreational facilities. The current location has adequate room for such a project and clearly has the support of the people of Kiryat Gat and the local government. The services and outreach programs that the Center provides to the community need to be greatly expanded and this takes funding.
The “Miracle at Kiryat Gat” is no longer something that can remain in the shadows. It is now time to tell the world of the unselfish devotion and accomplishments of Rabbi Gershon Levin and his staff. Their devotion of Rabbi Levin should serve as a role model for other educational and humanitarian organizations. We are seeking proper funding in order to continue and expand this miraculous work.
Prayer at the holy sites
Name________________ the son of _____________________________
Request____________________________________________________
Name________________ the son of _____________________________
Warmly
Rabbi Yaakov Levin
Chairman of resources and development
http://www.israelhelp.org
info@israelhelp.com
Step Forward for Children
Rabbi Yaakov Levin
http://www.israelhelp.org/
11271 Alumni Way
Jacksonville, FL 32246
Tel: (904) 646-4434
Israel Tel: (646) 736-2755
Fax: (972)-3-9606501
info@israelhelp.com
Israel
Help and Education Center
Shderot Lachish 17/28
P.O.B. 400
Kiryat Gat, Israel 82103
Tel: (972)-8-681 3030
Fax: (972)-3-9606501
Mobile: (972)-52-8613613
info@israelhelp.com
P.s.
Please spread the word to everyone you now who can be of financial help to us
Yakov Levin
http://www.israelhelp.org
Their goal was simple. They wanted to provide young minds with a superior education but most importantly, they wished to teach and put an emphasis on Jewish values. A program specifically aimed at teaching Israeli children about their religious heritage while giving them a strong conventional education was simply unavailable in Kiryat Gat. Additionally, in a village of approximately 20,000 people, there was no kindergarten facility or daycare center.
The city of Kiryat Gat has grown to more than 48,000 people. A large portion of the residents are less fortunate and less affluent Israelis. Many non-native Israelis and new immigrants from Russia and Africa have settled there and continue to do so. In 1970, Kiryat Gat was a village where the educational system was not progressive. There was little to no religious or spiritual education available and social needs of a poor community that was experiencing an influx of immigrants were not being met by the government. The village was in need. This need was recognized and addressed by this small group of committed individuals who wanted nothing more than to serve the needs of their country and their fellow Jews.
Among this original group of young men was Rabbi Gershon Levin. After over 30 years, Rabbi Levin remains director and administrator of The Help and Education Center of Kiryat Gat; an institution that has become a model for other educational and humanitarian organizations in Israel. Kiryat Gat; an institution that has become a model for other educational and humanitarian organizations in Israel. Also among the group was Rabbi Moshe Havlin, who today is still on the Board of Directors and serves as the head Rabbi of Kiryat Gat.
With an initial staff of only three people, Rabbi Levin immediately did two things. He took over control of a small religious school that for the prior ten years had been educating only 50 children. There had been little, growth or progress for this school over its ten year existence. That was about to change. Additionally, a kindergarten, which had been lacking, was added.
Initially, the kindergarten was limited to one room and a class of twenty children. One year after its inception, there was a setback. The kindergarten facility was destroyed by a fire. Fortunately, the building was empty at the time but this was discouraging and almost put an end to the project. However, support from the community after just one year was so great that they would not allow the group top give up. Instead, a new facility was established and because of increased demand the size doubled to two classrooms and close to 50 children.
The need to do more was all around them. The streets were filled with children who had no place to go. Many were from poor Yemenite and Sephardic families living on next to nothing in the village. The city had limited resources and the government’s willingness and ability to support the growing educational and social needs was limited. The efforts of Rabbi Levin and his small group were met with great enthusiasm by the village and the local politicians, especially the mayor. However, very little funding was available. All initial funding for the project came from private contributions; mostly, if not exclusively, from within Israel. In fact, the Center has always maintained a low profile with regard to funding. However, in recent years because of their success, the demand for more and more services and the need to expand as well as replace aging equipment, they no longer can sit in the shadows and quietly hope to continue their spectacular humanitarian work. It is not a “Mom and Pop” operation any longer. A concerted effort is being made to reach out to the international community to help support this tremendously worthy but quiet organization.
By 1975 the efforts of Rabbi Levin and his staff were formally recognized by the Government of Israel and the school qualified for assistance in its educational programs. However, this assistance was limited and the need for private funding still prevailed.
Over the years, important government ministers such as Zev Boim and David Mogen, both former mayors of Kiryat Gat have visited the Center and applauded the efforts of Rabbi Levin and staff. In fact, visits from Government agencies and representatives were common and the Center has always been was met with enthusiasm and approval.
An important and unique program that was started almost immediately by Rabbi Levin and staff was an afternoon session for the children. Public schools closed at 12:30. Children had no place to go. They often played in the streets or got into trouble. Their parents either worked or were often unable or even unwilling to provide for them. Many children were from single parent homes. Many children were afraid of going home for fear of being mistreated or abused. The Center used their single old school bus to gather and transport these children to their facility and get them off the streets. Here they were provided with educational and recreational activities. They were taught songs, organized into choirs, had supervised play sessions, given treats and even taken on educational field trips. This was truly remarkable humanitarian work and would not go unrecognized.
A heart-warming story of someone who just could not turn away must be told. Almost 35 years ago when the Center was in its initial phases of growth and development, an America name Dr. Case who was visiting Israel read an article about the children and the school. He saw a photograph of the old school bus that was being used to take children to the school for afternoon sessions of learning and fun. He decided to come to Kiryat Gat. Upon his arrival he saw children playing at a garbage dump. The dump was their playground because they simply had no other place to play. There were no parks or public facilities for these children. He took a photograph. He used this photograph to influence contributors and benefactors. In this way he raised over $250,000 for the school.
Growth of the initial school for older children and the kindergarten could barely keep up with demand. Initially, when more classrooms were needed for kindergarten, facilities were rented throughout the village. By 1976 there were seven classrooms scattered throughout the village. By 1980, the school was educating 150 children at the kindergarten level and 150 older children.
1984 was a significant growth milestone. The demand for more services and support from the community was far in excess of what the existing facility could accommodate. To both expedite expansion and attempt to grow in the most economically efficient and cost saving manner, mobile classrooms were brought to the site of the original school. This also helped to consolidate many of the classrooms scattered throughout the city to one central location, making management less problematic.
Expansion and growth continued, yet management still maintained a low profile and was dependent upon local contributions and the variable amounts that the government would allow. Government support was always inconsistent and varied with the political climate as well as the general needs of a country that had to not only educate its young but had to protect its borders and its citizens.
Over the years the staff of the facility consistently grew in numbers. By 1980, the original three staff members had become over 20 in number. Today there are over 70 full time paid employees. Their loyalty and devotion is admirable. The only work done by volunteers is the delivery of food to those in need.
In 1989 the census of the school had reached 550 children. However, because of government cutbacks as well as growth and demand that exceeded expectations or plans, the organization faced a financial crisis. Equipment was aging and needed constant repair. The facility was showing signs of aging and also needed constant maintenance and repair. There simply was not enough funding to handle the growing and somewhat unexpected burden of expansion, operations and maintenance. The school filed for bankruptcy and reorganized. Many of the staff members, whose salaries could not be paid, remained committed and stayed on. In fact the loyalty, commitment and longevity of the vast majority of the over 70 staff members today is remarkable and a tribute to Rabbi Levin. This alone speaks for the nature and character of those devoted to lovingly caring for and educating the children and serving the community in the other outreach programs that have been added.
Despite this setback the school, which had significantly expanded its community outreach programs continued to grow, thrive and carry out its vision and mission. In fact, it had become a role model for other organizations and something that others tried to emulate. When the religious Sephardim gained power in the government, one of their tasks was to build a competitive school in Kiryat Gat. They turned to Rabbi Levin for advice and assistance. This was provided in a completely unselfish manner in the spirit of cooperation despite the possible underlying political nature of the new project. In fact, over the years, The Help and Education Center, as it is now known, has been a role model for and one emulated by many Israeli schools and institutions. It is truly a showcase for humanitarian effort and one that should be and has been envied by many.
Right from the start, in additional to adding kindergarten facilities, the organization began daycare. They lovingly cared for babies as young as three months. This allowed parents to work and maintain their homes and their dignity. No one has ever been turned away on the basis of ability to pay! No one has ever been turned away on the basis of degree of religious commitment. This is a humanitarian organization committed to Israel and Israelis, native and non-native.
Today, there are daycare centers at the main facility and throughout the village. The local government has recognized the importance of the services being provided. Kiryat Gat has built facilities to be used for daycare and donated them to the organization. The staff that run these facilities are among the poorest paid yet the most committed of the more than 70 employees that now help to keep the Center going and do the miraculous work from day to day. The Center remains the only one in the area to provide children with afternoon programs a hot meal and a place to go other than the streets. For many less fortunate children, it may be the only meal they will get for the day.
The children are and have always been a priority even after they become of the age when they must leave the Center’s direct care. The staff follows the children and offers them assistance and guidance as they pursue further education. Some pursue religious education while others go on to high school and university. Many join the military to contribute to Israel’s defense. Here a young adult can also learn valuable skills that will help him or her pursue careers once their obligation is over. Some of our students must join the local workforce when they are of age and again, our assistance and guidance is there for them if needed.
Since our inception, outreach programs were organized. Initially, these programs were less formal. As far back as 1970, assistance was provided to troubled families. Teachers would visit the homes and provide counseling when needed. If there was suspicion or evidence of child abuse, more proactive forms of intervention were attempted. Beginning in 1990 more formal social service programs were undertaken. Today, the outreach has achieved new heights. There are skilled and trained social workers that go throughout the community to assist families in need. Assistances may be in the form of intervention and protection of children from troubled homes to caring for and feeding the sick and elderly. The Center does it all and cannot meet the growing demand for their services. Hot meals are provided to those in need and again, no one in need is ever turned away. The Center runs a food distribution program that reaches 150 families. As often as twice a week volunteers from the community working on behalf of the Center bring food and other necessities to those families in need.
During the recent war with Lebanon, the Center provided housing and food for refugees from the north who sought safety. They have done the same for residents of Sderot who often seek safety from missile attacks initiated in Gaza by Hamas.
As with any organization of facility of this nature, the Center is fully licensed and subject to constant government inspection and scrutiny. They have always received high marks. They have received consistent praise and commendation from the Health Department for their cleanliness.
Today, the Center provides a wonderful education and loving services to more than 800 children and infants. They cannot keep up with the community’s demand for their services or the social outreach programs. The buildings that house the classrooms at the main location need to be replaced. The time has come to establish a completely modern and up to date educational facility. Much of the original equipment has aged beyond repair. The operational budget of approximately 1.3 million dollars does not provide enough residual or contingency funds to accommodate the need to replace the aging equipment, let alone account for the need to expand further.
The current vision is to construct a four story building with enough classrooms and daycare centers to accommodate the existing needs of the community as well as the ever growing demand for educational, social and daycare services. Of course, there would be a new modern kitchen and dining facility as well as computer rooms and expanded recreational facilities. The current location has adequate room for such a project and clearly has the support of the people of Kiryat Gat and the local government. The services and outreach programs that the Center provides to the community need to be greatly expanded and this takes funding.
The “Miracle at Kiryat Gat” is no longer something that can remain in the shadows. It is now time to tell the world of the unselfish devotion and accomplishments of Rabbi Gershon Levin and his staff. Their devotion of Rabbi Levin should serve as a role model for other educational and humanitarian organizations. We are seeking proper funding in order to continue and expand this miraculous work.
Prayer at the holy sites
Name________________ the son of _____________________________
Request____________________________________________________
Name________________ the son of _____________________________
Warmly
Rabbi Yaakov Levin
Chairman of resources and development
http://www.israelhelp.org
info@israelhelp.com
Step Forward for Children
Rabbi Yaakov Levin
http://www.israelhelp.org/
11271 Alumni Way
Jacksonville, FL 32246
Tel: (904) 646-4434
Israel Tel: (646) 736-2755
Fax: (972)-3-9606501
info@israelhelp.com
Israel
Help and Education Center
Shderot Lachish 17/28
P.O.B. 400
Kiryat Gat, Israel 82103
Tel: (972)-8-681 3030
Fax: (972)-3-9606501
Mobile: (972)-52-8613613
info@israelhelp.com
P.s.
Please spread the word to everyone you now who can be of financial help to us
Yakov Levin
http://www.israelhelp.org
Replies to This Discussion
-
Permalink Reply by Rabbi Yakov Levin on -
Let's make it "Chanukah Gelt!"
Spread the word to everyone about the Miracle of Kiryat Gat.
Let's make it "Chanukah gelt" (financial gifts) Mitzvah Project: Donate toys for needy Jewish children In Israel and food baskets for their familes.
Chanukah, the festival of lights, is a Jewish celebration that begins on 25 Kislev (in November or December). Chanukah celebrates the miracle of the oil in the Temple in Jerusalem after the Maccabees’ defeated the Greek army. Chanukah is celebrated by the lighting of candles. The candles are arranged in a Chanukah that holds nine candles: one for each night, plus a shamus (servant) at a different height. It is traditional to eat fried foods, such as latkes (potato pancakes), on Chanukah because of the significance of oil to the holiday.
Appropriately, during Chanukah it is customary to give gelt (money) to children to teach them to increase in charity and good deeds; and to add to the festive holiday spirit.
Do you really need an excuse to give gifts to our young ones.
http://globaljsam.ning.com/forum/topics/the-miracle-of-kiryat-gat
Please spread the word
Chanukah Agendas Project http://www.israelhelp.org
Rabbi Yakov Levin
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Mitzvah Day UK
UJA-Federation of New York
United Jewish Communities
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