‘It Takes a Village’
In Conversation with
Zeev Twito, Director of CHW Hadassim Children and Youth Village
Zeev Twito, Director of CHW Hadassim Children and Youth Village
The outbreak of the Coronavirus has wreaked havoc over the entire world- including our very own village. Looking back, it’s been a roller coaster ride as we had to quickly adapt health and safety measures, reinvent programs and create capsule groups for over 180 Na’aleh students as well as dozens of at-risk children who call CHW Hadassim their ‘home.’
Bringing children and youth together is the core of our work, yet we had to completely adjust how we go about it during a pandemic. We created different ‘green’ and ‘red’ safety zones and even set aside areas for youth who needed to be quarantined. Our epic Shabbat dinners that brought the entire village together, turned into smaller, intimate gatherings of 15 rotating groups! And, although we faced unprecedented challenges, we also encountered an outpour of support from so many people, near and far.
One of those people, was Nir. A successful, self-made businessman who lives in an affluent area of central Israel. Like so many of us, Nir had to pivot and adapt to the new rules of the game- both in business and at home with family. When Israel’s formal education system officially moved to distance learning, Nir quickly went out to purchase a new laptop for his daughter so she could access her classes and teachers over Zoom. But while standing in line at the store, Nir began to wonder how other children were managing. Did other families also need to rush out and buy new computers so their children could continue studying? What about all the children whose parents could not afford it? What about all those children who simply didn’t have parents around?
Nir, a CHW Hadassim graduate
This was an area that was very close to Nir’s heart. Nir himself was one of those children. He spent his formative years at CHW Hadassim. Although he remained close with many of his childhood friends from the village, it had been years since he was in touch with any of the professional teams.
As Israel’s lockdown began, Nir picked up the phone and called Hadassim’s main line. Lily, a veteran staff member took the call and the rest, as they say, is history! Lily and her late husband, Hovav, were both ‘madrichim’ and staff while Nir was a child at Hadassim. Lily was excited to catch up with Nir and fondly remembered him and his wonderful friends.
COVID-19 was a time for reflection and Nir wanted to help and give back, especially to Hadassim, a place that “changed lives, provided security and a safe home.” He recruited a number of friends- all alumni of Hadassim themselves to help as well. Together, they donated over 25 tablets and iPads, ensuring students at the village could safely and comfortably access their online classes.
Once lockdown measures eased, Nir invited his alumni friends to the village. For most, this had been their first time back in many years. Now all highly successful professionals, the alumni received a warm welcome and a nostalgic walking tour guided by youth. They started with their favourite spots where lifelong memories were made- where love was found and where hearts were broken! The students enjoyed spending time with the alumni and learning how their experiences from Hadassim led them to achieve successful careers and fulfilling lives. Full of hope and optimism, they shared, “It’s like seeing ourselves in a few years!”
Nir and his friends when they lived at CHW Hadassim
While COVID-19 forced us to create a ‘safe bubble’ for children at Hadassim, we still managed to forge meaningful connections and bring people together, safely. We realized, early on, that we needed to live alongside all the uncertainty of COVID-19. Instead of cancelling events and festivities like Passover, Shavuot and even Yom Ha’atzmaut, we just marked them differently. It was important to continue celebrating life, even with the new Corona standards.
CHW Hadassim students enjoying their new tablets!
This summer will be our busiest one yet as we continue to provide a safe and supportive home for youth who will not be able to travel home, yet again. Countries like Brazil and Argentina are impossible to reach as borders remain closed due to COVID-19. Many graduates who intended on seeing family ahead of their military service, will now have wait for another opportunity, once international travel resumes.
At this point, most of the Na’aleh students have been away from their family for a full year. So, the tablets and iPads have become a lifeline for our children, who depend on Zoom to feel connected with loved ones abroad. Our dedicated professional staff remain on the frontline, providing care and support, day and night. Local volunteers, who drop off bus-loads of pizza and supporters from abroad, like CHW, who ensure emergency therapy and support is always available- make all the difference! After all, it takes a village, to get through this pandemic.
Local volunteers dropping off pizza for the students