Today is called a tour day! We are heading north to a place called Beit Ruth. CAARI has visited this place before and we were so impressed with this facility. Just to set the stage – over 30,000 girls aged 13-18 are considered at risk in Israel. Lost to the streets, forgotten and abused in their family homes.
The Beit Ruth Educational & Therapeutic Village, located in Afula, is a long-term therapeutic residence and school for the vulnerable and at-risk girls. The mission of Beti Ruth is to give the girls the opportunity to thrive emotionally, socially and academically, thereby breaking the cycle of violence for themselves and future generations of children in Israel. In a safe, structured and loving home environment, Beit Ruth provides the academic and therapeutic resources necessary to enable at-risk girls to re-enter society as caring, educated, independent and empowered young women.
Iris greeted us and told us about this wonderful place – how it began, why it is so needed, and a tour of the campus. We meet some of the girls and although many of them did not speak Hebrew, they made us feel so welcome. Some of them joined us in an ‘art activity’ where we drew a face and passed it on to the next person, who added something to the face! Fun! This was followed by a a TuBshvat Ceremony. We came away from the ‘wow’ visit with such a positive feeling about Beit Ruth and the work they do. Perhaps some of us will meet in New York for the Gala on April 26, 2018. For more information http://www.beitruth.com/galaFollowing lunch we journeyed to the JNF Northern Tree Planting Center, in Lavi Forest, for tree planting. This was our opportunity to physically connect with the land and remember or honor loved ones.
In the evening, with sadness and fond memories, we bid “Li’hitriot” to the 3- week participants and welcomed the 4 week participants!
