Aug 1, 2018

Federation Agencies Create Community Across the Globe

Jewish communities around the world are connecting in meaningful ways. A select group of more than 30 graduates of Yeshiva Toras Chaim Toras Emes Academy of Miami (YCTCE), a Federation agency, recently traveled to Israel with their rabbis and teachers for a unique, five-week learning experience. During their program, the group visited Beit Issie Shapiro (BIS), a Federation partner agency and the country’s leading developer and provider of therapies and state-of-the-art services for those with disabilities. It was the first time the two Federation-supported organizations had come together, creating community across the globe.

Rabbi Moshe Bernstein, CFO of YCTCE, was inspired to organize the trip while on Federation’s Israel at 70 Miami Mission this past April. “I was speaking with [Federation Past President] Norman Lipoff about another bus’ visit to Beit Issie and all the incredible developments they are spearheading. He told me that they are the gold standard of care for people with disabilities. I felt encouraged to bring our students to see it firsthand.” Bernstein added that the Yeshiva is growing rapidly, thanks in part to Federation’s generous support. “In addition to our responsibility for the students’ education and connection to Israel, we must also show them that there are numerous organizations providing compassionate and innovative care to vulnerable populations in Israel and around the world.”

Working together, the Federation partner agencies demonstrated that disability does not equal inability. Mordechai Buzagalo, a student from the group, said, “What struck me the most was that at Beit Issie, rather than focusing on their clients’ disabilities, as most do, they focus on their ability to grow and succeed in life.”

Bernstein was so inspired by the group’s visit that he plans to continue collaborating with Beit Issie throughout the year. “I’m also committed to visiting other Federation agencies on our future trips to Israel. By demonstrating to the students they are part and parcel of a system linking communities around the world, they experience other important aspects of our faith: a sense of connectivity and responsibility.”

To learn more about Federation's overseas partners, click here.