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Sep 5, 2023

Israel-Based Beit Issie Shapiro Benefits South Florida Residents

About 200 people of all ages, including local clients, recently gathered for Family Day to raise awareness and funds for Beit Issie Shapiro, a Greater Miami Jewish Federation-funded, Israel-based nonprofit that benefits people with disabilities. The afternoon included family activities at the pool and beach and a kosher barbecue.

Founded more than 43 years ago as a special education school for 16 children, Beit Issie has since grown into a global leader and United Nations consultant that touches the lives of more than half a million people annually. This forward-thinking organization has a drive to ensure that people with disabilities have access to life-changing therapies and tools, and also aims to influence policy to create a more inclusive society with opportunities for people with disabilities. Working daily with people with disabilities, Beit Issie identifies gaps in services and then provides innovative solutions to meet those needs. These innovations are tested in-house for effectiveness, and the organization shares its findings with governments, disability professionals and organizations through partnerships, seminars and trainings. To date, more than 90,000 disability professionals in 30 countries have been trained by Beit Issie.

Many who have participated in Federation missions to Israel have had the opportunity to meet Beit Issie clients and staff and see the nonprofit in action. Less widely known, however, is that Beit Issie is making a difference in Miami as well. Beit Issie has an ongoing partnership with Florida International University’s Embrace program, which caters to university students with disabilities; university staff and students have also benefited from an array of professional training. At the Miami Children’s Museum, Beit Issie helped guide the creation of an inclusive playroom that enables children with and without disabilities to interact, play and enjoy the museum together.

Beit Issie Shapiro receives funding from the Annual Greater Miami Jewish Federation/UJA Campaign. To make a secure donation online, click here.

Jacob Solomon Announces Retirement

Jacob Solomon Announces Retirement

After more than four decades with the Greater Miami Jewish Federation, President & CEO Jacob Solomon has announced his plans to retire, effective June 30, 2024, according to the 85-year-old, Miami-based Jewish nonprofit.

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Robotics Teacher Trainings

Robotics Teacher Trainings

What began as a program where third-grade educators from three Miami Jewish day schools received robotics training and mentoring from Science Center professionals in Miami’s partnership city of Yerucham, Israel, has flourished into an annual activity involving 13 local schools for the 2023-2024 year.

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PJ Library Story Squad

PJ Library Story Squad

PJ Library Story Squad is seeking volunteer readers to help bring Hanukkah to Miami-Dade elementary school students.

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Support for iRep

Support for iRep

One of Federation’s longtime priorities has been helping Israelis exercise choice and self-determination around their Jewish identities and practice.

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