Shorashim Continues Special-Needs Offerings for Taglit-Birthright Israel

Posted Wed, 01/04/2012 - 16:57 by Naomi Shapiro

During the last three years, Shorashim has expanded its Israel programming reach to young adults with special needs.

Shorashim started by working with KOACH to run a Taglit-Birthright Israel group for 18 to 26 year olds with Asperger’s Syndrome in 2008.  The trip is now in its third year and is being spearheaded by KOACH’s Associate Director Elyse Winick and Shorashim alum Darin Argentar. For the first year, this group has soared in popularity, and drew a waitlist. 
The 20 young adults (the most we have ever sent!) are currently in Israel having an amazing time. You can follow their journey on their blog at http://israelwithisraelis.com/blogs/sh-25-151 .


The Asperger’s Group has been so successful, that Shorashim was contacted by a group of parents from Los Angeles who wanted their 18 to 26 year olds with special needs to experience a Taglit-Birthright Israel trip.
 
 
The Los Angeles parents all have special-needs children who have grown up together in Hebrew school programs and camp. Since their children have been young, their goal was to get them to Israel with their peers.

“The trip went really, really well. It exceeded our expectations,” said Elizabeth Cohen, a parent of a participant and one of the trip’s organizers.  “It was a great experience for the kids. They got to do what their typical peers in their age group do, and they made a connection with each other and Israel.”

Her son Zachary had a great time.
 
“It was fun seeing all the sites and seeing my family in Israel,” said Zachary Cohen, one of the participants. “I liked all of it. It’s a fun place to see.”

Lee Chernotsky, trip leader, with over 12 years in the field of special needs was thrilled with the trip’s outcomes.

“It was the journey of a lifetime,” Lee said. “It was a trip that fostered growth and independence for all of our participants, and raised awareness on everything we can do instead of what is challenging.”
 
Lee met with each participant several times before the trip to set goals. He said every goal of every participant were met and far exceeded.

“They all came home expressing a deep love and connection to Israel and each other,” Lee said.
 
Lee also commended the groups Israel educator, Nitzan Shemo, who both the staff and participants loved. “Our trip leader is unbelievable and deserves special mention,” Lee said.
 
He also was grateful to the Shorashim logistical staff in Israel and the U.S.
 
“We did everything from a disco cruise on the Kineret to crying at Yad Vashem,” Lee said. “We learned a tremendous amount about ourselves. We will all be forever changed by the experience.”
 
They are not the only ones. The special needs group had an evening activity with a Chicago Community College Bus

“It was such an amazing experience for each and every one of us,” blogged Laruen J.  “We learned that our groups weren't so different from each other; after all, we are all seeing the same sites and cities and having the same experiences, just at a different pace. Most importantly, we are all Jewish, and are all here to embrace our heritage and learn about our roots.”
 
To read more about the LA trip, check out their blog http://israelwithisraelis.com/blogs/SH-25-81.