Shorashim Partners with KOACH on a Special-Needs Program

As Shorashim finishes its nineteenth season as a Taglit-Birthright Israel provider, a unique and special-needs group of participants with Aspergers Syndrome will not soon forget their first experience in Israel. Participants on the program - which was in partnership with KOACH - traveled with a group of soldiers for whom assisting with special needs is a passion. They also met Israelis with Aspergers Syndrome who study at the Jerusalem branch of Beit Eckstein, a vocational training center for students with the syndrome. The group saw a play at the center headlined with an actor with Aspergers Syndrome. "I was very moved by the participant who said that his visit here was the highlight of his trip to Israel," said Nomi Venkert of Beit Eckstein. The mifgash included mixers and singing, led by Eli Aizner, one of four IDF soldiers who accompanied the group on its journey throughout Israel. "They were having so much fun, that we had a hard time getting them out of there," said Rose Sharon, special education teacher and KOACH's coordinator of the trip. This special trip required significant planning by Taglit-Birthright Israel, Shorashim, KOACH, and Israeli Guide Dror Kidron (who worked tirelessly before and during the trip to ensure a meaningful experience). The time and effort to make this trip and ensure Shorashim's mission of mifgash was well worth the extra effort, said Adam Stewart, Director of Shorashim. "Seventeen amazing young adults who would have not been able to participate in another program seized the special opportunity to receive their birthright and connect to Israel and it's people in a way that goes beyond a typical group" Mr. Stewart said. The visit to Beit Eckstein and attendance at the performance was made possible by a gift from an anonymous donor. This trip was a gift from Taglit-Birthright Israel and covers round-trip airfare plus ten days of educational programming in Israel. Any Jewish youth, 18-26 (post high-school), who has never been to Israel on a peer-group program is eligible to apply.