Chabad’s Youth Zone Sends Cards and Video to Hospital in Israel

GOSHEN, NY [CHI] — Chabad’s Youth Zone recently met at the Castle Fun Center for an exciting afternoon of roller-skating, Israeli snacks and good deeds. Chabad’s Youth Zone, “Kids in Action” is a unique program for children ages 5-12 in which they have a monthly opportunity to have a great time while also helping others. This year’s Kids in Action is focused toward helping various causes in Israel.


After lots of laughter and roller-skating, the good deeds began: The thirty participants from throughout the county designed beautiful three-dimensional cards to send to sick children in Shaarei Tzedek Children’s hospital in Jerusalem. A special part of the program was having local photographer Sigal Szuchman, of Highland Mills, film the children creating the cards. Afterward, each participant held up their card and delivered a personal message and good wishes to the children in the hospital. “I am excited to be involved in this great program,” says Szuchman, who brought her two sons, Shaked, 10, and Tomer, 8. “I am from Israel, and my children were born here in the US. Chabad’s Kids in Action program is helping to bring my kids closer to their routes.” The live video will be sent along with the cards for the receivers to see the group of children across the ocean who are thinking of them. This shipping was generously sponsored by Henry & Samira Galler of Monroe.

“Kids in Action sends a valuable message to these children,” said Chana Burston, who co-directs Chabad of Orange County with her husband, Rabbi Pesach. “Kids need to have fun and celebrate life and youth – and at the same time, use their talents and creativity to help others in less fortunate positions.”

Kids in Action Youth Zone is headed by Chabad Youth leaders Dassie Levilev and Shayna Witkes. “ This year Kids in Action will be doing lots of incredible charity projects for people in Israel,” said Witkes. “Decorating pillows for orphans, crafting toys for children with special needs, and making care packages for Israeli soldiers are some of the upcoming programs. We have great trips and activities planned with Israeli themed food.”

Children who attended the Youth Zone received a membership kit with an El-Al “mileage card” and many exciting prizes. “I feel special when I come to the Youth Zone,” says Megan Heller, age 10, of Chester. “What I am doing is important because I am helping children across the globe have as good as a life as I do.

To sign up for Kids in Action and for more info, call Chabad 782-2770; write youthzone@ChabadOrange.com or log onto www.ChabadOrange.com .