(Photo: Julia Kaplan)
WEST ORANGE, NJ — More than 700 people gathered for the first “Friendship Walk” at the newly-renovated Turtle Back Zoo in West Orange, N.J. Participants in wheelchairs, baby carriages and on foot, were able to walk a one- or five-mile course in the Sept. 9 event; both routes wound past the new Reptile House and Red Panda exhibit.
Hundreds Turn Out to Support Children With Special Needs
(Photo: Julia Kaplan)
WEST ORANGE, NJ — More than 700 people gathered for the first “Friendship Walk” at the newly-renovated Turtle Back Zoo in West Orange, N.J. Participants in wheelchairs, baby carriages and on foot, were able to walk a one- or five-mile course in the Sept. 9 event; both routes wound past the new Reptile House and Red Panda exhibit.
But the highlight of the walkathon benefiting Friendship Circle of New Jersey, an affiliate of a national Chabad-Lubavitch organization that pairs teenagers with children with special needs, was undoubtedly the appearance by undefeated Jewish junior welterweight boxer Dmitry Salita. The “Hebrew Hammer,” as Salita is known, was on hand to motivate the walkers, but also sparred on stage with some participants as he offered professional boxing tips.
The Ukrainian-born Salita, who does not compete on Shabbat or Jewish holidays, explained how his return to an observant Jewish life helped him achieve fame and success as a pugilist. He also inspired the crowd, exhorting them to continue looking after those ignored by many segments of society.
“All of us have a certain place in this world,” said Salita. “And with our random deeds of kindness we can make this world a better place.”
