Emotional fundraiser supports terror victims in Israel

 

By Donald H. Harrison

SAN DIEGO – Carine Chitayat, the founder and CEO of the Adopt a Family Foundation stood in the main foyer of the Museum of Photographic Arts, where there were gathered numerous San Diego County residents whose hearts have gone out to the families of southern Israel who endure rocket attacks or the threat of them every day of their lives.

As Chitayat spoke Saturday evening, May 3, her voice broke as she told of being in the very same room on March 12 to arrange this evening’s fundraiser.  March 12 was a day when more than 70 rockets were launched by terrorists in nearby Gaza towards the Israeli city of Sderot, and towards the Jewish Federation of San Diego County’s partnership region of Sha’ar Hanegev as well as toward other locations in southern Israel.

“My head and my heart were not here, as I was receiving many text messages from our families,” Chitayat said.  “My heart was in Israel, with our families, trying to stay calm and confident.”

As emotion temporarily overcame her, Chitayat was joined at the microphone by Iris Pearlman who had co-founded the outreach organization.  Pearlman stood by Chitayat and whispered words of encouragement.  Chitayat gestured that she would be all right, and continued her appeal:

“Please help us tonight to continue our mission, to be able to help a child, to adopt a new family, to support one of our valuable projects, and continue our support for the families embraced in our program,” she said.

The crowd seemed emotionally moved, as it was also during the showing of a video from Sha’ar Hanegev in which families that had been “adopted” by the San Diego County-based foundation expressed their appreciation for the human warmth and help that San Diegans have extended to them.

The Israelis spoke with gratitude about a program to help their children go to camp in central Israel, away from the rockets and the worry.  One man showed a small menagerie he had created for children of the area, with the financial help of the Adopt a Family Foundation.  A woman whose child was killed in a rocket attack thanked San Diego for “paying attention to us.”  Another man whose family was struck by tragedy said San Diegans’ caring “gives strength, lots of strength.”

One man called the efforts by the Adopt a Family Foundation “heartwarming” and a woman noted that the help came from the San Diegans’ hearts.  “They don’t owe us anything,” she said appreciatively on the video.

Chitayat explained that “the families we adopt are referred to us by Israeli social workers. These families lost a family member, have been injured, suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, or all of the above.  We adopt one family a year and have embraced so far 12 families.  Our financial help alleviates some of their daily stress…

“Thanks to your support, we have been able to acquire laptops, camera, clothes, toys, fridge, oven and provide additional physical or psychological therapy sessions when needed.  Rich now, we organized a group therapy for our families from Sha’ar Hanegev and Sderot, with the help and guidance of the social worker of the region, Hana Tal.”

Chitayat continued: “Adopt a Family Foundation makes a true difference in the life of others.  The life of people affected by terror, the life of people just like you and me, whose life is shattered in one minute, one second.

“Adopt a Family Foundation brings every year an adopted family to San Diego.  The family is hosted by their contact. The trip allows our family to rest and escape their daily struggles, as well as build a meaningful bond with their adopting family.”

Veronique Benchimol, a co-chair with Tami Ivanir of the fundraising event, described a visit she made to the Sha’ar Hanegev municipality last November to visit with some of the families who have been helped by the Foundation.

“We went to the Kibbutz Bror Hayil for a Shabbat lunch at the famous restaurant Mides, and also visited the Kibbutz Kfar Aza,” she said.

“Having learned about the rocket attacks which happened the day before, I was astounded by the apparent calm of the people and surroundings,” Benchimol told the crowd.  “For them, it was the ‘normal routine’ life.
“From their stories, but also from my own quest, which made me incredibly attentive, this Shabbat lunch is engraved forever in my heart and in my soul,” she said.  “I was amazed by their strength, their courage and their humility.  I really felt like I had traveled all this way to rejoin my family—you know this Jewish sensitivity and soul we all share.”

Music by vocalist Susie Lotzof and guitarist Albert Mora preceded the speech, and the featured entertainment of the evening was the Yuval Ron Ensemble, which utilizes indigenous instruments in performing the songs and dances of the Middle East

The ensemble includes percussionist Jamie Papish (cajon, doumbek,udu, and daf);  the leader Yuval Ron (vocals and oud)  dancer Mayaya who was dressed in Andalusian/ Moroccan costume; mezzo vocalist Katyanna; and Norik Manoukian (dudek, shvi, and clarinet).

Funds for the non-profit organization were raised Saturday night through ticket sales,  a silent auction and via additional pledges.   The organization’s mailing address is PO Box 7278, Rancho Santa Fe, CA. 92067.

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Harrison is editor of San Diego Jewish World.  He may be contacted via donald.harrison@sdjewishworld.com