This year, once again, thousands gathered at Ezer Mizion’s annual Simchat Beit Ha’shoevah celebration for children and youths with special needs. The children were joined by their families, their dedicated volunteer counselors and many others who came to share in the happening.
The air was permeated with electricity as song after song soared to the heavens. It was especially moving to see disabled children “dancing” in wheelchairs pushed by devoted volunteers to the beat of the lively band and popular singers. For these few hours, the children had a chance to enjoy true holiday joy, forgetting their trials and problems for the entire duration of the event, while their emotional parents stood at the side shedding tears of happiness. In addition to the hundreds of children who attended Ezer Mizion camps, the event also attracted many sick children and special needs children who are not directly connected to the Ezer Mizion activities and retreats. Everyone knew that this celebration was the place for everyone to come and recharge their batteries in the unceasing circles of joy.
The acme of the simchah was the moment when the gedolei Yisrael – Chassidic Rebbes, Roshei Yeshivot, Sephardic chachamim, and many honorable Rabbanim – walked in, eager to personally participate in the great celebration, to rejoice with the disabled children and their families and wish them good health and a happy new Year. As every year, the gedolei Yisrael shlita stayed for a long while and personally blessed each of the children and their families, as well as the dedicated volunteers. The participants tangibly feel how the gedolei Yisrael pour droplets of pure love on these children and their devoted families.
Maran Rosh Hayeshiva Rabbi Shteinman shlita said that “This event is a mitzvah of Yom Tov.”
All in all, the event this year was a fabulous success, enhanced by the attendance of the gedolei Yisrael and bolstered by the warm participation of the general public. The special children, their families and the crowds of participants left feeling enriched with the Yom Tov spirit, looking forward to the event next year once again.
