I was driving through the stunning Jerusalem forest on the windy road leading into the city from the Judean mountains, and ahead of me was a school bus with a huge banner on the back for Swim4Sadna. Having heard about it from friends who participated in previous years, it warmed my heart to see that this important event to raise funds for Sadnat Shiluv, a unique educational program and school for Israeli youth with special needs, was again taking place. An avid swimmer myself, I thought maybe this year I will take on the challenge?
Luck would have it that a good friend approached me about getting involved, knowing that I have a soft spot in my heart for such amazing grassroots initiatives that demonstrate the uniqueness of Israel and our dedication to community, values, acceptance and, of course, women’s empowerment. Not only was I thrilled to be a part of such an important program, I wanted to make sure that others around the world could feel the excitement and meaningfulness of this transformative experience.
Many Jews around the world are looking for positive means to feel more connected to Israel. So we at The Israel Forever Foundation created a variety of ways that people can join in and feel a part of the swim, no matter how far away from the Kinneret they might be. Whether through messages of support to the swimmers, letters of friendship to the students, by hosting an inclusive swimathon in their own community, giving contributions to the cause, or even just learning about the Kinneret where the swim takes place, anyone can get involved and make a difference in some small way.
To truly bring the swim to life from a distance, we will be livestreaming portions of the event with some amazing “virtual encoutner hostesses” who will talk with the participants, ask questions we may receive from viewers, to hear from the students of Sadnat Shiluv, and to watch inclusivity in action. On Thursday night and Friday, everyone can join the live stream by logging on www.israelforever.org and sharing questions with us on Twitter @Isrl4Evr using hashtag #swim4sadna.
It is an honor to be involved in this program, and to help provide ways that the students, the swimmers, and the scattered communities of our people are able to feel connected with each other and with our homeland with none of the politics, but all of the pride. If we each commit to one action, just imagine how much of an impact we can have in sharing our encouragement and joy at events like these that make us so proud to say “We are Israel.”
To learn more about The Israel Forever Foundation partnership initiative with Swim4Sadna, come visit http://israelforever.org/programs/inclusiveisrael/swim4sadna/.