Seeach Sod - Chanukas Habayis Maas Ashira

Chanukas Habayis Maas Ashira

In a touching display of respect towards the special-needs community, on July 12, 2011 large crowds partook in an inauguration ceremony for the new Ma’as Ashira wing, which houses Seeach Sod’s vocational center for girls. The occasion marked the completion of a beautiful new building whose construction was funded by the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, the Dear Foundation, the National Insurance Institute, the Shalem Foundation, the Welfare Ministry and the Jerusalem Municipality. Thanks to the active cooperation of the various partners and input by Seeach Sod staff headed by CEO Rabbi Shimon Levy, the construction project was completed in a relatively short time.

The Chanukat Habayit highlighted the community’s empathy and respect towards disabled women and the special-needs population in general. It also served as a prominent milestone marking forty years of Seeach Sod’s ongoing mission on behalf of the special-needs community.

The guest of honor at the momentous event was Rabbi Yisrael Meir Lau shlita, Chief Rabbi of Tel Aviv, who honored the crowd with his captivating speech. Other prominent guests included Welfare Minister Moshe Kachlon; Deputy Health Minister Yaakov Litzman; Jerusalem Municipality officials; supervisors and social workers from the Welfare Ministry; National Insurance representatives; and foundation representatives.

The guests kept pointing out the amazing achievement of founder Rabbi Dov Levy z”l, the trailblazer in religious special education, who effected a radical change in society’s attitude towards accepting those who are different. CEO Rabbi Shimon Levy invited the guests to view a unique exhibit showcasing Seeach Sod’s forty years of achievements. A moving musical performance was presented by Seeach Sod’s very own choir, accompanied by world-renowned Chazzan Rabbi Chaim Adler. The choir truly embodied the essence of Seeach Sod’s aspirations and accomplishments.

To quote the Welfare Minister, whose words came straight from the heart:

“It’s the first time that I’m visiting a special education institute and feel so good about it. I have to say: to see all the girls here, full of joy and life, employed, working with such enthusiasm – it warms the heart! I call upon all of regular society – take a step closer. At first glance, you may only see the physical or mental handicap, but at second glance – you see the smile, the heart, the soul, the personality. You feel the spirit. I feel that you [the Seeach Sod staff and students) have triumphed! From now on, when I fight for social rights on behalf of the special-needs population, I will know exactly what I’m fighting for.”

We wish the Ashira girls a successful new beginning in their beautiful building and may they derive continued fulfillment from their work.

Video of the Inauguration Ceremony