Friends of United Hatzalah

United Hatzalah's response time is now under 3 minutes. By doubling the current volunteer corps and increasing the ambucycle fleet and defibrillators, United Hatzalah will achieve its goal of a 90 second response time - anywhere in the country.

The mission is to support the lifesaving efforts of United Hatzalah of Israel. United Hatzalah of Israel is the largest independent, non-profit, fully volunteer Emergency Medical Services organization that provides the fastest and free emergency medical first response throughout Israel. United Hatzalah's service is available to all people without regard to race, religion or national origin.

United Hatzalah has more than 1700 volunteers who come from a complete spectrum of Israeli society, religious and secular, male and female, Jewish and non-Jewish. Not only have the volunteers been able to redefine the government’s status quo of emergency first response, Arab and Jews are also working together, side-by-side, and have been able to break down religious barriers through United Hatzalah's sole mission and unifying motivation: to save as many lives as possible.

United Hatzalah volunteers, all of whom are trained and certified as EMTs, paramedics or doctors, respond to any medical emergency in their vicinities, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. United Hatzalah volunteers establish a life-saving bridge of medical care to nearly 200,000 people each year within 2 to 3 minutes from a distress call. Volunteers treat an average of 500 people each day and individually respond to an average of 360 calls per year in Israel.

United Hatzalah trains and equips emergency first response volunteers who live and work in communities, cities and kibbutzim throughout the entire State of Israel in order to provide a more rapid, effective medical intervention. A proprietary GPS based deployment technology identifies the most qualified and closest volunteer to an emergency, maximizing efficient allocation of resources and minimizing response times. Fully equipped ambucycles travel nimbly through traffic, narrow alleys and obstructed roadways to bring all the necessary medical equipment an ambulance carries to the scene of an emergency.

Given the success that United Hatzalah has experienced in Israel and the thousands of lives it has saved since its inception, United Hatzalah believes that its distributed emergency response model can be easily replicated to save lives throughout the world. United Hatzalah has already been recognized as an international leader and is currently collaborating with global organizations.

United Hatzalah considers lifesaving to be of utmost value. While maintaining transparency, honesty and loyalty, United Hatzalah will continue to save lives in Israel, on a completely voluntary basis, in order to provide critical medical treatment to every citizen in need. United Hatzalah partners with other emergency agencies including ambulance companies, firefighting and rescue services, the army, and the police. United Hatzalah integrates into the existing emergency service framework by filling the gap between the time an emergency call is received and the arrival of institutional emergency services.

Please, make a donation; https://www.israelrescue.org/donate.php

REFLECTIONS ON GOOD AND EVIL

Michelangelo painting Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. Genesis 2:9 And out of the ground made the L-rd G'd to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden and the tree of knowledge of good and evil. Genesis 2:17 But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.

RAMBAN, GENESIS 2:3
"And know that there is more encompassed in the words “to do,” for the six days of creation are akin to the days of the existence of the world." [AJWS translation]

According to Ramban, the creation of the world is not completed, but in the continual process of creation.

ECCLESIASTES RABBAH 12:14
What is it about Good and about Evil? It is said in the name of the house of Rabbi Yanai, one who give a poor person a small amount of money in public, for it happened once that Rabbi Yanai saw a certain man give some money to a poor person in public, it is better that he not give him than that he gives him now and disgraces him. The house of Rabbi Shiloh says, one who gives charity to a woman privately brings her into suspicion. [AJWS translation]

PSALMS 34:12-20
Come, children, listen to me; I will teach you what it is to fear G'd. Who is the man who is eager for life, who desires years of good fortune? Guard your tongue from evil, your lips from deceitful speech. Shun evil and do good, seek amity and pursue it. The eyes of G'd are on the righteous, G-d's ears attentive to their cry. The face of G'd is set against evildoers, to erase their names from the earth. They cry out, and G'd hears, and saves them from all their troubles. G'd is close to the brokenhearted; G'd delivers those crushed in spirit. Though the misfortunes of the righteous be many, G'd will save him from them all. [JPS translation]

RAMBAM, LAWS OF TEMPERAMENT 6:7
If one observes that another committed a sin or walks in a way that is not good, it is the person’s duty to bring the erring one back to the right path and point out that he/she is wronging him/herself by this evil course, as it is said, “You shall surely rebuke your neighbor” (Leviticus 19:17). One who rebukes another, whether for offenses against the one who rebukes him/herself or for sins against G'd, should administer the rebuke in private, speak to the offender gently and tenderly, and point out that the rebuke is offered for the wrongdoer’s own good, to secure for the other life in the World to Come. If the person accepts the rebuke, well and good. If not, the person should be rebuked a second, and a third time. And so one is bound to continue the admonitions, until the sinner assaults the admonisher and says, “I refuse to listen.” Whoever is in a position to prevent wrongdoing and does not do so is responsible for the iniquity of all the wrongdoers whom that person might have restrained.

MISHNA AVOT 5:13 - There are four types of charity givers:
- One who wishes to give, but that others should not give: their eye is evil towards that which belongs to others.
- One who wishes that others should give, but that they themselves should not give: their eye is evil towards that which is their own.
- One who desires that they themselves should give, and that others should give: they are pious.
- One who desires that they themselves should not give and that others too should not give: they are wicked. [translation by USCJ, edited for gender neutrality]

Give away more money

Give away more money - You will become richer! Charity To Assist Growth. By Ronn Torossian

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) or donations can often be seen as window-dressing, but if done right, corporate (and personal) responsibility encompasses giving and the highest form of fulfillment. Earning my living helping corporations (and individuals) utilize the media and public forums to build their brand, we are often asked if certain charitable initiatives will help companies make more, or be portrayed better and my professional answer is always – Only if you are dedicated to it and really believe in it.

Other than the divine blessing and requirements of donations (tithing), we also merit many business realizations from giving to charity. In his book “Giving”, former President Bill Clinton tells of an African tribe he encountered as a result of his “Clinton Foundation”, that has a unique way of greeting each other. When someone says ‘hello’ the other greets him with “I see you.” It’s a powerful message in a world where differences are usually quite visible. Clinton testifies on his amazement with the amount of individuals and business alike that share so many causes and are actively contributing to organizations, NGOs, and charities.

To “win” at corporate responsibility and giving requires dedication. Celebrities, who walk around hospitals one-time, attend fundraising events for NGOs or make a public donation without sincerity can often be seen, with good reason as insincere. I don’t rule out the possibility that some play the game in a very strategic and bleak approach to the issue of giving. But it shouldn’t undermine those individuals, businesses and “even” corporations who are devoted to a larger goal than their own sales and profits.

I was raised in a home where giving wasn’t an option – it was a requirement, whether your money, time, attention or thoughts. For me they are part of a holy, higher value and I believe all people should give, regardless of how much or how little they have. The almighty rests his blessing on those who give, and certain “karma” if you will, shines your life and interactions with people.

Charitable donations raise a company (and individuals’) self image and self awareness. Helping and giving makes you feel good, and more focused on your purpose in the sector or your role. It allows organizations (and people) to be balanced and focused, and lessons jealously, allowing you to feel accomplished and focused on earning even more.

Yet another business benefit is the amazing people you meet at non-profit organizations you care about – you meet people who care about issues similar to you, and as you develop a bond over time, naturally you can make life-long friends, and also naturally beneficial business relationships. (And some of the people you meet through charities can be completely inaccessible in the “real world” but can be reached via the charity you devote your time and effort to).

These people can even evolve into your biggest clients as they did for me. Am certainly not saying to join, or get involved in CSR for business relationships – Join if you believe in and want to help the cause… but of course always expand your network.

Here are some initiatives to consider:

Social Responsibility acts: Whether an individual or major corporation, engage in corporate good. Your employees might very much identify with a list of causes that they and you can embark around the neighborhood you work from, or individual causes. Match donations, or offer time to causes. Can even allow corporations to be rallied as a team around a cause, which becomes useful for corporate morale.

NGOs and Dinners: Beside the obvious goals met when you attend a dinner and the objectives it fulfills with your contribution, you get to meet very interesting people who share the notion that our common humanity is vital. That is your evening and opportunity to mingle, bond, and make new connections. The cause can set the basis for self-reflection and encouragement to support the benefit you attended.

Programs: This is where unique resources come to place. Participate in programs where you can make a difference. PR firms of course can assist in media work, restaurants with food, and the like. Promote the cause like you’d help a loved one.

There are many ways and means to give. The initial act is the most important and ultimate fulfillment that you will gain, and remember that it is never too late to start – Just do it. Give the money away, the blessings of every kind will be returned to you in many multiples. That’s a personal and Public Relations guarantee.

Ronn Torossian is president and CEO of 5WPR, one of the 20 largest independent PR agencies in the U.S. Named to the “40 under 40” list of PR Week & Advertising Age, Ronn Torossian was a semi-finalist for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award, and may be reached at Rtorossian@5wpr.com and followed on twitter @rtorossian5wpr

The Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village (ASYV)

"The village will be a place of hope, where traumatized youth can "dry their tears" (Agahozo) and "live in peace" (Shalom)."
Tikkun olam (literally, "repairing the world," and practically, "engaging in social action") is one of the core tenets of the Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village. At the Village, to undertake tikkun olam as a central project because of the strong contribution it offers to the youth of Agahozo-Shalom themselves, as well as to the surrounding communities.

The Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village (ASYV) is a residential community in rural Rwanda. Its 144 acres are home to youth who were orphaned during and after the genocide in 1994. The Village is designed to care for, protect and nurture these young people. It is a place of hope, where "tears are dried" (signified by the Kinyarwanda word agahozo) and where the aim is to live in peace (from Hebrew, shalom). The marrying of these two languages and concepts in the name of the Village is intended as a reminder of the success of similar efforts in Israel, where genocide also changed the face of a nation.



Within Agahozo-Shalom’s supportive and structured community, the rhythm of life is being restored, with the ultimate goal of equiping young people who have lived through great trauma to become healthy, self-sufficient, and engaged in the rebuilding of their nation. The environment of love and safety created at Agahozo-Shalom serves as the backdrop for programs designed to help our teenagers grow both emotionally and intellectually. The experiences they accumulate at their village home are intended to help them at every level of their future development.

In addition to healing oneself, Agahozo-Shalom teaches the principle of serving the community, both locally and globally. The young people at Agahozo-Shalom are learning through principle and practice the value of mending the world around them (as are the many volunteers who join us from around the world). Our graduates will emerge from Agahozo-Shalom as balanced adults who are not only able to care for themselves and their families, but who are committed to making their community, their country, and their world, a better place.

The Spark of an Idea
In November of 2005, Agahozo-Shalom Founder Anne Heyman and her husband, Seth Merrin, heard a talk about the Rwandan genocide. At a dinner after the talk, Seth asked the speaker to identify the biggest problem Rwanda faced. The answer was the vast number of orphans with no systemic solution to support their well-being and development.

Immediately Anne, a South African-born lawyer and mother of three living in New York City, connected the challenge of the Rwandan orphan population to the similar challenge that Israel faced after the Second World War. When there was a large influx of orphans from the Holocaust,, Israel built residential living communities called youth villages. Anne was inspired to bring this model to Rwanda.

Misson - To enable orphaned and vulnerable youth to realize their maximum potential by providing them with a safe and secure living environment, health care, education and necessary life skills. Education and service are used to model and create socially responsible citizens in Rwanda and around the world.

PHILOSOPHY
The goal of the Village is to restore hope and opportunity to traumatized young lives. A place of learning and renewal, the Village offers a safe, nurturing environment where Rwandan youth can gain the skills and self-confidence they will need to fulfill their individual potential and make an active contribution to a stronger, more peaceful Rwanda.

Repairing the Individual
The philosophy behind ASYV is based heavily on the Yemin Orde Youth Village. We believe that there is a timeline in every life, and that it is important to recognize that each traumatized youth has a past, present and future. Trauma causes a break between the past and the present, traumatic events that they need be to repaired in order for the young people to live in the present and be able to dream of having a future.

At the Village, each teenager will deal with their traumatic break on two levels. One is called tikkun halev, meaning “repairing the heart” in Hebrew. This includes individual therapies that range from music and art to seeing a psychologist or psychiatrist. The second level of the therapeutic process in tikkun olam, meaning “repairing the world.” The notion is that an individual’s healing can be furthered by doing acts of kindness for others and the feeling that they have a part in creating a more just world.

Focus on Learning
ASYV focuses on developing students both cognitively and socially. Schooling is geared towards the ideal of university but also provides students with choices for vocational tracks. Broadly, the Village education focuses on communal participation, and encourages the spirit of volunteerism as a means for sustainable development and community enrichment. It also seeks to expand each student’s talents, skills, and capacity to become not only functioning members of society, but leaders of their communities.

Financials
Where does the money come from? / Where does the money go?

Three Easy Ways To Donate Please, Click Here

Pesach - Passover

Pesach (Passover) 2012, April 7—15 Nissan, 5772, 1st day of Pessach begins after sunset, 6th April. 
The Passover is an eight-day Festival (seven in Israel) commemorating the Exodus from Egypt and the liberation of the Israelites from slavery.

For the duration of Passover, no leavened bread is eaten for which reason it is also called Chag HaMatzot - The Festival of the Unleavened Bread.

"In the first month, on the fourteenth day of the month between the two evenings is the L-RD'S Passover.
And on the fifteenth day of the same month is the feast of unleavened bread unto the L-RD; seven days ye shall eat unleavened bread. In the first day ye shall have a holy convocation; ye shall do no manner of servile work. And ye shall bring an offering made by fire unto the L-RD seven days; in the seventh day is a holy convocation; ye shall do no manner of servile work." - (Leviticus 23:5)

"And this day shall become a memorial for you, and you shall observe it as a festival for the L-RD, for your generations, as an eternal decree shall you observe it. For seven days you shall eat unleavened bread, but on the first day you shall remove the leaven from your homes ... you shall guard the unleavened bread, because on this very day I will take you out of the land of Egypt; you shall observe this day for your generations as an eternal decree." - Exodus 12:14-17

- When the Temple in Jerusalem was standing, the focus of the Passover festival was the Korban Pesach (lit. "Pesach sacrifice," also known as the "Paschal Lamb"). Every family large enough to completely consume a young lamb or Wild Goat was required to offer one for sacrifice at the Jewish Temple on the afternoon of the 14th day of Nisan,and eat it that night, which was the 15th of Nisan.

- Today, in the absence of the Temple, the mitzvah of the Korban Pesach is memorialized in the Seder
Korban Pesach, recited in the afternoon of Nisan 14, and in the form of symbolic food placed on the
Passover Seder Plate, which is usually a roasted shankbone. Source: Wikipedia

- The name "Pesach" (PAY-sahkh) comes from the Hebrew root Peh-Samech-Chet , meaning to pass through, to pass over, to exempt or to spare. It refers to the fact that G-d "passed over" the houses of the Jews when he was slaying the firstborn of Egypt. In English, the holiday is known as Passover. "Pesach" is also the name of the sacrificial offering (a lamb) that was made in the Temple on this holiday. The holiday is also referred to as Chag ha-Aviv , (the Spring Festival), Chag ha-Matzoth , (the Festival of Matzahs), and Z'man Cherutenu, (the Time of Our Freedom).

The Boldrini Hospital - Cancer & Blood Diseases

The Early Childhood Center Boldrini

The Centro Infantil Boldrini is a reference hospital in Latin-America, acts 33 years ago in the care of children and adolescents with cancer and blood diseases.

The Boldrini Hospital is an example of hope, of social commitment, however there is plenty to do: to achieve complete compliance, promoting the development of scientific research to assist in the understanding of cancer, which constitute the pillars of performance of this entity. For both, partnerships with universities, government, society and entrepreneurs are crucial.

It is through solidarity that humans do evidence of true humanity.

The mission
Caring for children, adolescents and young adults with blood diseases or cancer through medical and multidisciplinary, regardless of socioeconomic level, race or creed, and to develop teaching and research.

Overview
Being a Centre of Excellence in the diagnosis, treatment, teaching and research of cancer and hematological diseases in children, adolescents and young adults.

The values
- Work grounded in comprehensive care to patients and their families.
- Multiplier Center of expertise, technologies and services.
- Use of national and international protocols of treatment.
- Research funding.
- Innovative character, working with pioneering the process of humanization of hospitals, promoting since its inception the dignity and the respect to all persons who seek the hospital.
- Ethical management through transparency.

How to help: visit https://www.boldrini.org.br/site/default.asp

Tu B'Shevat - "The New Year of the Trees"

Tu B'Shevat, the 15th of Shevat on the Jewish calendar - Wednesday, February 8, 2012.

- Is the day that marks the beginning of a "New Year of the Trees". This is the season in which the earliest-blooming trees in the Land of Israel emerge from their winter sleep and begin a new fruit-bearing cycle.

Legally, the "New Year of the Trees" relates to the various tithes that are separated from produce grown in the Holy Land. These tithes differ from year to year in the seven-year Shemittah cycle; the point at which a budding fruit is considered to belong to the next year of the cycle is the 15th of Shevat.

We mark the day of Tu B'Shevat by eating fruit, particularly from the kinds that are singled out by the Torah in its praise of the bounty of the Holy Land: grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives and dates. On this day we remember Devarim "Deuteronomy" 20:19 and reflect on the lessons we can derive from our botanical analogue.

Devarim - Chapter 20
19. When you besiege a city for many days to wage war against it to capture it, you shall not destroy its trees by wielding an ax against them, for you may eat from them, but you shall not cut them down. Is the tree of the field a man, to go into the siege before you?