CREATING AN INCLUSIVE SOCIETY

Friend Aura and hubby David

Many folks are overlooked for the good work they do for those with disabilities so it's extra wonderful when these very same people are recognized. I was asked by Milwaukee friend, Aura, to be present last Thursday as she was an honoree at a JNF fundraising event north of Milwaukee at Shully's in Thiensville. The honorees including their family, friends and community gathered for aperitifs, wine and visiting followed by dinner and a program for over 200 people.

From the looks of the Wisconsin Tribute Banquet Committee I take it these women had a fun time planning the event/ perhaps even happier the event is finally here.

Below are the JNF honorees along with some in and out of town JNF officers...

Top row: Ends flanked by Chicago JNF visitors L to R Honorees:Dr. David and Jody Margolis, Molly Zall, Next Generation Leader, Honoree Glenn Graves,Yossi Kahanam, Director JNF Task Force on Disabilities

Bottom row: Honoree Aura Mollick Hirschman, (Tribute banquet chair Sue Carneol) Honoree Eileen Graves,

Wisconsin Board Co Presidents: Rusti Moffic and Enid Bootzin

I met and befriended two of these honorees my first week in Milwaukee some 20 years ago. I am so proud of both of them for the work they do. 

(L) Eileen's Mom and Eileen

One of these acquaintances Eileen, a learning specialist, and her husband, Glen were also being honored. Family members came in from all over for the occasion. 
Their son, Daniel, one of my son's classmates introduced his parents's  alluding, as did all presenters, to their honorees' s 'empathy' and 'compassion.' Daniel's Mom was instrumental in implementing the Milwaukee Keshet program for students with disabilities while his father, an opthamologist, helps others by improving eye care. It's heartwarming having a grown child voicing appreciation of their parents's guidance, passions and work they do every day.

My first weekend living in Milwaukee, my family joined Aura's family at their dinner table and throughout the years our paths have continued to recross. It was extra special to celebrate this evening with her. 

  Pictured in front of Aura are Aura's Mom, her brother Shep and his wife, Linda. 

Linda was the one who spoke about her sister-in-law and friend of 50 years, Aura. Aura's love of Israel has included 6 visits and

Aura's acceptance speech

insuring her 3 boys also visited the Jewish homeland. For 40 years Aura has worked with people with disabilities and is now the Alternative Textbook Coordinator at the UWM Accessibility  Resource Center, specializing with students with visual  impairments, autism, learning disabilities or ADHD. 

In addition to hearing about each honoree and their work, we also learned what JNF is doing at present in Israel. The night's featured speaker, Yossi Kahana, appointed director for Aleh Negev-Nahalat Eran, a new rehabilitative village in the Negev spoke about the JNF progress in the past 15 years of special ed and medical care for people with special needs in that 'no person is left behind' and is important regardless of nationality. This accessibility also includes parks, playgrounds, camp grounds.

The final announcement of the evening was that the the tribute Banquet Coordinator, Sue Carneol, would be taking on the role of Wisconsin JNF Board President. 

Mazal Tov, Sue. May you have a lot of help helping JNF be as effective as it can be to continue its programs in making a difference, especially in the lives of people with disabilities as every individual has the right to live with dignity.