Community Corner

Merrimack Valley Jewish Federation Donates to Israeli School Devastated by Fire

The following was submitted by the Merrimack Valley Jewish Federation.

The following was submitted by the Merrimack Valley Jewish Federation.

Laurie Tishler Mindlin, executive director of the Merrimack Valley Jewish Federation, last month hand-delivered a donation of $5,500 to help the children and faculty at Yemin Orde Youth Village in Israel recover from the December fire that destroyed 40 percent of their campus.

Yemin Orde, located near Haifa on the edge of the Mt. Carmel forest is home, school and haven for more than 500 children from 20 countries, most of who have no family. The village pioneered a unique philosophy that cherishes diverse cultures, cultivates self-esteem, and develops leadership. Graduates succeed as university students, civic leaders, and professionals in fields ranging from business to teaching to the military.

Find out what's happening in North Andoverwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

When the wildfire swept through the village, the children and staff members and their families were evacuated safely to a nearby village. Recovery efforts are underway: new electrical and plumbing systems, new homes and offices, new landscaping, a new library, and more. It will take nearly two years to rebuild the entire village.

Mindlin, who was already planning a trip to Israel, suggested the Federation board raise monies for Yemin Orde, and that she would go there personally to hand them the check.

Find out what's happening in North Andoverwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

An event held at a Board member’s home, plus an enthusiastic email campaign raised most of the funds, with an additional allocation from the Federation’s annual campaign.

“We can truly say that the funds came from our entire community,” explained Mindlin.

Susan Weijel, director of Relationships and Outreach, who said they were most appreciative of the Federation’s gift, accepted the donation.

After a receiving a tour of the village, Mindlin said, “While it was so moving and sad to see the damage, you could also see the hope.

The Jewish National Fund had already planted trees to replace what was lost, and much of the debris had been cleared.

“It was miraculous that the fire destroyed the library’s reading room, but spared the books, and also that the synagogue was untouched, while many of the residences were burned to the ground.” she said.

Mindlin said she was so amazed at the resolve of the staff and children. Immediately after the fire, a metal menorah sculptured by a graduate of the village was erected in front of the synagogue and lit in observance of Hanukah. “It was a way to teach the children that fire could also be used for good,” she explained.

While The Federation’s donation will help in the restoration, Mindlin said there are future plans for growth in the village. “We want to continue our relationship with Yemin Orde and help support them going forward as part of our annual allocations,” she explained.

The Merrimack Valley Jewish Federation (MVJF) is non-profit, giving organization whose mission: to strengthen Jewish identity in the Merrimack Valley, support Israel and local, national, and international Jewish needs.

For more information about Yemin Orde, the Federation or donating, please call 978-688-0466 check out the website at www.mvjf.org.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here