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New AKIM Chapter Will Support Israelis With Disabilities

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By Anna Karan

AKIM Miami, a chapter of Friends of AKIM (Hebrew abbreviation for: Association for the Rehabilitation of the Mentally Handicapped in Israel) was recently launched thanks to volunteer, Marnique Sparago, who will head the new group.

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Well known by the people of Israel and considered the largest organization of its kind in the country, AKIM provides rehabilitation programs and activities for the physically, mentally and emotionally challenged. It also offers support and education about disabilities to the parents of such children or adults.

“There are amazing programs in place with AKIM that produce unbelievable, almost ‘miraculous’ results in a very short period of time,” said Sparago at the Miami chapter’s kick-off event. “AKIM has organized therapeutic horseback riding where participants of all ages undergo remarkable improvements.”

Israel Consul General, Dr. Yitschak Ben Gad, attended the event and offered these heartfelt remarks:

“Not everyone was born healthy in life. Some cannot even do the simplest things. AKIM is willing to help. We are, as a Jewish people, responsible for one another. When I was growing up in Libya, we often got bread and tuna fish on holidays. One time, I asked my schoolteacher why as my father had not paid for these things. He replied, “It’s from the Joint.”

“Joint?” I asked.

“Yes, from America,” he replied.

“This is when it came to me that if there are Jews in America who care about Jews in Libya, this is in essence what makes us unique, and what keeps us strong.”

Sparago grew up in Israel knowing the work of AKIM.

“When I realized there wasn’t much awareness about AKIM in the United States I decided to try and change that,” Sparago said. “There is an office in New York called Friends of AKIM but they deal with the business aspect of AKIM and don’t organize functions or events. This event was an attempt to spread awareness here in Florida.”

When asked what people can do, Sparago compared the new group to a kibbutz.

“I believe everyone has something to put in whether it is ideas, connections or donations,” she said. “I intend on hosting events like this in other major cities across the country.”

A tax-deductible gift of $36 will sponsor one therapeutic horseback riding session. For more information, visit: http://www.AKIMUSA.org.


Posted by Anna Karan on 08/31 at 04:05 PM • Hits: 119



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