Beautiful Israel’s array of branches and “army” of volunteers are busy holding our annual nationwide competitions – a complex, demanding activity that includes 8 national competitions in 8 different areas: Industry, Local authorities, Hospitals, Hotels, Senior citizens’ homes, Ritual baths and Public bomb shelters, with the focus on promoting quality of life. But they don’t stop there. They’re leveraging their strength to bring about additional changes for the benefit of the public, improving the communities in which they live. Here’s a small sample of activities:
- In Kiryat Motzkin, a lot of hard work has paid off in renovating the Moshe Goshen Community Center for disabled adults. A dilapidated space has been transformed into a modern clubhouse, a heartwarming achievement that’s putting smiles on everyone’s faces. The work was carried out through the dedicated efforts of the employees of the “Even Sid” Quarry, with volunteers and residents pitching in, all led by our branch manager, Mrs. Haya Shmeltz. Chaim Tsuri, the mayor of Kiryat Motzkin, also rolled up his sleeves and took part in the work. This activity represents another successful cooperation with the employees of “Even Sid”, who several weeks earlier joined Beautiful Israel branch volunteers in planting summer fruit trees and vegetables for the residents of another of the city’s rehabilitation clubs.
- During the last three months, a unique and unusual beauty competition was held in Beer Sheva, the “capital of the Negev”. It focused on the beautification, aesthetics and sustainability of 18 schools in the city’s older neighborhoods, including three for special needs students. Pupils, teachers and members of the surrounding communities took part in arranging, cleaning, painting, planting and renovating the school’s structures and surroundings. 12 veteran judges – volunteers from CBI’s Beer Sheva branch, led by its director, Mrs. Yaffa Saad, also took part in this wonderful initiative, along with the Municipality of Beer Sheva and the “Green Beer Sheva” association. Participants received countless compliments from visitors who encountered their activity. Who won the contest? The real winners were those who took part, contributing to a cleaner, prettier Beer Sheva. The results are there for everyone to see and enjoy.
- CBI’s Eilat branch brought joy to the residents of the Amidar Assisted Living Residence, catching up the seniors in an hour and a half of captivating rhythm. What styles of dancing were there? A bit of everything – Israeli folk dancing, along with explanations about the country and its army; Russian dancing; Yemenite steps; oriental dances and, for “dessert”, Moroccan dancing. The activity included explanations about the history and character of all the waves of immigration to Israel. It concluded with the residents of the home enjoying real, homemade desserts, accompanied by endless smiles.
We are looking forward to the upcoming activities.