January 4, 2010 / 18 Tevet 5770

The Alters of Melbourne, Australia, are a truly amazing family.

During a tour of Israel over the beginning of January, Mikey, a recent Bar Mitzvah,  donated his cash gifts to support the Jewish Agency's Pre-Atidim program.

The Jewish Agency's Atidim program offers disadvantaged youth throughout Israel, including many new immigrants, a more positive and enriching future. Pre-Atidim works specifically in high schools to offer individualized assistance and special educational and social programming.

“I am very proud that my Bar Mitzvah  will be helping you.  I believe in Israel and in the importance of education.  I wish you much future success and that there will be peace in Israel,” said Mikey in a moving speech he wrote and delivered in both Hebrew and English to the students of the Pre-Atidim Program.

The ceremony to commemorate Mickey's donation took place at the Steinberg Dormitory Building in Kfar Saba where many Pre-Atidim students live.  

Mikey follows in the footsteps of his 14-year-old older brother, Jeremy, who last year donated his Bar Mitzvah money to help renovate the synagogue in the Ben Yakir Youth Village.

On January 4, 2010, a special dedication ceremony was held for the renovated synagogue in Ben Yakir, which was proudly attended by the Alter family, including the young donor, Jeremy.