Avi Shogminov and Leah Reicin, Chair of Hadassah's Youth Aliyah Committee together at the Convention

The 90th Hadassah National Convention in Phoenix, Arizona in July hosted three guests from Youth Aliyah in Israel. The three-person delegation comprised Daniel Zelenko, the newly appointed Director of the Residential Village at Ramat Hadassah Szold, Avi Shogminov, a 17 year old student at Ramat Hadassah Szold and Liz Arviv, a 22 year old graduate of Meir Shfeya, now studying Social Work at Haifa University.

"The warmth and support for Youth Aliyah that we received was very encouraging," recounted Zelenko. "It was very exciting."

The Israeli visitors addressed the Hadassah convention plenum and also starred in a workshop devoted to the organization’s ongoing support for Youth Aliyah. The Hadassah delegates were clearly moved as Avi spoke to them.

 

Daniel Zelenko (second from left) and Avi Shogminov (third from left) meet Hadassah women in Arizona.

"Being here today with Daniel," he said, "who was my first counselor and positive father figure is the fulfillment of a dream. I am proud to be able to tell you how important it is for me to continue helping other children like myself, who without the loving support that I received, might find themselves wandering the streets and choosing a life of crime."

Avi recalled that he had immigrated to Israel as an infant with his family from Azerbaijan in the Former Soviet Union. "My three brothers and I live with our mother, since our father ran out on us when I was seven. I came to Ramat Hadassah Szold when I was 11. At the time I was the one who had the responsibility of making sure my brothers had what to eat and what to wear because my mother was addicted to drugs and busy undergoing rehabilitation."

Kislev 5765 - November 2004