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| A shin-shin volunteer bonds with one of the children participating in the camp. |
More than 60 children suffering from cancer stayed at Nitzana for five days of fun activities during May. The children, who are all being treated in Beer Sheva at Soroka Medical Center's Oncology Department, were hosted at the Negev village together with their families and medical staff from the hospital. Many of the children were from Bedouin families and the program's highlights included tours in the area, sports activities, lessons about desert ecology and solar energy and swimming in the village pool. The program was supported by the Sacta-Rashi Foundation.
Among the 20 shin-shinim (students who have taken a year-off between high school and the army to work as volunteers at Nitzana), who organized the program's events was Nadav Shimon, 19, from Efrat.
"I came here to see and meet Israelis from all walks of life," explained Shimon, "and that's what I've achieved. When I see these children I realize how lucky I am to have my health."
Rutie Salamon, 19, another volunteer from Kibbutz Yakum spoke in a similar vein. "Being a Nitzana has been a very enriching experience," she said. "We have been able to help Israelis from all walks of life, while learning a lot about Israelis and ourselves."
Nitzana News Bulletin: June 2003
The Nitzana Educational Community is Partnered with the Allied Jewish Federation of Colorado.
Tammuz 5763 - June 2003