South Jerusalem Friendship Circle Celebrates 15 Years with Bike Ride

Photo Credits: Racheli Schussheim

On Friday, May 30, 40 cyclists ranging in age from eight to 76 set out from Jerusalem’s historic First Station for a thrilling 33 kilometer bike ride with Kosher Cycle Tours, led by Rabbi Aaron Hurwitz, for the fourth annual South Jerusalem Friendship Cycle.

The event, which culminated in a generous lunch and party at the Jerusalem Aquarium, celebrated 15 years of friendship and inclusion at the Friendship Circle of South Jerusalem, directed by Rabbi Avraham and Nechama Dina Hendel of Chabad of Baka.

Families of kids with special needs enjoyed the delicious dairy lunch from Holy Bagel, together with the cyclists and devoted volunteers. Before touring the beautiful aquarium, the children enjoyed an interactive sports clinic with basketball star and coach, Tamir Goodman.

Amongst the riders were Friendship Circle children, parents, and volunteers, as well as Chabad of Baka community members of all ages and backgrounds.

The Raw Stone and Rachel’s Children Reclamation Foundation were corporate sponsors, in addition to Holy Bagel, Red Heifer Steakhouse, and others who contributed to support the great work of Friendship Circle.

The families thoroughly enjoyed themselves. One mom shared, “The Friendship Circle of South Jerusalem family is extremely special. You are selfless and giving to those who need it the most. You make the invisible visible.”

FC Video:

The Friendship Circle of South Jerusalem is now servicing over 100 families with over 100 volunteers. On a weekly basis, children with special needs receive loving buddies. They and their siblings are able to partake in a Friendship Circle Kids Club that takes place at Chabad of Baka, which includes a light dinner, baking, art and sports.

Year-round programming includes holiday events for the families and volunteers, volunteer enrichment programs, Shabbat dinners and special retreats to nurture the parents.

A few months ago, the Friendship Circle of South Jerusalem hosted and sponsored a Bar Mitzvah for a beautiful boy with special needs, who tragically lost his beloved mother to cancer a few years ago.

The father said that their dream was to have Yonatan Razel, famous performer and song-writer, sing at the Bar Mitzvah. After surgery for hearing loss, his parents weren’t sure of the success of the procedure. When the young boy began dancing to Yonatan Razel’s song “Ivdu et Hashem B’Simcha,” it was an emotional moment for them, as they realized that he could finally hear.

Friendship Circle made their dream a reality and enveloped the family with love and care. The camaraderie amongst those who attended this unforgettable Bar Mitzvah was palpable.

Bar Mitzvah Video:

Rabbi Dr. Aaron Rakefet of Yeshiva University was one of the guests and was visibly moved. He shared, “It was an evening of unbelievable chesed, ahavat Yisroel, brotherhood, and unity. It is also amazing to see the strength of Chabad. I remember when the seventh Rebbe was beginning his reign. Who could believe how one immigrant to the US would change and inspire not just America but the entire Jewish world!”

During Operation Rising Lion, the Friendship Circle of South Jerusalem gifted the families with vouchers to Chabad’s Judaica Shop. With children cooped up at home, they were excited to choose a new game, book, or other item to cheer them up.

To find out more about the Friendship Circle of South Jerusalem or to donate, visit chabadofbaka.com!