The Cohen/Davidovsky family pose for a photo with young people from the Jewish Agency's Tapuz Absorption Center. The shirts and hats were donated by the family in honor of Talia Davidovsky's upcoming Bat Mitzvah.
August 30, 2010 / 20 Elul 5770
When three generations of the Cohen / Davidovsky family of New Jersey visited Israel this summer, they made a point of spending time at the Tapuz Absorption Center in Nahariya.
There they had a chance to learn more about the center, and to see first hand the variety of services and support offered to Ethiopian immigrants as they acclimate to life in Israel.
The Cohen/Davidovsky family includes Gila Cohen, her children Talia, Ari and Ilan and Gila's mother, Barbara.
In honor of Talia's upcoming Bat Mitzvah, which she will celebrate in October, 2010, the family donated soccer balls, shirts and hats to the youth at the Absorption Center.
Nahariya was a must-see for the family since it is the UJA Federation of Northern New Jersey's partnership city through the Jewish Agency's Partnership 2000 (P2K).
The visit and the personal connections made have left a lasting impression.
"My mother and I have spent years working with diverse communities and helping them integrate into American society," said Gila. "Seeing it happen in Israel with our own people was an eye opening experience that showed us just how important and critical is the Absorption Center.
"Coming to Nahariya with my mother and children was one of the most moving and memorable days of our four weeks in Israel," Gila added. "And learning about this community has linked us to Nahariya in a way that will be forever significant."
The family is committed to sharing their experiences with their home community.