Mothers and Daughters.

In 1979, Wendy Ben-Chaim (nee Biffson) made Aliya (emigrated) from Margate, N.J. to Arad. Wendy, a long-time volunteer in P2K since its beginnings, and an active member of our Living Bridge committee as well as a committed member of the women's organization "We Are One", has raised an amazing young woman.

Twenty-four-year-old Keren, born and raised in Arad, has learnt from her mother the value of "community" and from early on has been active in the Partnership. As a teen, Keren worked for two consecutive years in our "Kefiada" Day Camp which promotes the study of English as a second language while incorporating all the fun activities of a summer day camp.

Following her graduation with honours from the Arad High School, Keren served two years as part of the Search and Rescue Team in the Home Front Command unit of the IDF. As part of her service, Keren was chosen to represent the IDF on a campaign mission for Israel. During this campaign mission, which covered much of the U.S., Keren spoke to captive audiences in the different Federations throughout the United States describing life in Israel from the point of view of a young adult and an Army Sergeant.

In 2003, Yuval Shefi, who was then the Shaliach for Margate County, initiated the "Ivriada" program where Arad/Tamar Townships send counselors to work in summer camps in the U.S. Following her army service, Keren was chosen as one of five young adults for our first group of Iviriada counselors. The program was a huge success and upon her return to Israel, Keren continued to be active in P2K programs, focusing on Living Bridge activities. Keren, together with Yovav Shore (P2K volunteer), built and run the training program for our Ivriada counselors. Idan Kligerman, our current young emissary in Atlantic City and Cherry Hill, was also part of the team that assisted Keren and Yovav. These enthusiastic volunteers have built an amazing six-week training program which prepares our counselors for their work at the Federation summer camps and their stay in partner communities.

Keren has done all of this and more, and throughout it all, she is working on her B.A. in Occupational Therapy from Tel Aviv University. Upon completion of her degree in 2008, Keren plans to work on her M.A while working in her field with children. But what is obvious to all of us, Keren will always be an integral part of our Partnership leadership.

Wendy has much to be proud of.