Ezra USA Past Events
Many may not have heard of a new project in our city "Give a child a smile". Founders of the project: the Russian youth movement Ezra USA, and its always on the move general director David Roitman.I am making this reportage from the office of this project in the "Ezra USA" building, which operates with support from the American Forum of Russian Jewry at 311 Sea Breeze Avenue in Brooklyn (commit this address to memory, I'll be glad if it proves useful). I derived much satisfaction from my conversation with Anna and Amanda, the two charming young ladies who manage and run the project, its volunteers. Anna and Amanda told me all about how this project came into being, and now it is up to me to inform my readers.
Apart from Ezra USA, the project is supported by another organization, called Larger Than Life (LTL). I can already tell you, that it was this organization, which helped making the contact with Israeli children's cancer hospitals.
So, it all started when the two inseparable friends Anne and Amanda decided to spend their leisure time on something useful and meaningful. Anne's attention was caught by the lot of children with cancer, whose numbers, unfortunately, are growing worldwide.
Friday, September 16th 2011, EZRA USA held its monthly Shabbat Dinner. However, this dinner was different from all the others. It was a dinner for all the Madrichi that had ever come through EZRA in the past ten years. It was a sight to see, old and new Madrichi, some meeting for the first time. About 70 Madrichi showed up, many brought their families: wife's, husbands, and children with them, the ones who will one day be future EZRA USA Taglit participants. There was delicious food, beautiful decorations, and great company. Present at the dinner were special guests, the Executive Director of EZRA USA, David Roitman, board member Igor Branovan and Roni Vinikov, the Israeli Emissary of the World Zionist Organization (WZO).
On September 3rd 2011 EZRA USA held its summer 2011 Taglit-Birthright Mega Reunion. The event took place at Club B66 in Brooklyn. The party was hosted by our very own Madrich's, Manashe Khaimov and Julia Shteyman. A Special live performance was given by Y-Love and music for the evening was provided by DJ John Koval. There was guest speaker from the Friends of the IDF (www.fidf.org), who thanked EZRA for their fundraising. This years celebration marked the 10 Year Anniversary Of Ezra USA:Taglit Birthright Israel, making it an extra special one. The party went on into the late hours of the night. Summer group participants reunited with their friends and Madrich's and met past alumni. This event was made possible with generous help and support from the Birthright Israel Alumni Community..
On August 26th 2011, the day before Hurricane Irene was supposed to hit New York City, the EZRA USA monthly Friday night dinner went on without a hitch. The possibility of a hurricane did not keep anybody away; about 70 participants and alumni showed up. There was delicious food, which went quickly; salads, rice, potatoes, chicken, and other yummy things. Old friends got to catch up with each other and new friends were made; and as always conversations lasted late into the night!
What better way to celebrate Tu B'aV, the Israeli day of love, then with a 90's dance party! The Talmud tells us that many years ago the daughters of Jerusalem would go dance in the vineyards on the 15th of Av, and whoever did not have a wife would go there to find himself a bride. On Sunday August 14th, at DownHouse Lounge, EZRA USA alumni and participants braved the heavy rain and went dancing to 90's music. There were costumes, slap bands, blow pops, and the macarena. The girls and guys danced the night away and maybe even made a match or two! Happy Tu' B'aV!!!!
