Question: How did the decision to make aliyah come about and how long have you been living in Israel?
Jay: I wanted to be part of the history of the Jewish people and believe that it will be determined in Israel. I settled in Rehovot and have been living there since making aliyah six years ago.
Question: Do you have a personal connection to special needs? How did your interest in special needs develop?
Jay: Our foundation initially invested in supporting children with special needs because we felt that all Jewish children should have access to a Jewish education - it’s an issue of fairness. Our first investment was with the Combined Jewish Philanthropies (CJP) in Boston in a program called the Day School Initiative. Our investment has allowed children with special needs to access a Jewish education at any of the fourteen Jewish day schools in the Greater Boston community.
Subsequent to our initial investment in supporting children with special needs, my nephew was diagnosed with autism. This brought the issue closer to home for my extended family.
Question: Why do you think inclusion and integration of people with special needs in the greater Jewish community and in Israel is so important?
Jay: As a people we have an obligation to include
every member of our community in our religious, cultural and social life. We should be judged by how we include those most challenged in our society. By including people with special needs in our community life, we will become a better people.
Question: How could Israel improve their inclusion efforts in local communities?
Jay: Where do I start? We need to think of including people with special needs in every aspect of our communal life.
Question: What interested you in Shutaf's inclusion programs for kids and teens with special needs?
Jay: I believe that inclusion is so important for the teen program because it will help influence awareness of people with special needs and shape attitudes for future generations. In addition, I was impressed at the inclusive nature of the program that also teaches skills that can help teens with special needs transition from school to employment and a meaningful life.
Question: What makes giving meaningful to you?
Jay: When we fund a program, we seek to improve the lives of the people who receiving services and help use the innovation of the program to raise awareness.