Israel Cranbrook Volunteerism: A Commitment ASSOCIATES, INC GAIL LICHTMAN SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH NEWS • • r • • • • - --) REALTORS With the limitations of the wel- fare state a hot topic of debate in both the United States and Eu- rope, there have been increasing calls for voluntary organizations to take up where government leaves off. In 1981, Israel, which has an outstanding tradition of volun- teerism, set up a mandatory pro- gram for volunteerism in Israel's high schools. Beginning with 33 schools, the Personal Commit- ment Program has grown to in- dude more than 250 schools nationwide, including both secu- lar and religious schools. The Israel Voluntary Services organization lists some 250 vol- untary organizations operating in the country, with more than 50,000 Israelis (out of a popula- tion of 5 million), or about 25 per- cent of those over the age of 16, engaged in some form of volun- teerism. These organizations run the gamut from an AIDS Task Force to Zahavi, an organization aimed at helping large families; from immigrant absorption, child welfare, senior citizens, health and the disabled, to soldiers' wel- fare, quality of life and security. The goal of the one-year Per- sonal Commitment Program is to strengthen the link between youth and the community by making participants in the pro- gram aware of the needs of the community and their responsi- bility to it. Once a high school de- cides to be a part of the program, it becomes a requirement of the school. Most schools choose to imple- ment the program in the 10th grade. The ministry provides spe- cial training for program coordi- nators and supplies a wealth of workbooks and other materials, including videos, simulation games, role playing, etc., to help the students cope with their vol- unteering. Leyada School in Jerusalem chose to implement the program in the ninth grade. The majority of students work with the elder- ly and a good number work with the handicapped or with disad- vantaged children. Those who have difficulty handling emo- tional stress can do volunteer work in, say, the botanical gar- dens or one of the country's hos- pitals. Some of those working with the elderly have to face debili- tating illness and death. Ela Ay- alon started helping an elderly man in his 80s. Shortly after she began her weekly home visits, he became very ill and had to be hos- pitalized. 0 WZPS WISH ALL OUR CUSTOMERS A VERY HAPPY and HEALTHY NEW YEAR Franklin 32440 Franklin Rd. 626-8700 West Bloomfield 7001 Orchard Lake Road 855-2200 Wishing our Customers, Families and Friends A Healthy, Happy New Year! Bloomfield Hills Two Lone Pine Rd. 647-0100 Heating and Air Conditioning Wishes a Healthy and Happy New Year to All our Friends and Customers! Phone: 810-335-4555 wishing Everyone A Healthy, Happy New Year Denise, Shelley, Michele Sharon, Lori im in nit 29791 Northwestern Hwy. Southfield, MI 48034 (810) 355-1400 CLIPPERS UNISEX HAIR SALON Happy New Year From The Staff Of Clippers! We Welcome New Stylist Vicki Baker Applegate Square • Northwestern at Inkster • 810-262-1475 co C) ca) CC LU 2 LU CL_ LLI CI) 81