Professor Benzion Netanyahu
Photo: GPO
PM moved to tears by visit from special needs children
Children from Sulam special education network create album of drawings for Benjamin Netanyahu who recently lost his father; make personal visit that moves family to tears
This was more than just the usual condolence call; it was a special meeting between two special needs children who sought, in their own unique way, to express their feelings over the prime minister's loss
of his father.
Two days before the end of the 'shiva' mourning period for his father Professor Benzion Netanyahu, the Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed two children from the Sulam special education network in Jerusalem. An organization that focuses on caring for special needs children.
PM looks through the album prepared by Sulam kids (Photo: Malka Shaham)
The children, David and Uri, carried an album that included pictures drawn by them and the center's other children. The pictures included drawings of the sun, smiles, ladders and embracing arms. The prime minister found it hard to remain nonchalant and got up to hug the two children.
The cover of the album included a photo of Professor Benzion Netanyahu and the pictures included short inscriptions: "Bibi, I drew you a hug because I'm sad with you," "I drew you a sun to warm you," and "I drew you a ladder so you can be tall like your father."
The children were accompanied by the principal of the Sulam school branches Esti Ernster and organization activist Malka Shaham.
"The family was in tears when they welcomed the children, Bibi told us it was the most moving visit he had during the shiva … His eyes were filled with tears and he told them 'you moved me oh, how you have moved me'" Shaham told Ynet.
The Sulam organization is diligent in giving the children daily updates on current events in the country and that is how the moving initiative came to pass. "When the children heard of the passing of the prime minister's father, the teachers noticed the (children) were very emotional," Shaham noted.
"We decided to let them express themselves through drawings and then to collect them and set out for an uncoordinated visit at the prime minister's residence. We were hoping to be able to pass on the drawings even if we didn't get a chance to go in," Shaham said.
The spontaneous visit exceeded the children's and the teachers' expectations. Though masses were waiting outside the bereaved family's home, the Sulam children received a special entry permit. In addition to the shiva visit the Sulam organization has also decided to dedicate a therapy room in their new building in Jerusalem to Professor Benzion Netanyahu.
