On stage: A (special) Star Is Born
Mentally, physically challenged kids from Israeli Shalva association take stage in song contest, putting aside disability in favor of ability
Children and teens from the afternoon program of Shalva, The Association for Mentally & Physically Challenged Children in Israel, who have mild to moderate disabilities with a variety of syndromes, competed this week at the Jerusalem Theatre in song and dance contest titles “The Third Annual Shalva Star.”
This is the third year the Shalva Star competition has taken place, remaining the peak event in the end-of-the-year celebration of Shalva’s afternoon activity program. The afternoon program aims to provide the challenged youngsters with independent life skills so they can fulfill their potential.
“The integration of these special children into communal life as equal members – despite their disabilities – and increasing awareness in Israeli society to the wonderful world of special needs children and youth is the basis for what we do,” stated Shalva Founder and Director Kalman Samuels. “A performance of this nature clearly presents their willingness and ability to integrate.”
“After months of great effort with the staff and volunteers, I am excited to see the wonderful results on stage,” said Shai Ben Shushan, Shalva’s musical director.
“Personally, I feel that there is no greater satisfaction than to look into the eyes of these children and see their great happiness which fills me too. Time after time, I am reminded of what is truly important in life.”
Shalva was founded in 1990 on the premise that the responsibility for taking care of special needs children should be equally divided between their families and the social community to which the children must eventually adjust. The Shalva center serves hundreds of infants, children and youth via unique programs and round the clock therapies seven days a week throughout the year.
While the children have fun and acquire independence skills, their family members are able to lead normal and healthy lives at no cost. “You mustn’t view these children as misfortune or worthy of pity. Rather treat them with love and real pride. That is the only way to get the best out of them,” Samuels said, concluding with his modus operandi of “going as far as you can without giving up on anyone, regardless of their disability.”
