Mai’s Story
A Bat Mitzvah to Remember
Mai Cohen is a 12-year-old girl living with a rare syndrome from the village of Dishon, near the Israeli border with Lebanon. After the war started, Mai and her family were evacuated from their home and relocated to Kibbutz Lavi, near Jordan River Village. Each day, Mai comes to the Village to attend the emergency school established for evacuated special education students.
For Mai, coming to the Village was like coming home. Mai and her family first attended a weekend session in May 2022 at the Village for families with children with rare syndromes.
“I discovered that paradise is 50 minutes from my home.”
– Hadas, Mia’s Mother
In addition to dealing with the challenges of being an evacuated family, living away from their home and their community, Mai’s family faced the decision of how to celebrate her upcoming Bat Mitzvah. Naturally, we invited them to hold the celebration at Jordan River Village.
The dining hall, where Mai had recently attended school activities, was transformed into a festive event hall. The space was decorated beautifully, creating a warm and inviting ambiance for this special occasion. Friends, family, and members of the JRV community gathered to celebrate Mai’s Bat Mitzvah, filling the atmosphere with excitement and anticipation. This celebration not only marked a milestone in Mai’s life but also provided a cherished memory for everyone involved, highlighting the power of community and support during times of challenge.
As we reflect on Mai’s Bat Mitzvah celebration, we are reminded of the profound impact that Jordan River Village has on the lives of children and their families. Your unwavering support makes it possible for us continue to make the Village an extraordinary place of joy, resilience, and hope.
