The music therapy room at Ezer Mizion's Oranit guest home for children with cancer was recently inaugurated in memory of Saul Uri Harris z"l. The music room was sponsored by Uri's family and friends to benefit cancer patients and their families who are staying at the cancer patient guest home while they undergo outpatient cancer therapy at nearby hospitals.

Uri Harris, a well-known impresario, was stricken with cancer about fourteen years ago. Even before he became ill, Uri was busy helping Ezer Mizion, organizing parties and exciting events for children with cancer, rallying the efforts of famous performers and popular entertainers.

Throughout his illness, Uri continued organizing events for cancer patients, even from his room in the oncology unit, calling on his fellow artists to bring cheer to the sick. His friends say that Uri was such a unique and warm person and was so beloved to them that they could not refuse his requests and tried to come every time he gave them a call.

Following a nine year battle with cancer, Uri passed away, leaving behind his parents, brothers and wife. His family members, who wanted to do something to perpetuate his memory, chose to dedicate the music room at Oranit center in his name.

Free, private music therapy lessons for sick children and their family members on drums, organ, guitar and other instruments take place in the room. The music therapy is offered by Ezer Mizion for free to guests at Oranit as part of an extensive therapy program that is funded in part by the Donald Berman Foundation.

On Uri's fifth yahrzeit, Oranit hosted a ceremony to inaugurate the music room in Uri's memory. Uri's friends, family members and medical team participated. They shared precious memories, recalled his many efforts to bring joy to sick patients, and pointed out that the sponsorship of a music room is a most appropriate, direct continuation of Uri's life mission to which he was so dedicated.

Musical pieces were performed by sick children and their siblings, by children of sick parents, and by the parent of a sick child as part of the inauguration ceremony. All of the performers are active participants in Uri's music room and enjoy the uplifting experience, inner joy and therapeutic qualities that playing music brings them.