| According to tradition, "When Adar comes, joy abounds". But for many elderly, handicapped, homebound, or hospitalized people, this saying has no connection with their lives. Ezer Mizion sets out each year to change that! In honor of Purim, hundreds of volunteers of all ages from Ezer Mizion branches around the country went to hospitals, visited old age homes, clubs for the elderly, and private homes to bring hope and joy to people who are all-too-often forgotten. Following is a review of some of Ezer Mizion's Purim activities.
Visits to Hospitals
Edna, an 85 year-old widow, was hospitalized at the Beit Rivka Geriatric hospital in Petach Tikva. "I was so despondent," she recalls. "This would be the first time in my life that I was unable to celebrate Purim. Suddenly, two young men appeared, carrying baskets of mishloach manot with all sorts of goodies. They read the megillah and sang Purim songs. They gave us the feeling that someone cares!"
Dr. Brill, the director of the hospital greeted the volunteers. He couldn't praise Ezer Mizion enough for the party and the ongoing activities conducted throughout the year.
Edna was just one of hundreds of patients who received mishloach manot that were prepared by schoolchildren and distributed by students. Beilinson, Hasharon, Tel Hashomer, Pardesia, Ma'aynei Hayeshua, Ichilov, Gehah Psychiatric and Schneider Children's Hospitals in the center of the country, Kaplan Hospital in Rehovot, Barzilai Hospital in Ashkelon, and Herzfeld Hospital in Gedera were some of the other hospitals visited.
Modi'in Elite
In Modi'in Elite, the general population was recruited to prepare for Purim. A special training was held for seminary girls who volunteer for Ezer Mizion. Various workshops, taught by professionals, helped to enhance their skills: how to decorate cakes for Purim, how to work with challenged children, etc.
Three-cornered bags were sent to schoolchildren to prepare mishloach manot for children in hospitals. The youngsters filled the bags with tasty goodies and warm wishes for a speedy recovery. This was done by other Ezer Mizion branches and the mishloach manot were distributed right before or on Purim itself to sick children in hospitals.
And Rabbi Feingold, a particularly dedicated volunteer driver, drove through the city on the days preceding Purim, collecting money for ma'ot chitim. He distributed candy to children who came with their mother to contribute money, adding to the sweetness of the holiday.
Petach Tikvah
When Mayor Itzik Ohayon came to deliver greetings at Ezer Mizion's party for the elderly held at Hachoshen Synagogue in Petach Tikvah - he found his own mother there! She and all the other participants enjoyed performances by the Breslov choir and singer Yisrael Parnas, accompanied by the Nachshoni brothers. Two birthdays were celebrated during the party - an 80 year old woman and her 92-year old friend - both of whom are named Esther!
Project Respite
Many children enjoyed Purim with trained host families participating in Ezer Mizion's Respite Project. The Respite Project, which provides short-term hosting where a family "fosters" special needs children over weekends and holidays, gives a breather to families of these children while the children benefit from a change of environment and lots of affection.
Bringing Joy to Challenged Children
Little Sarah squealed in delight when a life-size rabbit came over and asked to dance with her. The rabbit - in reality one of the volunteers who were masquerading as animals - was one of the many attractions at the pre-Purim party at Ezer Mizion's activity clubs for challenged children in Modi'in Ilit. In Bnei Brak, a Purim carnival for the activity clubs included a petting zoo, a balloon room, arts and crafts, and other activities. With the help of volunteers, the children were able to prepare special Purim items and to enjoy genuine Purim fun!
WATCH VIDEO OF PURIM CARNIVAL
Purim Cards
Dedicated Ezer Mizion volunteers sold Purim cards in support of Ezer Mizion this year. The campaign was especially successful because of the dedication of the volunteers and the fact that Purim came out on Friday and many people sent cards in lieu of Purim baskets. We salute out devoted volunteer, Leedan Cohen of Toronto who topped the list, selling over $4,000 worth of Purim cards this season.
Mishloach Manos
Thousands of children from all parts of Israel prepared mishloach manos packages to be distributed to hospitalized children for Purim. They were joined by the first, second and third grade boys at Yeshiva Tiferes Yisroel in Flatbush who put together and shipped hundreds of shalach manos packages to sick children in Israel, that were distributed in hospitals. This Purim Chessed project was coordinated by Rabbi Weiner, Principal, and Mrs. Faigy Marmorstein, Volunteer Parent Coordinator. | 
