By, Anonymous
1 min read
A moving speech from a 21-year-old supported by Kisharon helped the special educational needs charity raise a record £1 million from its 40th anniversary dinner.
Talya Jacobson, daughter of Kisharon chief executive Dr Beverley Jacobson, has cerebral palsy, a severe visual impairment and learning difficulties.
Addressing the 700 guests at the Park Lane Hilton in central London, she said: "When I was very little I had meningitis and my family thought I couldn't walk or talk. But look at me now.
"I am living in a flat independently thanks to Kisharon. I like to collect money to help others so tonight I want to ask all of you to give money to help other people like me."
Earlier, Kisharon chairman Philip Goldberg reported that the charity had exchanged on a site "for our latest social enterprise initiative [in Temple Fortune]. A new flagship store is due to open in the autumn, building on the successes of Kisharon's print shop and bike shop, which have set us apart."
Every time I’ve been there was humbling Lord Sacks
Lord Sacks said that in a world gone mad, it was important to remember the meaning of humanity.
"You just have to set foot within the doors of Kisharon to restore your faith in humanity and what really matters. Every time I've been there was moving, humbling and profoundly uplifting. So let us salute and applaud Beverley Jacobson and her incredible team of professionals."
Israeli Ambassador Mark Regev said the charity represented "the finest principles, the finest teachings, that Judaism is all about".
Kisharon clients joined American rapper Nissim Black on stage for an acappella routine. Mr Black is an Orthodox convert who embraced Judaism after his son contracted meningitis. "If you want to know about service to God, work with special needs kids," he told the audience, referring to his two years assisting youngsters with learning disabilities.