Gesher Yehuda is the only school of its kind. For the past 16 years, it has been serving the needs of students with learning challenges and helping them gain self-esteem and confidence. With a staff trained in special education, the school has been used by colleges as a site for students and teachers who want to learn more about children who need that extra helping hand. Gesher Yehuda’s students go on to high school and college.

“The education that children receive at Gesher is so valuable. Each child is taught on his/her own level and is given the skills to succeed in school and in life. Gesher Yehuda is a place where miracles happen every day and thank G-d there is such a place in the community where our kids can feel a part of something so special,” said Frieda Tawil.

They recently held a few fun events. Their High Heat Softball Tournament drew 120 participants and was superbly organized by Steven Gindi. The day was filled with lots of softball and a gourmet barbecue by Ray Tawil. Everyone had a blast!

The High Heat softball tournament was followed a few weeks later by an ultimate frisbee tournament and a bowling tournament with 150 young adults participating. The event was masterfully organized by Robby Setton and Grace Blonde Cayre. The winners were: Jimmy Mishan, Joe Sefaradi, Simone Grazi, Estee Shamah, Steven Gindi, and Danielle Zeitounie. Thanks to volunteer Jacqueline Araman.

The following day, several tournaments—basketball, girls’ soccer, volleyball, tennis and frisbee—rotated throughout the afternoon, with a sensational finish at the semifinal, where 700 people enjoyed a delicious barbecue. Thank you to Terry and Morris Sitt, who graciously hosted the afternoon.

Congratulations to all the winners! Tennis tournament winners were: Joey Haber and Charles Cohen. Cory Mizrachi, Keke Azrak, Michelle Tobias, Grace Ash, Joanie Tawil, Jenny Senior, Shirley Chera and Diana Franco were brilliant winners of the soccer tournament. Junior boys’ basketball winners were: Sam Mishan, Abie Zarif, Marc Abramowitz and Charles Saka. The MVP was Charles Harary. Senior boys’ basketball winners were: Ben Strulowitz, Daniel Stern, David Fuhrer (MVP) and Joey Terzi. Frisbee winners were: Morris Dweck, Eddie Chabot, Harry Cattan and Sammy Tawil. The volleyball winners were: Mourad Kattan, Ben Mann, Jack Cattan, Cynthia Haddad and Rebecca Salem.

Many thanks to the hard-working volunteers and committee members without whom these events would not have been possible: Steven Gindi, Ikey Mavorah, Orly Wahba, Danielle Wahba, Eric Setton, Robbie Setton, Claude Setton, Jack Setton, Grace Blonde Cayre, Shirley Mansour, Merrill Misaah, Estee Levy, Frieda Tawil, Ray Tawil, Maxie Cohen, Jack Cattan, Solomon Suede, Maurice Schmool, Marc Dweck, Joseph Kassin, Abie Cohen, Morris Dweck, Marvin Azrak, Eddie Hazan and Barbara Maleh.

With a tremendous group of dedicated volunteers, an amazing set of events not only drew hundreds of teens and young adults of our community together for several days of fun, but also raised funds for an extremely important cause.

Gesher Yehuda would like to thank all of the donors who made these events possible. May Hashem bless all of you with health and happiness.
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Randi Shomer is a community member, mother of four children and a freelance writer for IMAGE Magazine.