On Sunday, May 7, 135 people of Toronto Team Yachad participated in the Goodlife Fitness Marathon, Half-Marathon and 5K under the leadership of Devorah Marmer, Director of Toronto Yachad. For the first time Yachad had a fabulous post-marathon BBQ party at the Prosserman JCC where pictures from the marathon were displayed on a large-screen TV.
Yachad/The Canadian Jewish Council for Disabilities, a newly registered nonprofit organization and an affiliate of the Orthodox Union, champions the inclusion of all Jewish individuals with disabilities in the full spectrum of Jewish life. The Toronto branch is more than 30 years old and has significantly expanded in the past 4 years. The funds raised from the marathon support over 60 programs each year and Yachad’s Shabbatonim throughout the year.
From left: Racheli Samuel, Guitti Perman, Alexa Charlat
“On Sunday, May 7th I ran the Yachad Marathon,” Guitti Perman said. “It was amazing! I told my running partner Racheli Samuel that when I was born, many people including my doctors, said that I would never walk. Now I am going to run the marathon and prove I can walk and run. My brother said, ‘If Guitti can run a marathon, we all need to do more and be the best we can be!’”
Guitti joined fellow Yachad runners at the BBQ and received a medal and a gift for raising over $1800. Yachad gave awards to the top 5 fundraisers who raised $1000 or more, Team Captains, elementary school-age runners, Toronto’s “Dream Team Volunteers” and others.
Eliana Benia completed the full marathon, 23 people ran the half marathon, and over 100 people ran the 5K, including a dozen Yachad members. Aryeh Spiegel led “Team Hershel” for the half marathon along with 16 other people and Esther Klein ran the half marathon and 5K with Hershel.
Team Bnei Akiva
Jonny Lipczer, Shaliach, Bnei Akiva of Toronto, created a team with more than 25 runners.
“Today was incredible, and Team Bnei Akiva was proud to be a part of it!” he said.
“I am so happy that Bnei Akiva has developed such a wonderful relationship with Yachad – working hand in hand for such important values, and with such inspiring people.”
Each runner raised a minimum of $300 to benefit Toronto Yachad.
Shields Family
Mordie and Zahava Shields’s four children have participated in Yachad’s Shabbatons, marathons, and other programs for many years. “Yachad has taught our kids that those to whom the world refers to as ‘special needs kids’ are really just kids with special needs. They see the kid first and foremost and understand that their special needs do not define them but are only one characteristic among many that make up who they are. We’re so appreciative to Yachad for spreading this message of understanding and inclusion to our community!”
TK Rosenblum ran the marathon with 2 of her girls and a Yachad member. “It was cold outside… but our excitement and energy kept us all warm,” she said. “We did the Toronto Goodlife 5K with Yachad and we crossed the finish line! We ran, skipped, walked, sang and danced as a team for the whole 5K. This was something extraordinary. We were hand in hand the whole way (except for the dancing part) with an amazing Yachad member.”
From left: Mia Rosenblum, Julia, TK Rosenblum and Emme Rosenblum
This article was written by Amy Lerner, Yachad Content Writer.