This special party took place at the Ahi Ezer Building, located at the corner of Kings Highway and East 3rd. The purpose of the event was to bring happiness to the senior citizens in their own lobby. The night was called “A Night in Syria” because we wanted to make them feel as if they were in Syria, and young again.
The event was scheduled for 6 pm, but many senior citizens lined up at the door at 4:30 with their hair, makeup, and nails done. They brought their friends, who were dressed up as well; some even came dressed in actual Syrian attire.
The night began with a delicious buffet dinner catered by Hunan Express. During dinner, Rabbi Nathan Dweck from the Sephardic Synagogue addressed the crowd with a wonderful Debar Torah.
Afterward, DJ Nathan Tawil, accompanied by DJ Sammy Sabbagh, played many of the most well-known Syrian songs. The moment the music started everyone—even those in wheelchairs—flocked onto the dance floor. Abie Cohen, a man who had suffered from a stroke years’ back, was one of the best dancers of the evening.
Throughout the night, many raffles were held. Gifts were donated from many community stores such as Kiddy and Co. and Vivian’s Gadgets, which were given to the winners of the raffles. Some of the participants won lovely platters, appliances, outfits and gadgets.
When the dancing finally came to an end at 9:45 pm, many people thanked us for a wonderful evening. Some asked for encores and didn’t want the party to end.
“I had the best time tonight and I even won a free coffee machine. I love the SBH kids and all that they do for us,” said Ita Lizmi.
At the end of the night, I felt a sense of fulfillment and accomplishment, as did the other 35 volunteers. It was amazing to see how much happiness we brought to the residents that night just by giving them the opportunity to enjoy themselves and break out of their daily routines.
I would like to thank Nathan Zalta for his ideas, Mr. and Mrs. Roy Cheika for sponsoring the night, and Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Akkad for sponsoring the catered food.
I would also like to personally thank Linda Mizrachi, Stephanie Maleh, Jacqueline Benun, Nissim Elmann, Sherry Greco, Gloria Terzi, and the rest of the committee for helping me make this party happen. It couldn’t have been done without their great help and effort and it could not have been a success without the volunteers and especially the senior citizens for allowing us to enjoy such an amazing night with them.
This is one of the many events that the SBH Youth Committee hosts, and we are hoping to have many more in the near future. SBH youth has events every night of every week, and we urge all students and schools to get involved in any way that they can. Joining SBH’s Youth Committee is a way to meet new people and discover your potential to make a difference in this community. Many volunteers will tell you that the hesed that is being done is easy, fun, and very fulfilling.
I am personally glad that I found my place in SBH, Being a part of SBH truly changed my life and taught me that the smallest act of kindness can impact a person tremendously. Through acts of hesed we can not only affect the life of one person, but together, if we try, we can change the world.
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Solly Spigel is a senior at Yeshivah of Flatbush high school, and an active member on the SBH Youth Committee.
