Dreamy Desserts IN AN ISRAELI YOUTH VILLAGE

BY ANNALIESE JOHNSON

An ICEJ delegation was invited in May to take part in a highly anticipated life event of every Jewish youth – their bar or bat mitzvah. This important rite of passage recognises Jewish boys and girls as responsible members of the Jewish community. For eight young Jews in the Beit Appel Youth Village, a home founded in 1954 for youth from troubled backgrounds, this was a special achievement. Known as the Kvutzat Dekel (“Palm Tree Group”), the young teens could not contain their excitement as the big day arrived.

Much of the excitement was due to a joint project started last year between ICEJ and the Youth Village – the launch of a youth-operated bakery. In the confectionery kitchen funded by the Christian Embassy, children from the village have been working hard to learn how to bake and get the business off the ground. They have spent countless hours in the kitchen and the classroom learning how to bake, prepare products for sale, and run their own business. Each village event, including this group bar/bat mitzvah, provides an opportunity to showcase their new skills.

As our ICEJ team entered the gate, we were instantly immersed in a safe haven filled with greenery and colorful artwork. We made our way on a dirt path through a jungle-like nature area until we found the celebration under a partially covered patio. There were decorated tables, scrumptious-looking desserts, Israeli pop music, a slideshow, and some 150 guests ready to celebrate with the eight youths.

The children, thrilled with their major achievement, smiled as they laid out delicate, delightful desserts on the tables. As part of their training, they baked gooey brownies, carefully frosted cakes, and creamy custards – the perfect treats for this key milestone. We watched as the youths pulled their older siblings to the dessert tables and eagerly pointed out which sweets they had made. One mischievous boy of three raced around the center collecting desserts for his mother and grandma with pride.

Maya Cohen, director of the youth program, was beaming as she recounted the success of the bakery project and the dedication of the children. Whereas a year ago she was brand new on staff and knew none of their names, she explained, “now, they are MY children! You can see the joy on my face!”

When asked how she envisions the project moving forward, she shared the dream is to operate the baking classes several times weekly and open the sales to the surrounding community.

Besides Maya, we also meet Oly Kenneth, ecological director of the center. Seven years ago, this part of the village was the garbage dump, strewn with broken dishwashers, washing machines, and lots of trash and stench. Thanks to volunteers from the village, it is now an oasis of 350 mainly organic fruit trees that offer free produce for all who enter the complex.

When asked about her dreams for the children, Oly assured: “For me, the dream is here! It is THEIR home! These same kids planted the trees here, and now they are having their party here! It came full circle.”

For Jannie of ICEJ Aid, the icing on the cake was the recognition of the youth on stage. Dressed in white, the youth bravely stood in front of 150 family members, counselors, and role models and sang a beautiful song. When one nervous boy struggled to get the words out, the other seven crowded around him, linking arms and smiling in genuine love.

Jannie told the gathering that she was reminded of Psalm 92 which mentions the righteous flourishing like a palm tree, very befitting for the “Palm Tree Group.” In addition to creating delicious desserts, she noted, they also had made lasting memories and gained valuable skills for their futures.

Please consider partnering with us to help give “a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11) to more deserving Israeli youth. Donate today at: give.icej.org/givinghope