As the COVID-19 crisis deepened, participants at Mechinat HaEmek commenced their volunteer work at Beit Uri in the city of Afula. Beit Uri serves as a home for over 100 children, youth, and adults with mental developmental disabilities. The approach to daily life at Beit Uri is in line with the anthroposophical idea that regards each person as a regular, healthy individual since, as stated in our Jewish tradition, “in the image of God He created him.” Behind the veil of mental limitations is a healthy, spirited soul that blossoms and thrives in a warm, supportive, and creative  environment. The participants fell in love with the place and continued their volunteering until the end of the year.

Mechina participant, Adi Halper, wrote touching words about her experience:
“I’d like to tell you about a magical place called Beit Uri, a village-style home for special people that employs the most amazing approach in caring for their residents. The place operates in accordance with a central value of mutual respect, by simply giving them their rightful place and observing how everything turns out as a result.

And I fell in love; I fell in love with the place, the pastoral atmosphere, the staff team who give their heart to this place, and is so devoted to their work. And each and every resident is simply gorgeous. I have learnt a lot from them.

I have to admit that at first I was turned off. Time after time, seeing people much taller than I am as they approached me with the inquisitiveness of a child frightened me, and I was on constant alert for every person walking past me. However, the moment I realized that they are just people after all, acting out of pure curiosity, I laid down all defenses and started getting to know them from up close, and their personalities are astounding! All they need is warmth from other people, and since we’re living in times where they’re stuck indoors, all they need is something to lift their moods. And that’s what we actually do. I come to their homes as part of their schedules and simply try keep them happy and laughing.

I wish everyone had the opportunity to get to know and experience being with these amazing people and to understand that they perhaps need more of our support. I wish everyone would just regard them normally, because after all, they are completely like us…”