JF&CS is excited to announce that a van has been donated  to the agency  by the Hebrew Order of David  International  (HOD). The van will help transport participants in  the  Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities Services  (IDDS)  to medical appointments, recreational activities, and  volunteer opportunities.  The van  was  donated in honor of the memory of community and HOD leader, Alan Rubenstein.  The fundraising  drive for the van  was  an international effort,  spearheaded by local HOD North American Governing Lodge Executives, David Joss, Les  Kraitzick, Mario Oves and Alan  Smirin, and also assisted by HOD brother Sid Besmertnik. The  ribbon-cutting was originally planned for  the spring, but due to the Pandemic had to be postponed.

Charles Goldberg  President, Hebrew Order of David, Lodge Carmel said “Alan Rubenstein was a founding member and past president of HOD Lodge Carmel in Atlanta as well as a mentor to me and many of our members. He led our lodge in numerous meaningful community service projects over the years.  He was a gifted leader, and everyone enjoyed his humor and guidance.  Our lodge is proud to have been a substantial contributor in donating a van to JF&CS in honor of Alan and his family.”

The IDDS team had a wheelchair- accessible, custom van on its “wish list,” for more than a year,  as the  program  needs have grown.  In addition, one of the vans needed substantial repairs.

“Our HOD van will allow us to explore the community with our clients and ensure that they are attaining their own goals for community inclusion. Whether in volunteerism or an educational workshop, or some fun recreational activity; the HOD van will get us there safely and reliably,”  said Melissa DaSilva, director of IDDS.

The Hebrew Order of David  and JF&CS  have  a long history of mutual support. This is the  fourth  van the HOD has donated to JF&CS over the last 20 years; however, the previous vans were used for JETS transportation services  for older adults . Additionally, HOD hosts an annual Rosh Hashanah appeal for JF&CS clients. The appeal raises money to provide holiday meals for  Jewish  clients who cannot afford to celebrate the holiday.

“We have had a longstanding relationship with the Hebrew Order of David, primarily because of the relationship that Alan Rubenstein forged with both of our organizations,” said Terri Bonoff, CEO  of JF&CS.

“We are humbled by HOD’s generosity to purchase a van in memory of their brother, former International Grand President, Alan Rubenstein,” she said.

About Alan Rubenstein

Originally from Johannesburg, South Africa, Rubinstein emigrated to the United States, and settled in Atlanta. He  was one of the founding  members of the first HOD Lodge in North America, Lodge Carmel in Atlanta.  He served as President of Lodge Carmel in 2002.  He worked  with other members to open new  lodges in Atlanta,  Boca Raton, Toronto, Dallas, Houston and San Diego.  He also served as the President of the Governing Lodge of North America  and the  Grand President of the Order in 2018.

His tireless efforts, enthusiasm and leadership helped to grow the HOD in North America and around the world, into a vibrant, successful Jewish organization which has contributed substantially through  volunteerism and charity to many Jewish communities  around the world and to the State of Israel.

About JF&CS

Established in 1891, Jewish Family & Career Services (JF&CS) offers programs and resources to help the Atlanta community. Guided by Jewish values, JF&CS serves thousands of individuals annually regardless of age, race, religion, national origin or ability to pay. We offer counseling and therapy for individuals, families and groups, older adult services, careers and support services, intellectual and developmental disabilities services, as well as free dental services at the Ben Massell Dental Clinic. For more information, please call 770.677.9300 or visit JFCSatl.org.

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