Boys Town Jerusalem: Corona Crisis Update
As all Israeli schools and universities have been ordered closed (effective immediately) in the latest stringent government measures to fight the spread of the COVID-19 virus epidemic, Boys Town Jerusalem has shut its doors.
Although only the most essential maintenance and executive personnel remain at their desks, the faculty, social services and public relations staff are working full-time from their homes.
Academics
BTJ instructors will now be teaching their students each day through video lessons and assignments. In a video message today to his 7th grade class with guidelines for a research project, Rabbi Doron Book admitted, “We’re not used to this method, but this is your golden opportunity to research and learn independently – and to learn the art of patience as well.”
As always, teachers remain available by phone for individual assistance and extra help to any and all students in need. Special efforts will be made to prepare high school students for the upcoming critical Bagrut matriculation (government) exams.
Dormitories
Although the dormitories have been closed, careful arrangements have been made for boys in the direst straits, with nowhere to “go home” to, to be placed in safe environments.
Students in Crisis
Working from home, social workers and guidance counselors are making daily phone calls to the many BTJ students whose family crisis situations are constant – and now far worse. “For them, and for us all, it’s now crucial to talk, communicate and share emotions,” says social worker Hadas Knopf.
Parents in Crisis
Registrar Rachel Cohen-Pur, who is continuing to work on campus, reports a deluge of phone calls today from parents whose financial situations have reached crisis proportions. Among the saddest calls was from a single mother who has been struggling desperately to pay her son’s already-reduced tuition. Today she was fired from her job as a tour guide, and she has no idea how she will support her children. She thanked Rachel for her understanding in suspending tuition payments indefinitely.
The IDF Connection
BTJ officials are working closely with the Israeli military to determine the status of our College of Applied Engineering (CAE) students scheduled to graduate in late April and to be drafted into the IDF in May. The young men are currently at the height of preparation of their Graduate Projects for examination by the Ministry of Higher Education.
In addition, we are reaching out to our grads now serving in the IDF, many of whom are now restricted from leaving their bases.
Kol Yisrael Areivim Zeh Lazeh (All of Israel is Connected)
In these trying times, we pray for the good health of all of our friends and associates and for the Almighty’s mercy upon all.
Your support is critical at this time to ensure that Boys Town Jerusalem is able to continue to help its 960 students.
You can make your donation now to
Canadian Friends of Boys Town Jerusalem
by: calling 416-789-7241,
going to https://btjcanada.com
or mailing your gift to:
Canadian Friends of Boys Town Jerusalem
211-3089 Bathurst St., Toronto ON M6A 2A4
DO NOT SEND YOUR CREDIT CARD INFORMATION VIA EMAIL
With sincere appreciation,
Jules N. Kronis, Q.C., National President
Sharon E. Anisman, MBA, Executive Director
