Jordan River Village
Jordan River Village is a vacation village in Israel for children with life-limiting conditions (serious illnesses, chronic illnesses, genetic diseases, special needs). The facility is located near Giv'at Avni in the Lower Galilee.[1]
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History
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The goal of the village is "to enrich the lives of Jewish and Arab children, in Israel and in the neighboring countries, suffering from serious illnesses and life-threatening conditions by creating free, fun-filled, memorable, empowering, medically sound and safe camping experiences".[2] After more than 10 years of planning, raising funds, working with the Israeli government, and building relationships around the world Jordan River Village began operations in August 2011. The Village is part of Paul Newman's SeriousFun Children's Network, formerly the Association of Hole in the Wall Camps, a global community of 30 camps and programs for seriously ill children.
The Village is modeled after the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, founded in 1988 in Connecticut by Paul Newman. Newman played Ari Ben Canaan in the 1960 film Exodus, filmed in the same region of Israel as the camp is located.
The Israeli government contributed 20% of its budget.[3]
Israeli actor Chaim Topol served as chairman of the board.[4] He described it as the philanthropic project to which he was most connected.[5]
The Village covers an area of 25.4 hectares (63 acres), and includes an indoor swimming pool equipped for hydrotherapy, sports facilities, a gymnasium, a theater, an art and crafts center, a camping area, an adventure tower and a state-of-the-art medical center.[6]
See also
References
- "About". Jordan River Village. Retrieved 4 May 2020.
- "Mission Statement". Jordan River Village.
- "FAQ". Jordan River Village. Archived from the original on 21 October 2013. Retrieved 21 October 2013.
- "Israeli Board of Directors". Jordan River Village. Archived from the original on 21 October 2013.
- Chaim Topol, Known Worldwide for His Role in 'Fiddler on the Roof,' Dies at 87, Haaretz
- "Experience". Jordan River Village. Retrieved 4 May 2020.
External links
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- Official website
- כפר נהר הירדן [Jordan River Village] (in Hebrew). Ministry for the Development of the Negev and the Galilee (Israel). Archived from the original on 5 October 2013.
- Kobi David (22 March 2011). כפר נהר הירדן יפעל בתוך חמישה חודשים [Jordan River Village will operate within five months] (in Hebrew). MyNet.
- Renee Ghert-Zand (1 February 2012). "A River Runs Through It". The Jewish Week. Archived from the original on 26 May 2012. Retrieved 21 October 2013.