Fifty disabled Israeli war veterans are being welcomed into the homes of American Jewish families this month in a cultural exchange launched by Mrs. Sylvia Robinson, whose husband, Donald M. Robinson, is the president of the Joint Distribution Committee. During June there will be 10 to 12 Israeli veterans hosted in Pittsburgh; Great Neck, N.Y.; Stamford, Conn.; Washington; and Toronto.
The program, now in its fourth year, began after Mrs. Robinson learned about European visits of Israeli disabled soldiers while at a JDC conference in Geneva with her husband. Since then she has experimented each summer with bringing small groups to such cities as her home community of Pittsburgh, as well as Detroit, Chicago and this year’s participating communities.
“The cities and families who are eager to be host to the disabled veterans outnumber the number of young men arriving,” Mrs. Robinson said. “The first experience helped us plan guidelines for other communities. The effort and planning involved much more than the dozen families who become hosts in each city. Other families raise funds, plan and implement cultural trips and help insure a successful experience.” Mrs. Robinson said, “Letters and friendships have followed these visits with both Americans and Israelis feeling that they have extended families across the ocean.” She explained that many families have had heartwarming reunions with the soldiers in Israel. Mrs. Robinson is president of the Pittsburgh Federation’s Women’s Division.
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