‘Truly inspirational’ evening
“It was very heartening to see so many community people come to the event and be so positive on the important message of inclusion in practical ways for those with challenges.”
RABBI Ari Shishler was the keynote speaker as the campaign, ‘A Kinder World Now’, was launched in Australia with a panel discussion at the Central Synagogue.
The Johannesburg-based rabbi is the founder of the not-for-profit charity organisation, which he launched after his daughter Shaina was diagnosed with a rare genetic condition called BPAN. While Shaina hardly talks, she’s on a mission to spread kindness to build a kinder world.
The panel discussion was hosted by passionate community members with lived experience of disability, with the aim of bringing awareness of kindness, compassion, equality and accessibility to children with all abilities.
Other panel members Adam Kellerman and Chaya Gopin brought their own experiences of disability to the discussion.
After overcoming cancer as a teenager, Kellerman went on to become an Australian Paralympian in wheelchair tennis. He believes that every challenge provides an opportunity and his mission in life is to share inspiration, wisdom and hope, to empower individuals and businesses to take action towards creating a better world.
Gopin is a mother of three beautiful children, including her five-year-old boy who is only the 11th person in the world to be diagnosed with a rare syndrome. Gopin is passionate about inclusion in the community and is proud to say her child is joining the ‘A Kinder World Now’ movement as an ambassador.
Jewish House CEO Rabbi Mendel Kastel, who partnered in the event, said the evening was inspirational.
“It was very heartening to see so many community people come to the event and be so positive on the important message of inclusion in practical ways for those with challenges,” he told The AJN.
“The evening was truly inspirational, with the speakers sharing their stories and incredible resilience and hope for more inclusion and understanding.
“It was an honour to work with the organisations in our community that work on inclusion, collaboration and creating a united voice. It is also so important that all organisations in our community have an inclusion plan and identify ways to be more inclusive and make everyone feel welcome and included.”
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