For my Bar Mitzvah project I chose to raise money for Beit Uri , which is located in Afula, Israel. It is a residential home for disabled people, both Jewish and Arab. The reason I chose this is because of the amazing care and therapy they provide their residents, and their philosophy of teaching them skills for creativity and employment. I was first aware of Beit Uri because of my family’s connection to it. My wonderful grandparents, Marilyn and Howard Levene, go there as often as they can and are regular fundraisers for this cause. They have told me about the caring, kind people who run this wonderful place every day helping disabled people. I’m happy I chose this charity for my Bar Mitzvah project, and next time we go to Israel we are planning to visit Beit Uri.

In order to raise funds for Beit Uri, my challenge is to complete as much as possible of the ‘14 Peak Challenge’ in Snowdonia in one weekend. My aim, being 13, is to hike at least 13 of the peaks! The peaks I will be climbing are all above 3,000 feet, and are the highest in Wales. For many years I’ve been hiking mountains in the Alps, Pyrenees, Snowdonia, Lake District, and the Italian Dolomites (and hardest of all the trek up Dollis Park every morning on the way to school). I will be attempting this challenge with my dad Leor. My Grandpa, Howard Levene (who is already involved with the Beit Uri charity) will be coming along as our support crew! (Don’t worry, he isn’t hiking, but he might take the train up Snowdon, to bring us a snack and a drink).

At Beit Uri they are hoping to add exercise equipment to their therapy room and the money I raise will go towards either an exercise bike (which costs just over £1000) or a treadmill (costing £5740). I hope that by doing an activity I love and that improves my fitness, I can also help the residents of Beit Uri to improve theirs.