Tenth graders at the Gimnasia Realit E. Karary High School in Rishon LeZion initiated a remarkable endeavor in memory of Eran Avrutzky, a former student in their own school who was a tank commander in the Yom Kippur War and who tragically was left to bleed to death on the battlefield.

Their teacher Osnat Kinan and Social Activities Coordinator Erez Ben Amit had told them about Eran, and the subsequent story behind the ADI Negev-Nahalat Eran Rehabilitation Village. They described the inspiration that Eran Almog – named for his uncle – had provided his father, ADI Negev Chairman Major General (Res.) Doron Almog – for the establishment of the Village. They explained Doron’s determination to ensure that his son Eran – a boy with severe multiple disabilities – would never be abandoned by society.

When the students heard the moving account, they decided to honor the memories of Lt. Avrutsky and Eran Almog by hosting a book fair to encourage reADIng in the community. The proceeds would be donated to the children of ADI Negev.

The timing was perfect. National Election Day brought a multitude of voters to the school, where the students had collected hundreds of books and put them up for sale for a nominal price. Hearing the multiple purpose of the sale, many people went running home to bring back books of their own to donate to the cause!  Over $1,000 was raised and with it, the social consciousness. May this spark the inspiration for true acceptance of the different among us, and of the breakdown of prejudices, toward a more just and benevolent society.