We couldn’t help but smile when we saw this picture of joyful faces that arrived in our mail this morning.

The girls were all part of the group Bat Mitzvah sponsored by the Forgotten People Fund, an all-volunteer group that works with the large poor Ethiopian population in Netanya. FPF volunteers, led by Anne and David Silverman, establish personal relationships with many individuals and families and help provide them with basic needs.

Because of the generosity of a small foundation here in the States, FPF was able to gather 10 girls (all recommended by local social workers) for this festive simcha. Every celebrant was provided with a beautiful new dress and invited a table of family and friends to join the celebration. There was delicious food, a DJ, and lots of Israeli, American and Ethiopian dancing throughout the evening.

The Good People Fund is happy to have made this beautiful connection. We are sure this special event allowed the girls and their families to feel "just like everyone else."