"If I had to bring one message to the world after visiting with the impressive people at Shalva, I'd say that this is a magical world of hope."
These were the words used by Irish ambassador to Israel, Mr. Breifne O'Reilly, to describe his visit to Shalva on Nov. 1st as he joined Captain Gerry Casey (Irish Defense Forces working with United Nation Truce Supervision Organization) and his wife Theresa, who hosted friends and colleagues at Shalva for a celebration of the wonderful year their daughter, Rachel, spent with us.
Rachel, now 2 1/2, spent this past year in the Me & My Mommy Program and both she and her parents made friendships that will last a lifetime. The reception was a fitting send-off for the family which is planning to return to Dublin in January.
Joining the Caseys were guests from UNTSO and members of the diplomatic corps representing the United States, Finland, Venezuela and Uganda and more. Over 100 distinguished guests, together with their spouses and their children enjoyed a tour of Shalva and a casual buffet lunch while being entertained by the Shalva band. Some of the honored guests included Mr. James Carroll, Special Representative (Ireland) to Palestinian Authority and Colonel Timo Rotonen (Finland), Deputy Chief of Staff – UNTSO.
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Jerusalem Post