SHALVA IDOL 2010

The closing event for this year’s Festival ZAMID, that celebrates the accomplishments of people with special needs, was none-other than SHALVA Idol! Now in its fifth year, more than 2500 people filled the seats of Jerusalem’s cavernous International Convention Center to cheer the children of SHALVA in this gala musical revue.

The Kalaniot group opened the festivities by blessing the crowd of well-wishers. In turn, SHALVA Founder and Director Kalman Samuels blessed the children and added a warm thank you to the previous Director of Education, Mrs. Tali Maimon, who is leaving SHALVA after 19 years of devoted service. Tali graciously stepped onto the stage and shared a few heartfelt words before introducing her replacement, Efrat Etra.

The festivities then began in earnest with over 150 children – divided into nine groups – performing in front of an audience comprised of their parents, supporters, public officials and various representatives of the Jerusalem municipality. Some of the better-known personalities to join the youngsters on stage this year were: former Kochav Nolad contestant Danial Tavori, along with stars from the Children’s Television Network, Dana Frieder and Oded Paz.

At the conclusion of the beautiful and well-choreographed event, all of the groups were declared to be ‘hands-down’ winners! Pouring out of the theatre, smiles and tears were evident on the faces of all, inspired by the beautiful display of energy and talent, another testament of what children with special needs can accomplish when only given the chance.

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