U.S. Ambassador to Israel, David M. Friedman and his wife Tammy visited Shalva on Sunday to participate in the lighting of the eighth candle of Chanukah and to distribute gifts to the children.  At one point the Ambassador said, I must find another way of saying amazing because that is all I can think of.

The Ambassador started his tour in Café Shalva, a boutique culinary establishment that serves as a model for employment inclusion and then continued on to the auditorium, sports center, therapeutic and recreational swimming pools and even found time to shoot a few hoops with Shalva’s Basketball Team.  The Ambassador and his wife also met Yossi Samuels, the inspiration behind Shalva.

At the candle lighting ceremony the Ambassador extended greetings to all the guests gathered, ” This is the most incredible place I have ever been. On behalf of President Trump and Mrs. Trump, on behalf of the United States of America, Tammy and I wish everyone a joyous, Festival of Hanukkah.  Hag Orim Sameach!”

Later that day, the Ambassador posted this Tweet:

“Tammy and I lit the Hannukia and I played some basketball with my new friends at the Shalva National Children’s Center in Jerusalem.  Anyone seeking affirmation of the sanctity and value of every human life must visit this incredible facility!”