A very warm ‘thank you’ to Dr Joe Reich AM for his substantial gift to Hadassah’s Jerusalem Crisis Intervention Center, through money raised at his recent book launch, with friends and family donating in lieu of actually paying for his latest book, Beyond Bergasse: a novel.
A well-respected and much-admired ophthalmologist, Reich created his highly praised novel during COVID. He had wanted to launch the book last year but was stymied by the horrendous October 7th attack and the ongoing war.
Dr Reich warmly thanked those who attended the launch for their wonderful generosity in supporting the Hadassah Jerusalem Crisis Intervention Center.
He said, “I felt the urgent need to support Israel and Hadassah. I was particularly moved by the thought of so many young children and adolescents suffering the psychological trauma, stress and depression due to this war. I know that my friends and family feel the same and I felt sure they would join me in wanting to help at this troubling time for Israeli society.”
He noted that the centre provides treatment to children and adolescents regardless of race or religious background, “so important at this time”.
In his opening words at the launch, Dr Reich said that his book brings to life Vienna and the Jewish experience in the early 20th century, including the antisemitism, the horrors of the first world war and history of pre-state Palestine, the artists and musicians, the thinkers and doers, perhaps in some ways with parallels to our own times.
Hadassah Australia President Ron Finkel AM and Executive Director Ruth Rosen presented Dr Reich with a Hadassah Australia Certificate of Appreciation and sincerely thanked him for this heart-warming fundraising initiative.
Marking a special occasion? Please consider creating your own fundraising page for Hadassah Australia in lieu of gifts. Funds will help save lives and make a difference.
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