AKIM New program to allow mentally challenged to enlist in the IDF
Haaretz - Israel News


The excited new recruit at the IDF induction center.
Photo: Or Nir, Medical Corps

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PALM BEACH DAILY NEWS SHINY SHEET

Friends of AKIM USA, Palm Beach Chapter Fete
International Volunteer of the Year Elayne Flamm

Elayne Flamm was the guest of honor at the gala dinner for Friends of AKIM USA, Palm Beach chapter. The event took place March 1 at The Breakers.

Flamm, national president of Friends of AKIM USA and president of the Palm Beach chapter, was named 2009 AKIM International Volunteer of the Year. The award recognizes her many years of work with the organization.

Herme deWyman Miro, international honorary chairwoman, gave a special tribute to Flamm, while Isaac Herzog, Israel minister of social services, congratulated the honoree via video. Flamm is the first person outside of Israel to receive the AKIM International Volunteer of the Year award. It was presented in Israel by President Shimon Peres at his official residence.

Daniel Bar-am, AKIM director of international relations, presented the award in person at The Breakers' dinner. Friends of AKIM USA gave Flamm a framed piece of art titled Eshet Chayil, which is the name of a Hebrew poem that means "woman of valor."

Held in the Circle Ballroom, the gala dinner featured crystal candelabras, accented by raspberry and white rose floral arrangements. Dick Robinson was master of ceremonies. Mark Bornfield Music provided the entertainment. Gala co-chairwomen were Marysia Green and Cecile Kriegstein, and co-chairman was Roman Kriegstein.

Guests included Jack Jones, Lois Pope, Suzi Goldsmith, Ari Rifkin, Margaret Donnelley, Sharon and Alton O'Neil, Hayden Hosford, Gail Worth, and Mary and Bob Simses. Proceeds from the evening benefit AKIM Israel, which provides habilitation services to more than 30,000 mentally challenged children and adults.