Hoops for Chayalim

By Rachel Blady

Issue of June 12, 2009 / 20 Sivan 5769

More than bragging rights were at stake Sunday night when members of Young Israel of North Woodmere and Beis HaKnesses of North Woodmere competed on a basketball court in the Number Six School. Close to $1,000 was raised for the Zahal Disabled Veterans Fund.

YINW member Isaac Seinuk, who organized the game, first learned of the Z.D.V.O. last year in Israel where he participated in a fundraising bike ride. Seinuk said the idea of having a game for the same cause was a no-brainer.

“There was a desire to have an ‘us versus them’ basketball game, as the two shuls are very close,” he told The Jewish Star. “I felt that if we were going to play each other, it should be for a cause, not just bragging rights. Thus was born ‘Hoops for Chayalim.’”

Sponsors gave money by making a contribution or giving any amount for each point scored. “It was understood that each player would be sponsored, meaning raise money for the cause,” Seinuk explained.

The game was well attended. Families from both shuls crowded the gym to support their respective teams. But they cheered for each point scored, knowing that the higher the score, the more money would be donated.  YINW won the game, with a final score of 70-63.

“People in both shuls were excited to play,” said Seinuk. “It was great the way it was set up. It was spouse and kid-friendly. It was not just a game for men.”

The Z.D.V.O. was established in 1949 after Israel’s War of Independence to provide the 6,000 disabled veterans all that they needed for rehabilitation. The organization has since helped over 51,000 veterans as well as civilian victims of terror. Beit Halochem Centers around Israel serve as places for the veterans to undergo treatments and participate in sports programs.

If you would like to set up a similar event, you can contact Isaac Seinuk. The people in the NY office can provide materials to help with fundraising. To learn more about the organization, go to www.fidv. org.