Fourteen New York state clowns from the Compassionate Clown Alley group are preparing to entertain patients in Israel hospitals and institutions and cheer them up during Chanukah. The troupe of teenagers and young men was founded five years ago and visits Israel every year during the eight-day Festival of Lights. They will visit Hadassah Hospital, hareidi religious communities in Bnai Brak and Jerusalem and orphanages.
The chief clown, clinical psychologist Dr. Neal Goldberg, said that he trains teenagers to become clowns so they can help people and "gain huge confidence boosts while creating means and purpose in their lives."
The clowns are coming with $60,000 worth of toys donated by the Ossies Memorial Toy Fund.