Police in Afula hosted children with special needs this week for a pre-Passover day of fun. The children were members of the Shivtei Yuval branch of the religious Zionist Bnei Akiva youth movement.
The children were given an educational tour that included a demonstration of a police robot in action, controlled by an expert bomb sapper, a view of a squad car, and a look at a breathalyzer test and an undercover police vehicle.
Following the tour, the children faced off against police in a friendly game of soccer. As the day ended, the children presented the officers with a gift as an expression of gratitude.
Orit Tamari, coordinator of Shivtei Yuval, said the event had meaning beyond the fun it provided for the young participants. “The youth encountered a new world, one they hadn't seen before, and most importantly, they got to know the people behind the uniform... It broke the ice between the children and the police,” she explained.
Superindendent Moussa Hako said, “We were happy to host the children in Shivtei Yuval. I can say with certainty that the officers and volunteers who participated in the event were very touched, particularly by the soccer game... It was a very constructive experience. We would be happy to work together again in the future.”
Shivtei Yuval are Bnei Akiva groups designed for children with special needs. Participants include children from both religious and secular families. The groups take part in the same activities enjoyed by other Bnei Akiva branches, including hikes, tree planting, volunteer work, and performances.