Ambassador David Friedman visits Achiya
Channel: U.S. Embassy Jerusalem
Date: 2018-05-25

On May 22nd Ambassador David Friedman visited the Achiya Learning Center in Bnei Brak, which offers occupational, emotional, psychological and hydrotherapy therapy treatment for children up to the age of 12 mainly from the ultra-orthodox community.  The center also provides remedial reading and Gemara instruction.

Via this work, Achiya has raised greater awareness within this conservative community for the need of early intervention.  This has helped diminish the stigma of receiving professional therapy, and, as a result, more parents are now seeking these services for their children.  

The Ambassador took a tour of the center and was able to meet the professional staff, observe therapy sessions and engage with young children.  He also met with students who study at the Achiya College, where the Embassy funds English enrichment classes to help ultra-orthodox pre-service teachers learn English.  Some of these students (men between the ages of 24-50) are studying towards their B.Ed and are learning English for the  first time.  The Embassy-funded courses have reached 345 students over three years, empowering them both personally and professionally.