COMMUNITY NEWS
The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia mobilizes financial
and volunteer resources to address the communities’ most critical
priorities locally, in Israel and around the world.

T he universal quest to be understood is a pursuit escaped by no one.

Solvej Berman, 17, knows this well. Berman spends every Thursday
afternoon with 7-year-old Ezra Hodas, a boy living with a disability who
struggles to communicate with his peers. Together, Berman and Ezra build
Legos, play hide and seek and wrestle in the grass outside on sunny days. But
when the pair fi rst met, their dynamic was a far cry from the caring relationship
it is now.

Berman met Ezra through Philly Friendship Circle, a Jewish Federation of
Greater Philadelphia-supported organization. Created by Chabad-Lubavitch to
connect teens and young adults of all abilities and needs and their families, Philly
Friendship Circle aims to build inclusive, authentic relationships that cultivate
understanding, kindness and responsibility.

Berman has participated in the organization’s Friends@Home program since
she was 13 and Ezra was only 3.

The Jewish
Federation’s Local 2022
Impact $285,000
granted to organizations
dedicated to increasing
disability inclusion
4,392 persons with
disabilities and older
adults participated in
socialization activities to
reduce isolation
8 FEBRUARY 2, 2023 | JEWISH EXPONENT
846 persons with disabilities
and their family members received
care management, socialization,
and educational and
skill-building programs
“When we fi rst became friends, he
didn’t talk much, and when he did,
I couldn’t always understand what
he wanted and he would get a bit
Solvej Berman, 17, and Ezra
frustrated,” Berman explained. “Now I
Hodas, 7, met through the Philly
Friendship Circle four years ago.

don’t even notice that communication
is diffi cult for him because I understand
his way of expressing himself. We’re able to have complete conversations, like
we’re speaking our own secret language. It’s such a joyful part of my week.”
According to the Jewish Federation’s population study in 2019, 178,310 individ-
uals in the Greater Philadelphia area have been diagnosed with a mental or
behavioral health condition, and 67,909 individuals are caretakers for someone
with a physical health problem or disability.

This past year, the Jewish Federation granted $60,000 to Philly Friendship
Circle to help support the critical work it does for these individuals and their
families. Chani Baram, co-founder and chief relationship offi cer of Philly
Friendship Circle, says this funding allows them to expand their reach in the
community and impact more lives.

“The generous support from the Jewish Federation has helped us to continue
off ering our fl agship programs, such as Sunday Circle and Friends@Home,
despite so many obstacles, including a global pandemic,” Baram said. “Our goal
is to have more and more youth experience the magic of genuine, inclusive
connections, so that in the years to come, the future adults in our community will
understand the power of friendship and acceptance, and use this appreciation
to ensure that everyone belongs.”
Working toward this sense of belonging is a priority for the Jewish Federation,
which granted $285,000 last year to local organizations dedicated to increasing
disability inclusion.

“The Jewish Federation is an active participant in public policy advocacy
related to disability inclusion in the community and workforce, and a proud
partner and funder of many of our region’s critical community organiza-
tions serving individuals living with a disability, including Judith Creed
Horizons for Achieving Independence, Jewish Learning Venture, Jewish Family
and Children’s Service and many more,” stated Brian Gralnick, the Jewish
Federation’s director of local grants and partnerships. “We believe that every-
one belongs at every table.”
For Berman, creating inclusivity starts at home by actively working towards
understanding those around her – beginning with Ezra.

“Ezra makes me feel so loved, especially after a draining week,” Berman said.

“At the end of the day, all he wants is not to be judged, because it’s harder for
him to communicate in traditional ways. He just wants to have a friend to laugh
with, and I always look forward to laughing with him.”
Courtesy of Philly Friendship Circle
Quest to Be Understood:
Jewish Federation’s Commitment
to Disability Inclusion