An Exciting MDA Initiative: The volunteer who volunteered me
Eliyahu Peltz, a 16-year-old boy from Modi'in Illit with Down’s syndrome, found himself in the first lockdown about a year ago without an education system, activities and society - his family was looking for a solution to his plight.
Tovy, Eliyahu's mother, heard about Moshe Kuperman (48), an educator who lives in the city and volunteers at MDA. A few hours later, Eliyahu and Moshe met to connect Eliyahu to MDA and since then - his life has changed.
Over the past year, Eliyahu has accompanied Moshe, a senior medic at MDA, in the Corona activities - sampling complexes, vaccination centers, verified patient transportation, patient transport and more and has actually become an integral part of the organization.
Eliyahu assists Moshe in routine tasks and of course takes care of the protection and social distance. Eliyahu is already experienced in managing Corona samples and assisting with the testing and vaccination complexes. But apart from the technical assistance to the organization - Eliyahu became from a closed and frameless boy, to happy and full of purpose and vitality.
Moshe Kuperman, a senior medic and MDA volunteer, added: "I have been a professional educator and have been in the field for over 30 years. My wife runs the special education department in the city - and that's how the connection with Tovy was born. Eliyahu is a child who must be in motion and activity. I, in the face of my work at MDA - do not stop for a moment. So I came to the conclusion that this is the perfect connection. I walk around all day and there is a boy who is stuck at home looking for adventure. The connection was successful from day one, we are good friends and the patients respond to him very nicely and respectfully. He is just like any other youth volunteer. The connection with Eliyahu gives me a lot of strength and a lot of joy. I know he goes back home very happy and it gives him and his family peace and quiet. It gives me tremendous satisfaction, we love him very much."
