OHEL honors Levi family at Sunday gala in city

An individual with Down’s Syndrome, Meir Boruch Levi was born into a family already blessed with four children. When his mother asked the pediatrician what to tell her other children, his answered, “However you present it to them, that’s how they will accept it. If you present it as a tragedy, it will be. But if you present it as a matter of fact, that’s all it will be.”

The Levi siblings grew up understanding that even though their sibling had different needs and abilities, he too could thrive and lead a fulfilled and meaningful life.

When Meir’s siblings were presented with the opportunity to join Team OHEL they came running, literally. 

They joined to not only show their appreciation to OHEL and help others, but to demonstrate to Meir how proud they are of him. Brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews have all participated in various OHEL challenges, such as the Sibs Side-By-Side 5K and OXC-OHEL Xtreme Challenge.

Today, Meir is a confident young man who thrives with much independence in an OHEL Bais Ezra residence, and has recently started a new job at an ice-cream factory.

Through their involvement with the marathon and other OHEL projects, the Levis, together with other Team OHEL honorees Bruce Prince and Tamar Sicklick, have helped raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for essential OHEL programs and services.

OHEL assists children whose parents are unable to care for them; victims of domestic violence; and adults with developmental and psychiatric disabilities. Children of all abilities enjoy exceptional summers at Camp Kaylie, a groundbreaking inclusive summer camp in Wurtsboro, New York.

Team OHEL’s gala will take place on Sunday, Nov. 22, at the New York Marriott Marquis at 5 pm. To participate in this inspiring and memorable evening., make reservations or place a journal ad by calling 718-972-9328, email gala@ohelfamily.org, or visit ohelfamily.org/gala