(Courtesy of Puah) Puah is made up of people whose lives are dedicated to helping the public understand that chesed is its own reward. Still, every now and then, it’s nice to be acknowledged for your hard work and devotion.
It’s especially nice when that acknowledgment comes from no less than the president of Israel.
This past week, PUAH was one of 12 recipients of the prestigious President’s Award for Community Service at a special ceremony hosted by President Reuven Rivlin and his wife. This annual ceremony honors volunteers who have made significant contributions to society in a variety of areas of social service, including health, security, immigrant assistance, environmental awareness, physical education and more.
PUAH, the global fertility organization and internationally recognized experts on fertility and halacha, has been helping couples achieve their dream of a family for over 30 years. With offices in both Israel and the U.S., PUAH provides comprehensive guidance and assistance to both couples and individuals and also educates the general public, promoting awareness about fertility issues affecting our community. Rav Menachem Burstein, director of PUAH, reacted with emotion to the award presentation.
“For 30 years, we’ve had the zechut to provide assistance and guidance to every person who turns to us for help, at no cost. This award shows our dedicated staff, as well as the greater public, how much our services are necessary and valued. To know that our hard work and efforts are being recognized on a governmental level—and especially by the president himself—gives all of us so much encouragement. Thank you, Honored President and members of the committee, for recognizing PUAH as an organization that represents the highest level of volunteerism, selfless giving and contribution to society.”
Miriam David, chairperson of Women for PUAH and one of PUAH’s most veteran volunteers, accepted the award on behalf of PUAH’s volunteers. Miriam is a prime example of what a volunteer can accomplish: For years, she has not only been dedicating her talents and energies to helping PUAH, both in Israel and abroad, but also helping to deliver babies at Shaarei Tzeddek!
In an inspiring touch, Miriam walked up on stage together with the newest and youngest member of PUAH’s volunteer staff, Rabbi Meir Silman, who has chosen to do his sheirut leumi, government-mandated community service years, at PUAH. After Miriam received the award from President Rivlin, the veteran volunteer handed it over to the youngest volunteer, in a beautiful example of passing the torch to the new generation of givers, and a real tribute to the selfless giving that’s at the heart of everyone involved in PUAH.
