by Elaine Durbach
NJJN Bureau Chief/Central

January 9, 2009

What a difference one letter can make. Where Hamas is associated in Israel with terror and disregard for life, HAMA — Humans and Animals in Mutual Assistance — is virtually its opposite.

While the headlines were focusing on the former, Tamara Ruben, the education director of Temple Beth-El Mekor Chayim in Cranford, on a visit to Israel, wrote last week that she witnessed the “inspiration and hope” created by the latter.

The organization takes in stray or injured and abused cats and dogs and nurses them back to health. It then has them return the favor, providing human beings with therapeutic contact. HAMA was founded by Avshalom Beni, who lived in Maplewood before making aliya.

Ruben, who grew up in Israel and now lives in Westfield, has been there on a visit since Dec. 13, scheduled to return Jan. 9. Last week, she delivered to HAMA a financial gift raised by the students of the temple’s religious school, along with a big batch of dog biscuits that they baked.

According to its website, the nonprofit organization is dedicated to “the healing of human violence directed toward people and animals alike through Animal Assisted Therapy.”

Working closely with social welfare agencies, hospitals, and educational institutions, the organization’s animal “staff” of 30 dogs and 15 cats interact with children and families trying to cope with behavioral and emotional disorders as well as with people of all ages suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, as a result of experiences during the Holocaust or more recent violence.
Ruben wrote, “HAMA is rooted in the unique and mutual bonding and welfare between humans and animals. It is for these elements that we decided to interest our students….”

Over the last few months, the Beth-El Mekor Chayim youngsters raised money for HAMA through various activities. They also went into action, in keeping with the school’s philosophy that “the best gift one can give is giving of ourselves,” baking dog biscuits and decorating bandanas for the animals. The biscuits were made from a wholesome recipe using whole wheat, oatmeal, honey, mashed bananas, eggs, and oil. 

‘Stunning encounter’

Ruben and her adult daughter, Orit, who lives in Israel, arranged to meet with the folks from HAMA and to see their animals in action at the Lev Hasharon Hostel for Holocaust Survivors, in one of the HAMA-established programs. The hostel is in the Sharon region, north of Tel Aviv.

Tamara Ruben, left, presents Avshalom Beni, founder of HAMA, the Israeli animal rescue and therapy organization, with money, a poster, and dog biscuits made by her students at Temple Beth-El Mekor Chayim.

“It was Friday afternoon and as the cheerful dogs of all sizes and kinds leaped out from Avshalom’s van, it was a love at first sight,” Ruben wrote. “You could feel a sense of gratitude in these animals who knew neglect, abuse, and injuries and are now determined to be healers themselves. Their spirit was so uplifting, with an abundance of unconditional and infectious love adorned by endless ‘kisses.’
“When the Holocaust survivors joined us, one could sense that this encounter brought a relief, a spark of love, a smile, and touch, consoling their broken souls. There was very little that needed to be said amidst the dogs’ excitement. In fact, words would have interfered in this stunning encounter.”

Evidently, the treats sent by the students were much appreciated. Ruben said, “The dogs devoured the biscuits and were after my bag because it retained the wonderful aroma.”

She said she was deeply moved by “the light and warmth” of the encounter between the animals and the people and the kindness shown on both sides. The venue, she said, felt “holy, a place where humans understand the meaning of being ‘b’tzelem Elohim,’ in God’s image.” 

As a little girl growing up in Ramat Gan, Ruben was known for bringing stray animals home. There was more room in her heart than her surroundings; she and her family — who had fled from Baghdad in 1950 — lived in a small, one-bedroom apartment, but that didn’t stop her rescue efforts. These days, at home in New Jersey, she has four cats. “They teach me how to take little naps, begin the day with great stretches, and find warm and sunny spots,” she said.

As for the animals she met in Israel, she said, “They will stay etched in my heart forever.”

Comment: comments@njjewishnews.com

--TOP--