Michael Gurock, a young man in his twenties from the States, arrived to Bet Elazraki about a year ago, for a volunteering period that was ment to be short, but continued for much longer than planned... The positive, growing and deep bond that was created between Michael and the children resulted in Michael's prolonging his stay with us - to our great joy!

Now, close to a year later, Michael has ended his amazing volunteer period at Bet Elazraki. Below is his farewell speech, read aloud by Michael, in Hebrew, infront of the entire Children's Home:

"I would like to thank Yehuda the Director for the opportunity to speak before you on this day as I say goodbye. It is hard to describe in words the feeling I have for every person in this room, but I will try. Before my arrival to your outstanding Children's Home, I had plenty of confidence that I am capable of working with children, teens, counselors – because I have worked in summer camps all my life, and in schools too. But when I arrived to the Children's Home for the first time, two things were clear to me; one simple, the other – not so simple.

The first one was, my Hebrew…I thought maybe, just maybe, the way I speak would be weak, even funny. And my accent – that's another story. The second thing, which was not so simple, was that when I entered the Children's Home and saw all of you I became nervous. And why? Because I told myself – what have I done in this life, to have the privilege to be the counselor, the madrich of all the sweet children, to be a friends to the excellent counselors and coordinators in this Home. How can I compare myself to you, maybe I am not worthy of being in the warm Home which you have all built together and will continue to build.

But so quickly did I learn about your incredible "hachnasat orchim", and how easily you can make someone feel comfortable. I wanted to thank you for all your help and concern, and for making me feel comfortable & at ease so far away from my own home!

Now, I would like to ask all the counselors to stand up. I want to tell you kol hakavod veyeshar koach, for everything you have accomplished this year. Listen, I have been in camps for 16 years. First, as a camper, then as a counselor, and finally as manager. In all these years, I have never met excellent, wonderful counselors such as you. I am so proud to know all of you and I thank you deeply for your friendship. Good luck with all that you do, I will miss you.

To all the coordinators, it was an honor for me to assist you and learn from you, everyday of my stay. You are my Rabbis & Rebbetzins, my teachers. It is a shame I do not have more time to learn from you. My deepest thanks.

To Yehuda the Director and Beni & Yifat – thank you for welcoming me into your Home. Thank you for an unforgettable experience.

And last but not least – my beautiful, sweet children. I love you so much. All my life I wanted to have little brothers and sisters. Now I feel that I have 210 little brothers & sisters! It is a blessing to be your friend and now your brother. Your smiles and your laughter – they are like gold. It is written in Pirkey Avot: "Who is rich? He who is content with what he has". I am rich because I walk with the memory of your smiles and golden laughter in my mind all the time. I am so content with what I have. I want to tell you that I have seen many places around the world. Of course the world is not always great, but if we will continue to learn Torah, perform Mitzvot, and listen to all our counselors & teachers – we will be on our way to a nice, wonderful world. Many times life isn't easy, but remember – "It is a big Mitzvah to always be happy". The most important thing I would like to tell is this:

Anywhere I stand, I stand with you – the children of Bet Elazraki." 

Dear Michael, thank you for an amazing time shared together. You our part of our lives and part of our Home. We hope to see you visiting your new family many more times. We are all waiting to welcome you with open arms! All of us - staff & children - wish you the best of luck with all that you choose to do.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!