by Sue Carneol, Speech-Language Pathologist
ReCharge!, Ovation’s Adult Day Services brain health program, hosted a very special guest today. Noa Gerassi, the Milwaukee Community Schlicha (emissary), came to class to talk about her family, the unique “melting pot” of Israeli society, and the many technological, mental health, educational and agricultural contributions Israel has made to help enhance the lives of so many world-wide. Using her own family as an example of the diversity in Israeli culture (traditions, food, music, language), she shared the meaning behind her family’s names, and the stories of her immigrant grandmothers, (one from Turkey and the other from Egypt) to illustrate the beautiful tapestry that is Israeli society today. As one of the class members said, “We are all immigrants- we all came from somewhere”. Another class member said he appreciated hearing “good” things about Israel. Everyone in the class said they hoped she would return for another visit to continue today’s conversations and more. Noa and her family arrived in Milwaukee from Israel in August 2023. Shlichim typically stay for 2-3 years. Noa, her husband, Liran, and their daughters have been invaluable emissaries helping our community navigate the upheavals in the Middle East and here at home since the October 7th attacks. We look forward to Noa’s next visit to ReCharge!
