A Gift for Generations

Nearly 50 years ago, Boys Town Jerusalem founder Jerusalem Rabbi Alexander Linchner first met Israel Henry and Harry Beren, sparking a partnership that has enriched the lives of thousands of students to this very day. Literally! We are now celebrating the dedication of the marvelous new “Israel Henry Beren Educational Wing,” whose ultramodern, fully-equipped classrooms have transformed the learning environment to an amazing place indeed.

When twelfth grader Amos Vaknin, 17, first stepped into the new Beren Educational Wing this September, his thoughts suddenly flashed back to his first year at BTJ in 2013. “When winter set in, the wind whipped so hard through the unheated classrooms that we sat huddled in our coats the whole day,” he recalled. “I’ve dreaded the winters here ever since.” So it’s no wonder that at first sight of his new state-of-the-art classroom, Amos’ eyes flew straight to the thick, highly insulated windows and the new heating and air-conditioning vents. “I can’t thank this donor enough!” he said with a smile.

 

“The fact that the Beren Foundation and Boys Town Jerusalem can partner to give a boy the finest educational opportunities is a priceless gift for generations.”Beyond ensuring the students’ physical wellbeing, the new Israel Henry Beren Educational Wing features remodeled, specially-designed and equipped classrooms where it’s a pleasure to study. Both “smart” and “green,” the bright rooms boast state-of-the-art interactive smartboards, ecological features such as energy-efficient LED lighting and acoustical ceilings. Best, the corridor basks in natural sunlight to overlook a breathtaking view of Jerusalem.

This endowment by the Israel Henry Beren Charitable Foundation, headed by philanthropist Robert M. Beren, is the newest link in the 50-year bond of generosity and friendship between the Beren family and BTJ which has touched the life of every student. Over the decades, the Beren family’s substantial gifts have enabled needy students to cover their full tuition, while empowering Boys Town Jerusalem to pioneer innovative, high-level educational projects to make a significant contribution to Israeli society. .

 

“I can’t thank this donor enough!” .”