Special Projects for 2008
Elderly in the Former Soviet Union
Sister City Beer Milka in Israel's Negev

Disabled Israeli Soldiers Learn to Ski 
Inaugural Visit - 2008
Next Visit - 2009


At the late March 2008 Shabbat Dinner at Chabad Aspen, one by one the young men 
stood up and told their stories - from Gary who suffered severe head injury from a 
terrorist bullet - to Roni who lost both legs while stopping suicide bomber from 
completing his homicidal mission - to Shlomi, who had been a musician until three
 fingers were blown away.

And then there Amir, a young paratrooper and paramedic who was the only one of 
his unit to survive an ambush and lost an eye while his friends died in his arms.

These are the same young men who along with wives, girlfriends and their Israeli 
Chabad Rabbi Menachim then sang Israeli songs, hugged their fellow "warriors 
and brothers."

Then on Sunday, they all went out for their first day ever on Skis. Led by UJA 
Campaign Chair and Challenge Aspen Instructor Rob Leavitt, the soldiers and their 
families were up at Elk Camp Meadows, the new beginner area at Snowmass.
Making their first wedge turns, riding the magic carpet and then the new chair,
they all were enthralled with skiing and the freedom and escape the world of sno
smile.

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You should all be so very proud of what you have helped accomplish, giving these
heroes a true vacation and a renewed sense of hope.

Chabad Aspen - here and in Israel - and Challenge Aspen deserve our gratitude for
creating this program.