For Hallel... One of Us

“Dancing faces you towards Heaven, whichever direction you turn.” ~ Author Terri Guillemets

We are a group of teens aged 12-18 and members of Kesem and Yesodot Israeli dance troupes . We perform original choreography at local and national Israeli dance shows, Hebrew schools, B’nai Mitzvahs and other events. We come from different schools and cities in the DC area, brought together by a shared love of Israel and Israeli dance. This year we embarked on a special project to remember Hallel Ariel, a 13 year old Israeli girl who was brutally killed in her home on June 30, 2016 in Israel. Like us, Hallel was a dancer.

While we never knew Hallel, she has become one of us (we hope you watch the video above!). We are determined to share Hallel’s story and keep her memory alive through a special choreography which we have been learning for the last 3+ months. The choreography incorporates Hallel’s steps from a dance that she performed for her Bat Mitzvah. When we perform we will be dancing in Hallel’s footsteps, sharing our commitment to zikaron (remembrance) and love of dance.  The dance will be debuted on Sunday, May 14 2017 at the annual DC Israeli dance festival .

Rena Ariel, Hallel’s mother, has asked us to promote acts of chesed (kindness) in Hallel’s memory. We have decided to raise money for Ginat Hallel, a playground that will be built at the school where Hallel studied and where her sister continues to study. The total cost of construction is $25,000 and the family still needs $15,000 to complete the playground. We know  our community can help bring the Ariels closer to reaching that goal. We are hopeful that one day each of us will be able to travel to Israel and visit Ginat Hallel and know that we have contributed to something beautiful.

Our goal is $15,000. Please consider donating to complete the playground in Hallel’s memory.  Out of darkness we can bring light to the Ariel family, through both our dance and our communal acts of kindness.

Any donation amount is appreciated.  Together, we can make this happen.
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