Babbush Boys Embark on “Reverse Mission” Trip to Honduras ISRAEL’S 67th ONE PEOPLE ONE HEART T his spring, Max and Sam Babbush, along with their father, Jeff, will take a “reverse mission” trip to Honduras, where they will learn some of life’s most important lessons about giving back. Max, an 11th grader and Beachwood High School Soccer Team co-captain, and Sam, an 8th grader, are excited about this opportunity to contribute significantly to the many needs of the Honduran people. In addition to helping others while there, The Babbushes will also share their love for soccer with Honduran families and their kids by collecting 1,000 soccer balls to take with them on their journey. “Our original goal of 500 was doubled to 1,000 because of the tremendous support to date, and with your help, we're confident of achieving it,” Max told us. Here's how the idea of this Honduras journey came about: Back in 1982, when Jeff transferred to Gilmour Academy, he met his new high school soccer coach, Tihomir Teisl, who would have a lifelong effect on him. In the fall of 1982, The Gilmour Soccer Lancers had a 9 p.m. game that was scheduled on the eve of a Jewish holiday. As a result, Jeff was unable to play in the game because of his religious commitment. When Babbush told his coach that he couldn't leave before sundown, the coach responded by saying, “No problem. I respect you and your family's traditions and will send a van to your house after sundown.” Jeff never forgot this and told his children that it was a life-changing experience for him and his beliefs. This past fall, Jeff ran into Coach Teisl when Max's Beachwood soccer team had a game against Gilmour. Coach Teisl shared information about the annual Gilmour alumni Honduras trip, and Jeff felt that this would be a great experience and opportunity to give back. If you would like to donate new or gently-used soccer balls, please drop them off at: Force – Richmond, 26555 Richmond Rd., Bedford Heights, Ohio 44146. To make a cash donation that will be used to purchase additional soccer balls, please make a pledge at http://www.helpbuildhonduras. myevent.com. “All soccer ball and financial donations must be received by June 1, 2015,” said Sam. “Every contribution allows us to bring more opportunity to others.” INDEPENDENCE DAY YOM HA’ATZMAUT CELEBRATION Thursday, April 23, 2015 Celebration begins @ 5:30 Park Synagogue Main 3300 Mayfield Road, Cleveland Heights • ENJOY FAMILY FUN FOR ALL AGES • TOUR THE ISRAELI MARKETPLACE (SHUK) • NOSH ON DELICIOUS KOSHER FOODS FOR SALE RAICHELPROJECT featuring THE IDAN Concert @ 8:00 No backpacks or large purses Parking is limited; please consider carpooling Please note: venue isn’t stroller friendly FREE AND OPEN TO THE COMMUNITY ISRAEL’S MEMORIAL DAY COMMEMORATION Yom Hazikaron April 21 @ 7 pm Mandel JCC, Stonehill Auditorium 26001 S. Woodland Road, Beachwood www.jewishcleveland.org Pictured: Sam and Max Babbush. Event Co-Chairs Cindy and Michael Attias, Donell and Scott Newman ♥ Event Vice Chairs: Sandy and Steve Laserson April 2015 n Beachwood Buzz 45