Belonging, Friendship, and Inclusion Combine In Color At Ramapo Town Hall
by Monsey.info
The Ramapo Town Hall got a fresh coat of beauty this past Sunday, May 15th, with Chabad of Suffern’s Paint the Town with Friendship event outside the Hall. Hundreds of residents stopped by to imbibe their own goodness into a “We All Belong” mural created by Chasidic artist Yitzchak Moully.
The “#WeAllBelong Mural” was designed by children and young adults living with special needs and was sponsored by Chabad Jewish Center of Suffern’s Friendship Circle, an organization devoted to enriching the lives of people living with special needs. The mural — which depicts people of various ages and abilities interacting and is topped by the slogan, “We All Belong” — overlooks Route 59, where thousands of motorists will see and internalize its powerful message each day.
Known for his colorful mosaics and meaningful art, Moully emphasizes inclusion and the greatness of friendship in his work, with each attendee pouring a cup of paint onto a black and white mural, joining each person’s positive emotions into a fantastically colorful piece of art. Moully’s creative and collaborative #WeAllBelong mural spreads the message that it is precisely diversity that brings vibrancy and life to a community, because We All Belong.
Ramapo’s Supervisor Michael Specht and representatives from Ramapo PD expressed their happiness at joining the event, writing on their social media that “happy to be invited to spend the afternoon yesterday with Chabad of Suffern, the Town of Ramapo, Artist Yitzchok Moully & Friendship Circle members.”
“At a time like this, when divisiveness has reared its ugly head, it’s crucial that we show by example the importance of unity and inclusion,” said Rabbi Shmuel Gancz, who directs the Chabad Jewish Center of Suffern with his wife Devorah. “The mural’s message will resonate with countless people each day, and demonstrates the Town of Ramapo’s commitment to these important ideals.”
In addition to participating in the creation of the mural, participants also created their own art using repurposed street signs, and these upcycled art pieces will be sold at auction to benefit Friendship Circle. For many of the children present, this was a chance to show the world the talents they possess, talents that might have been glossed over by others, but which now have been put on display for all to appreciate and own.
“The goal here is to bring not just acceptance and inclusion, but equality and dignity to people in our community who live with special needs,” said Devorah Sirota, who directs the Friendship Circle. “The sale of these works of art will not only directly benefit these children, but demonstrate that they have talents that should be embraced, and that the fact that they are differently-abled does not define them.”
“I’m so happy my children and grandchildren were in an environment of care, love, support and kindness,” said Ahuva Lipschitz, a parent of a child living with special needs who joined the event. “Thank you for building such beautiful memories and planting seeds for our children to feel safe and accepted in this world.”
“Our goal at Friendship Circle is to ensure that it is never too late for any child,” said Gancz. “We are dedicated to ensuring that no one slips through the cracks of society and that each person is cherished for who they are, and is given the tools to live a fulfilling and meaningful life.”
The event also included raffles, contests, and refreshments with a familial, communal atmosphere. It marks the conclusion of Friendship Circle’s activities for the school year as they gear up for the summer season and beyond.
