The Council of the Borough of Hackney which includes the jewish community of Stamford Hill, has honored Kol Boniach for its commitment to helping at-risk teenagers over the past 16 years.

At the reception on Tuesday, the council’s speaker, Sade Etti, said that “she was highly inspired while witnessing the work of Kol Boniach, They have helped over 430 teenagers, relocating them to new homes and ensuring they learn new skills.”

She told the leaders of Kol Boniach: “You are an example of what we need in our community and our society.”

Kol Boniach was established by Stamford Hill activist Rabbi Osher Schapiro and works mainly with teenage boys in London, Manchester and Gateshead.

A testimony written by one of its success stories was read out at the reception in Hackney Town Hall.

Adam Levy, 26, was helped by Kol Boniach after having very tough young age years.

“I was a 14-year-old alone in the world. I spent my days wandering aimlessly and headed towards a world of juvenile delinquency. Kol Boniach gave me help with training, finding a job, giving me therapy sessions, warm meals and a sweet home.” He is now happily married with children and is running a business.

Praising the work of Kol Boniach, Councillor Michael Desmond said: “We see a lot of bad things about bad people in the papers but this is a good story about good people.
“People know if there is a problem in the family, they have a place to turn to, Kol Boniach will be there to support them.”

Rabbi Schapiro said that “without the tireless work of our volunteers, friends and my family, I’d have given up.

The work we do relies on the charity of our community. We work out of our shuls and our homes. It is changing lives of young people every single day.”

Present at the event was Councillor Michael Levy, Councillor Michael Desmond, Councillor Jonathan Mcshane, Councillor Feryal Demirci, Councillor Simcha Steinberger, Councillor Abraham Jacobson Councillor Ian Sharer, Councillor Bentzion Pappier. & other community leaders.

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