A delegation from the Japanese Embassy in Israel, headed by
Katzyoshi Hiashi, advisor to Japan's ambassador in Israel,
toured the Yad Sarah institutions last week. The purpose of
their visit was to familiarize themselves with Yad Sarah's
services and examine the possibilities of collaboration
between Yad Sarah and Japanese health and welfare
agencies.
Heads of the delegation were very impressed by Yad Sarah's
activities, and said, "There is nothing like this in Japan."
Their visit included tours of the Exhibition and Consultation
Center, the Rehabilitation Center, the Distress Center in
Yerushalayim and the organization's various lending
stations.
Yad Sarah has advised health and welfare facilities
throughout the world. In Eastern Europe, there are now scores
of branches founded on the model of Yad Sarah. In New York
and South Africa, plans which were prepared by Yad Sarah to
help local welfare and health systems are currently being
adapted to the special needs of those countries. Scores of
government officials and professionals from all over the
world visit Yad Sarah each year, where they learn about its
volunteer services which save the government hundreds of
millions of dollars a year.
The founder, Rabbi Uri Lapoliansky, is the head of the Degel
HaTorah faction of United Torah Judaism's delegation to the
Jerusalem City Council. He has received numerous awards,
including one for efficient management, for his work in Yad
Sarah.
