Last week a special awards ceremony was held in Mazkeret Batya, as scholarships from the Lenny and Faigel Shapiro Fund were distributed to 51 students at a warm and emotional event.

Of the 51 student recipients, over 20% are of Ethiopian descent, a rising percentage. This is a direct result of the scholarship committee’s efforts to ensure the funds are allocated to those most in need and more likely to benefit from the support. Many of these students would not be able to afford the high costs of higher education without the help of the scholarship fund.

Meir Dahan, chair of the Mazkeret Batya regional council, thanked Lenny and Faigel for their longstanding support to the region. “Our students look to you as role models and personal examples,” he explained, “leaders who give of themselves and enable others to give, as well.”

Later this year, at a ceremony celebrating the 125th anniversary of the city, Dahan will present Lenny and Faigel with honorary citizenship in appreciation of their extensive and long-term efforts benefitting Mazkeret Batya.

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