The Spirit of Esra

Dina Keusch – an exceptional volunteer

Dina was one of the first sabras who became involved in Esra. Looking to help new immigrants from the Former Soviet Union, Dina, who had heard of Esra, knocked on neighbor Merle Guttmann's door (at the little Esra office then operating out of Merle's house).

She had a degree in sociology, had made a study of immigrant absorption and had teaching experience, and so she soon became Esra's after school center’s coordinator for immigrant youth – Russians first and then later, Ethiopians – in Hadera, Or Akiva and Netanya. With her professional expertise and warm heart she was instrumental in setting up and running these centers, which were funded by Esra, efficiently and effectively.

For the past nine years she has been immersed in the welfare committee, sifting every month through approximately fifty heartbreaking applications and translating to English the ones that fit our criteria.

Dina brings so much devotion that she indeed has the Spirit of Esra!