Jewish Community Center

* The North Valley Jewish Community Center is much more than a building that stands at Rinaldi Street and Havenhurst Avenue in Granada Hills. The center, although titled Jewish, is a blend of families and individuals of all colors and religious denominations, providing opportunities to learn and be enriched through a multitude of classes and social programs for young children through senior citizens. It reflects and celebrates the diversity that is part of the San Fernando Valley. It is a home to all of the families and individuals who have participated in the diverse programs the center offers. It has shared our joys, consoled and supported us in time of need. My husband and I have spent a great deal of time there, and our children have “grown up” at the center. Strong bonds of friendship have begun there. For many secular Jews, the center acts as a gateway to synagogue membership and community participation.

The events of Aug. 10th have touched us all and made us acutely aware of how precious life is. This attack happened in our community, to our center and to members of our community. We were all affected by the violence.

It is important to recognize the gallant efforts of the young counselors, whose quick action determined the fate of all the children at the center, along with the adult staff of teachers, aides and secretaries, and to support their efforts to bring healing to themselves and the children they serve.

Let us express our support and gratitude to the center for enriching our lives, and let us not return to our complacent, indifferent attitudes toward violence in the community but remain steadfast and vigilant in our effort to make our community safe for everyone.

BONNIE WEISSMAN

Granada Hills