Last Shabbat Yoel Viterbo turned 30. With the words of our father Alessandro we would like to tell a story rich in humanity and affection that unites Padua with Jerusalem and all of Israel.
Brain-damaged since birth, his life, his growth and the improvements in his motor skills are a tangible demonstration of the seriousness and determination with which the Tsad Kadima association has worked and works to guarantee excellent assistance to over 400 children and young people in Israel. Ten centers from north to south of the country including 4 nurseries to assist children from the very first months and 3 day centers have been active for 37 years. The Hungarian “Peto” method is applied by specialized and trained educators with significant funding from the State of Israel and private donors which allow Tsad Kadima to exist and become an increasingly point of reference in a difficult and cutting-edge sector in Israel.
Yoel tell us about your daily life.
I live at home with my parents and attend the Tsad Kadima day center. Generally once a week I spend the evening and night in an apartment equipped for me and other brain-damaged kids with the assistance of educators. It is very important because it gives me a great sense of independence and we carry out collective activities. The electric wheelchair is irreplaceable for me: at first it was difficult to use, but over the years I have improved. The swimming pool is the most useful therapy for my disability. I’ve been practicing with the tablet for some time now. I hope that Tsad Kadima will be able to organize the camp this year too: I have been participating for many years, these are days when our parents can rest from taking care of us minute after minute as they have done since we were born.
Isaac Herzog, the president of the State of Israel, recently received a group of children and young people from Tsad Kadima with educators and fathers and mothers: it was truly emotional for all of us.
Music and crafts are your passions, right?
The concerts and the meetings with the artists at the end of their shows fill me with joy. I met great Israeli performers including Idan Reichel and David D’Or. On Shabbat and during the holidays I appreciate the Italian chazanut at the Rehov Hillel temple: I have my favorite chazanim, but they all have beautiful voices.
Can you eat alone?
A few years ago I learned to make do. It wasn’t easy at all but now I’m more independent.
Do you understand Italian?
Yes I can even say some words and I also understand French. I can say that I am trilingual!
How did you experience the months following October 7th?
With apprehension for the many cousins enlisted. I have difficulty reaching the shelter of my house and I rely totally on my parents, so we pass the alarms.
Will some of your cousins and uncles from the great Viterbo tribe celebrate you at Pesach?
There will be many of us and we will celebrate the birthdays of those born in this month. I have participated in two milots in the last year alone, we celebrate life, despite everything.
