The ceremony was attended by Rabbi Yaakov Leitzman, Deputy Minister of Health; Prof. Eliezer Robinson, ICA Chairman; Mr. Leon Recanati, ICA Vice Chairman; Mr. Dudi Weissman, "Door Knock" Fundraising Campaign Chairman and President of Alon Group; Mr. Elai Botner and Yaldei Hahutz; opera singer Mrs. Rotem Sivan; children who survived cancer and those still coping with the disease, as well as dozens of ICA volunteers. Mrs. Miri Ziv, ICA Director General, moderated the ceremony.
The President opened the ceremony and said that he hopes that the entire nation will join in the fight against cancer, emphasizing that: "one of the ways of curing cancer is through hope, and you the volunteers save patients from abysmal loneliness which has befallen them and provide them with warmth, care and hope. This is why your volunteer work is so precious."
During the ceremony, Mr. Leon Recanati, ICA Vice Chairman passed the "Door Knock" Campaign torch to 2012-2013 Campaign Chairman, Mr. Dudi Weissman, President of Alon Group.
Mr. Weissman added: "I would like to express my thanks for the great honor that has been bestowed on me to serve as a catalyst for promoting this goal. Contributing to research, lending assistance to families and supporting ICA activity in all areas is of crucial importance. I sincerely hope that this year, despite the economic hardships, fundraising will continue and that all citizens will lend their support."
Pictured from right to left: Israel's President, Mr. Shimon Peres, President of Alon Group & "Door Knock" Campaign Chairman, Mr. Dudi Weissman, ICA Vice Chairman, Mr. Leon Recanati, and the children who took part in this moving ceremony. Photos courtesy of: Mr. Rafi Daluya.
Prof. Eliezer Robinson, ICA Chairman said: "This year the ICA shall place an emphasis on developing and financing projects to support and accompany the multitude of cancer survivors who've been cured and have a longer life expectancy, thanks to therapeutic advancement which had not been available in years past."
According to Mrs. Miri Ziv, ICA Director General: "Because all ICA activity is based on public donations, receiving no government funding, the "Door Knock" Fundraising Campaign is of utmost importance. We call upon the public to open their doors and hearts and to contribute to potentially life-saving activity."
Israel's President, Mr. Shimon Peres shaking hands with children who took part in the ceremony. Photos courtesy of: Yosef Avi Yair Engel.
The campaign's kick-off ceremony featured a song written specially for the "Door Knock" Fundraising Campaign which was performed for the time ever by Mr. Elai Botner and Yaldei Hahutz - Mr. Ohad Shragai and Ms. Adar Gold, accompanied by saxophonist - Mr. Yoni Dror.
The song was written for a song contest conceived by the ICA, in collaboration with Rosh 1 teen magazine; this initiative invited teens from across Israel to write songs on topics relating to "reciprocal giving" and the value of volunteering. The winning song was written by Ms. Shir Gotlieb, a 15-year-old from Givatayim.
Pictured: Israel's President, Mr. Shimon Peres, Mr. Elai Botner, Ms. Adar Gold, Mr. Ohad Shragai and Ms. Shir Gotlieb. Photos courtesy of: Rafi Daluya.