Peter Yarrow, of the legendary 60’s folk-singing group “Peter, Paul, and Mary”, will visit Shalva Institute in Har Nof on Monday, March 30th as part of his visit to Israel under the auspices of the U.S. Embassy.

Yarrow, a lifelong social activist and educator created Operation Respect, a non-profit educational organization working to assure all children a respectful, safe and compassionate learning climate where their academic, social and emotional development can take place free of bullying, ridicule and violence. Operation Respect  disseminates a highly regarded and effective educational program called “Don’t Laugh at Me.” This program is implemented across the United States and around the world in countries such as South Africa, Hong Kong, and Croatia. It is designed to promote civility and conflict resolution in school curricula.

Peter is in Israel to conduct workshops and performances as part of the Department of State’s Performing Arts Initiative. Peter will be visiting Shalva to observe the music therapy program and meet the Shalva Band.

about: Shalva was founded in May of 1990 by Kalman and Malki Samuels whose own experience with the challenge of raising a special needs child, coupled with a strong desire to help families in similar situations was the inspiration behind the creation of Shalva. Malki and Kalman endeavored to create a therapeutic environment in which special needs children could thrive and grow.

Shalva is built upon a foundation of love, hope, faith and respect for all human beings. These guiding principles are evident in every Shalva program. The Hebrew letters shin, lamed, vav, heh comprising the name “Shalva” stand for shichrur l’mishpacha v’layeled hamugbal – liberating the family and the special needs child.

In Hebrew, the word “shalva” means peace of mind.

Shalva provides services to more than 500 participants with special needs, including infants, children, adolescents and young adults via a wide range of tailored programs and round-the-clock therapies, seven days a week. Shalva accompanies the child and his/her family from birth to adulthood. Individual programs are so designed that each participant reaches his/her full potential. By placing an emphasis on social interaction, the special needs child can better integrate into the community.