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Howard Blas

Howard Blas

Howard Blas is a social worker and special-education teacher by training. He teaches Jewish studies and prepares students with a range of disabilities for b’nai mitzvah. He regularly leads Birthright Israel “classic” and service trips for people with disabilities. His publications can be viewed here.

Deni Avdija of the Washington Wizards. Source: Screenshot.
Culture and Society
On and off the court, Israel’s NBA star is making the grade
Cheering on the now 20-year-old: the Israeli embassy, former NBA player Omri Casspi, players from the Maccabi Tel Aviv basketball club and National Team, and fans of Israel everywhere.
Mar. 8, 2021
Howard Blas
Jacob Werbin (left) and Uriel Levitt, co-founders of Shred Support. Credit: Courtesy of Dina Levitt.
Feature
Two men and a shredder: Starting a business during COVID-19
Best friends Uriel Levitt and Jacob Werbin, both with disabilities and who found themselves out of work and unable to go to camp last summer, founded a company with the help of their mothers and the support of their community.
Feb. 23, 2021
Howard Blas
Israeli Little Leaguers taking part in drills with Israels Olympic Baseball team in 2019. Credit: Israel Baseball.
Feature
Israeli Little Leaguers warm up for ‘Field of Peace’ tournament in Dubai
The baseball 12-and-under set is preparing to compete for the Unity Cup in March, featuring Israel, the United Arab Emirates and potentially teams from other Gulf states.
Feb. 11, 2021
Howard Blas
Team Israel Start Up Nation training in Spain. Credit: Noa Arnon.
Feature
Second season revs up for Team Israel Start-Up Nation
The team members, who come from all over the world and are mainly not Jewish, not only cycle hard, they serve as ambassadors for the State of Israel.
Jan. 28, 2021
Howard Blas
Israeli basketball player Deni Avdija being interviewed as he and team members deliver Christmas presents to the local community, December 2020. Credit: Courtesy of the Washington Wizards.
Culture and Society
The education of Deni Avdija on and off the court
Making friends, learning the city, sharing Hebrew, supporting local residents, even going for a Chick-fil-A run, the 19-year-old is knee-deep in getting to know American culture.
Dec. 25, 2020
Howard Blas
Deni Avdija (center right) poses with Israeli Ambassador to the United States Ron Dermer (center left) and other officials. Credit: WashingtonWizards.com.
Culture and Society
Mr. Avdija goes to Washington
The Israeli basketball star notes that he is “excited to play against the NBA greats—all the guys I played against when I was little … in video games!”
Dec. 15, 2020
Howard Blas
Israeli Deni Avdija speaking to the media after his Washington Wizards pre-season debut. Source: Screenshot.
Culture and Society
Deni Avdija plays near-perfect game in NBA pre-season debut
“I thought, ‘Whoa, you are in the Barclay Center, playing against all those players you saw on TV, and now you’re just playing against them on the court,” said the 6-foot-9-inch Israeli forward.
Dec. 14, 2020
Howard Blas
Michal Rimon, CEO of Access Israel, speaking at the Zero Project Conference in Austria in February 2020. Credit: Courtesy.
Feature
Israeli and UAE disabilities’ professionals find common purpose in expanding inclusion
With ties between the Mideast countries now official, two women are helping improve amenities, resources and accessibility for residents and visitors.
Dec. 7, 2020
Howard Blas
Israel’s Deni Avdija speaking to the press shortly after being drafted by the Washington Wizards. Source: Screenshot.
Culture and Society
Israel’s Deni Avdija gets picked to shoot for Washington Wizards
The 6-foot-9, 220-pounder becomes the third Israeli, after Omri Casspi and Gal Mekel, to play in the NBA.
Nov. 19, 2020
Howard Blas
Tisha B’Av services at Camp Modin in Belgrade, Maine. Credit: Courtesy.
Feature
Camp Modin at 100: Making history in a time of hardship
The summer camp addressed issues of assimilation and the potential loss of Jewish identity in children of first-generation American Jews. Coincidentally, the idea for its establishment was proposed in the winter of 1921—just a year after another pandemic had finally ended.
Aug. 4, 2020
Howard Blas
Mariel Falk, co-founder and co-director, showing off her painting skills and Camp Yalla enthusiasm. Source: Screenshot.
Feature
As pandemic uncertainties continue, summer gets a dose of virtual camp
Say hello to Camp Yalla, which will bring entertainment and connections to kids in the most modern of ways.
Jun. 3, 2020
Howard Blas
Yuval Wagner, founder and president of Access Israel, says “it is difficult time for us all, but for people with disabilities who are at risk and alone at their homes, it’s unbearable.” Source: Access Israel via Facebook.
Feature
Israeli agencies serving disability community contend with changes brought on by pandemic
Staff tries to maintain a sense of routine for those who thrive on it, while at the same time introducing needed and relevant technology.
May. 4, 2020
Howard Blas
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