I DID IT, YOU CAN TOO!

• 
  AVERY AMSTER
  Chicago, IL

  That moment that I crossed the finish line was like none other before. After an amazing shabbos experience, I felt like I was in a higher place. It was truly inspirational to me and I couldn’t have done it without the Team Yachad experience.

• 
  BENJI COHEN
  Skokie, IL

  Running with my son was so meaningful. We concentrated on finishing together; time did not matter. It was awesome feeling the comradery with the other Team Yachad runners. Feeling everyone believe in you helped give us energy to cross the finish line. It wasn’t just me that crossed the finish line at that moment, but every other team yachad runner who encouraged me to do my best and be myself.

• 
  ILANA GLAZER
  Cleveland, OH

  I felt accomplished, and very blessed to be part of something so much greater than myself.

• 
  ALISON GROSS
  West Hempstead, NY

  By mile 13.1, I was tired and hot but crossing the finish line for Team Yachad next to my daughter, was just amazing! Even better was seeing other Team Yachad teammates along the course and cheering each other along.

• 
  SERENA HARTSTEIN
  Bet Shemesh, ISRAEL

  I have run many full marathons, half marathons and 10ks. What I experienced this Miami half marathon, running with Team Yachad was none I have ever felt before. To be part of a group where everyone involved felt equal and included during the amazing shabbos atmosphere, singing, davening and running all for an unbelievable cause it will be an experience that will not be forgotten!

• 
  GABRIELLA HERRMANN
  Teaneck, NJ

  I’m feeling exhausted and I keep looking over my shoulder to find the mile thirteen sign. Finally I see it and my heart starts racing faster and my feet pick up the pace, eager to finish. I see this man yelling “Just one more turn and you’re there!” and all I can picture in my mind is me crossing the finish line for Team Yachad. When I take that left turn, I can see a glimpse of the finish line and I keep saying to myself “I’m so tired but I can do this!” Everybody around me is looking at me in the eye, saying “YOU GOT THIS” and that empowers me. Next thing I know I am right next to the finish line, no longer in pain, but just focusing on how I just ran for a cause that I strongly believe in and that is YACHAD!

• 
  ELIYAHU ISHAKIS
  Cleveland Heights, OH

  It felt like the biggest relief in the world since it was really hot out there but I still made great time at 2 hours, 14 minutes. And knowing that me running caused dozens of people to give tzedakah to Yachad, people who otherwise never would have given is an awesome feeling.

• 
  ADIRA KATLOWITZ
  New York, NY

  There is something very special about crossing that finish line, a feeling that cannot be replicated elsewhere – the culmination of equal parts months of work and hours of work, being part of a select group of people who have pushed themselves beyond what seems reasonable, and doing it all to raise awareness and funds for an organization that does so much for so many.

• 
  KARI LEVINE
  West Hempstead, NY

  I was so thankful to be able to complete the marathon for the second time, with my second daughter. Two years ago, I was able to share this experience with my oldest daughter. G-d willing I will be able to do this again with my other children

• 
  ELISHEVA PICKER
  Teaneck, NJ

  It is an amazing feeling to accomplish something that you have been working towards for months. I was so proud of myself and even though this was my second year, I felt just as proud of myself as last year.

• 
  SHIRA ROSENZWEIG
  Woodmere. NY

  When I got up to about mile 6, all I could think of was I’m so done already, but then I realized that I can do it. The atmosphere around me really encouraged me to push myself. I saw so many different people and organizations and it was so inspiring. All the people in the crowd cheering the runners on reminded me of just how extraordinary what I am doing is.

• 
  BATYA SARNA
  New York, NY

  Every year I think crossing the finish line is the best moment of my life, and than each year it gets better and better. The weekend experience truly makes me feel like I am crossing the finish line B’Yachad- supported by my fellow teammates. I can’t wait for next year!

• 
  MAYA STIEFEL
  Teaneck, NJ

  It felt like all the work I had done to help raise money for Yachad had paid off and I had really made a difference.

• 
  JONATHAN WENGER
  West Hempstead, NY

  It was a feeling that I cannot imagine. I felt the accomplishment of running for inclusion and it overtook me. It was amazing.

• 
  SOLOMON YOUSSOUPOV
  Brooklyn, NY

  Everyone can do it if they just believe that they can.