On Sunday, October 13th, the sixth annual Philly Friendship Walk was held at  Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy. The Philly Friendship Walk is just one of the many annual events held by The Friendship Circle, a program directed by Rabbi Zev Baram and Chani Baram, whose goal is to make inclusion of everyone, including special needs children, a top priority for the Philadelphia area. Families from all over the Lower Merion and Philadelphia community gathered together at the walk to make a statement about inclusion.

Walkers formed teams that sponsored a loved one or a friend with special needs. Participants encouraged friends and family to donate, raising a grand total $68,225. Then, walkers completed either a 5K course around the school campus and neighborhood or a family fun 1.5K loop around the school. From people who walked their dogs along the trail to trained runners who ran the 5K, fifty teams participated in the fundraiser. Many individuals also registered the day of the walk.

After the 5K was completed, food was available for purchase, including sandwiches, soups, soft pretzels, and a food truck called Fire Eaters, which sold delicious Kosher pizza. In addition to food there were many activities for kids to enjoy, including moon bounces, clay workshops, and the Fun Bus, a miniature gym on a bus where the kids got to bounce, play, and explore!

Many other organizations that promote inclusion and community came to sponsor the walk and get the name out of their program. One organization present, the JRA (Jewish Relief Agency), had just been visited that morning by BuildOn, a Harriton community service club. Members packed food and delivered it to those in need. Some other programs were Zero Gravity Dance Company, JKidPhilly, and Pegasus Riding Academy.

Chani Baram, the woman in charge of the Friendship Circle and the Philly Friendship Walk, has an inspiring story and helps the community each day because of her commitment and dedication to inclusion.

Mrs. Baram and her husband are part of the Chabad community in Philadelphia, whose goal is to ensure inclusion for everyone, regardless of what you look like, what your race is, or what you sound like. Mrs. Baram’s three brothers with special needs inspired her and her husband to start The Friendship Circle organization. This is a program run largely by teenage volunteers. Many Harriton students contribute hours to this organization each week.

There are many things students can do to get involved, such as participate in the Friends at Home event, where a student visits a child with special needs each week. The volunteers and children form very special bonds. There is also a Sunday Circle, which enables children and young adults with special needs to play, create music and art, have a snack, and form relationships with teenage volunteers. With the help of the Barams and The Friendship Circle, children with special needs are starting to feel more included.