Inspiring a New Generation
In a world where limitations often define one’s path, a remarkable individual emerges as a beacon of hope, resilience, and inspiration. Hailing from Jerusalem’s Jewish Institute for the Blind, a blind man who expertly fixes bicycles and teaches guitar lessons for a living will soon embark on a journey to the United States. His mission: to inspire and empower more than 1,000 middle school children in multiple Day Schools across Bergen County and South Florida. “I never thought I’d be able to live a normal life as a blind person,” Dani Shachar, 35, once said. “But I’ve learned to adapt, to overcome, and to believe in myself.” This unwavering spirit and determination have enabled him to excel in his work, turning his disability into a source of strength and inspiration.
- Blind since early childhood, Dani has a 60-year relationship with the JIB.
- He has mastered the art of bicycle repair and guitar playing, proving that with dedication and passion, one can overcome any obstacle.
- His work at the JIB has not only enabled him to develop these skills but also to connect with children and share his story, inspiring them to believe in themselves and strive for their dreams.
A Journey to Empower Young Minds
His journey to the United States April 30–May 11 marks a significant milestone in his life, as he sets out to share his story with young minds in the U.S. for the very first time. He will speak in English at various Day Schools in Bergen County and South Florida, sharing his message of resilience and determination.
“Every individual has the potential to achieve greatness, no matter the circumstances,”
Dani emphasizes. “I use my personal experiences to illustrate the importance of perseverance, hard work, and self-belief. These are the qualities that have enabled me to overcome my challenges and achieve my goals.”
| Perseverance | Hard work | Self-belief |
| Every individual has the potential to achieve greatness | These qualities are essential for overcoming challenges and achieving goals | My personal experiences have shown me that with determination and passion, anything is possible |
A Chance to Support the JIB
Though there won’t be any appearances on Long Island on this visit, there will be an opportunity for individuals to support the JIB—Beit Chinuch Ivrim in Hebrew—or register for a workshop at a private home in the Teaneck area. These workshops are designed to offer a more intimate setting where attendees can engage with him on a personal level, gaining deeper insights into his experiences and learning valuable life lessons.
- Workshops are designed to offer a more intimate setting where attendees can engage with Dani on a personal level.
- Attendees can gain deeper insights into his experiences and learn valuable life lessons.
- Support the JIB by visiting their website at jewishblind.org.
A Message from Dani Shachar
“I am not just fixing bicycles and teaching guitar lessons, I am mending hearts and minds, guiding our kids towards a path of self-belief and resilience,” Dani emphasizes. “I believe that every individual has the potential to make a difference, no matter their circumstances.”
“I want to inspire and empower more than 1,000 middle school children in multiple Day Schools across Bergen County and South Florida,” Dani says. “I believe that with determination and passion, anything is possible, and I want to share this message with the young minds of the United States.”
Supporting the JIB
Visit the Jewish Institute for the Blind’s website at jewishblind.org to learn more about their work and how you can support them. You can also register for a workshop at a private home in the Teaneck area, where you can engage with Dani on a personal level and gain deeper insights into his experiences. “Every individual has the potential to make a difference, no matter their circumstances,” Dani reminds us. “I believe that with determination and passion, anything is possible, and I want to share this message with the young minds of the United States.”
Empowering Young Minds
Through his unwavering spirit and determination, Dani is not only fixing bicycles and teaching guitar lessons but also mending hearts and minds, guiding our kids towards a path of self-belief and resilience. “I never thought I’d be able to live a normal life as a blind person,” Dani once said. “But I’ve learned to adapt, to overcome, and to believe in myself.” This unwavering spirit and determination have enabled him to excel in his work, turning his disability into a source of strength and inspiration. “I want to inspire and empower more than 1,000 middle school children in multiple Day Schools across Bergen County and South Florida,” Dani says.
