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Community Corner

Beachwood Patch Whiz Kid of the Week Itamar Nurko

Eighth-grader is heading on a trip to Israel, where he'll donate clothes to the poor

Itamar Nurko

Age: 14

School:

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Accomplishment: Itamar is about to embark on a two-week visit to Israel with his classmates, where they will donate clothing to the poor Ethiopian children living there.

Key to Awesomeness: Itamar Nurko loves Israel.

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He’s been there several times to visit family and enjoys the beaches and what cities like Tel Aviv have to offer. But when he gets off the plane and steps into the Holy Land once again later this month, he’ll be doing something different.

Itamar and his entire eighth-grade class at The Agnon School will be donating brand new clothing to the Ethiopian children living in Israel.

“It puts a smile on your face,” he said, about being able to hand-deliver those clothes. The trip to Israel for The Agnon School’s graduating class has been happening every year for nearly two decades and is part of many social justice projects the school does at each grade level called tzedakah, meaning charity in Hebrew.

He said he’s also looking forward to revisiting some of his favorite places and seeing family while in Israel. Itamar, who is Jewish, said Israel has always been something special to him.

“[It’s] just like being connected to your homeland. When you get there you get that feeling. You get happy. Even though it might not be the safest place in the world, you feel safe. Home away from home,” he said.

The 14-year-old also plays soccer and basketball for the school and participates in United Synagogue Youth, a program that combines faith and unity with activities for kids.

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