Young Israel of Plainview Makes Big Strides in Fight Against Cancer

Teenagers from The Young Israel of Plainview took part in the "Making Strides of Jones Beach" event Sunday.

The walk honors survivors of breast cancer and raises money to help the American Cancer Society fight the disease.

The walkers, participating under the name Team YIP, came together to support this event, one of the many orchestrated by the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer network. The team was organized by Max Kahn of Plainview.

“It was inspiring to look around me and see all my friends from our shul walking together as a team to raise money to fight cancer.” Kahn said.

The teens raised more than $1,000 from sponsors in the synagogue. The event, which was from 8-11 a.m., began with a rolling start so participants could  begin their walk at different times.

The walkers used each other for inspiration as they pushed forward toward the finish line, all against the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean,which organizers said was "a fitting representation of the enormity of the challenge faced by those affected."

The walk concluded in an emotional finish as participants got together to both celebrate those that have defeated breast cancer as well as honor the memories of others not as fortunate. When reached later, Jordana Rothschild, a representative of the synagogue, expressed how uplifting the whole event was.

“Seeing both the passion and dedication of the teen participants showed today’s youth to be tomorrow’s leaders," Rothschild said. Unfortunately, breast cancer is an illness that will not be cured overnight. That being said, raising awareness by taking part in events such as these is, indeed, a great way to put our best foot forward.”

The Young Israel of Plainview is a Modern Orthodox Jewish Congregation in Plainview. For more information on this and our other programs and events visit the congregation's website at ww.yiplainview.com or contact Rabbi Elie Weissman at rabbi@yiplainview.com