Sonja Dinner: - Jerusalem Foundation

These very goals drive Sonja and The DEAR Foundation’s
committment to some of the most needy of Jerusalem’s children.
The DEAR Foundation supports children in the Mahane Yehuda
market, known as “handcart children,” who should not be working
but playing, giving them a chance to be children again. Ethiopian
immigrant children now have a chance at success thanks to The
DEAR Foundation’s support for a literacy program.
A shining example of The DEAR Foundation’s and Sonja’s pledge
to transcend our differences and put tolerance and understanding
above all is their support for the Hand in Hand High School for
Bilingual Education, where Jewish, Muslim and Christian students
learn together, and the Speaking Art Conference which fosters
dialogue between Jews, Muslims and Christian artists.
Understanding the importance of giving people a “hand up” rather
than a “hand out,” The DEAR Foundation supported the Women’s
Independent Network for Muslim women in the Old City, so that
they can learn and market a skill. Sonja is keenly aware that dignity
also applies to those who are elderly and for this reason The DEAR
Foundation supported the renovation of Beit Hofmann, a day care
center that truly breaks the mold by offering vibrant activities for
“golden agers.”
Sonja resides in Switzerland. She is a frequent visitor to Jerusalem
and is personally involved with the projects The DEAR Foundation
supports.