Projects

The Norman Kates Memorial Fund

The Norman Kates Fund was established in September 2005 by Miriam Kates Lock of Efrat, Israel, who wanted to find a meaningful way to memorialize her beloved father, Norman Kates, who passed away in October 2002.

Norman Kates was a strong believer in the importance of sports and fitness.  As a young man he was involved with a variety of sports, including football, bowling, boxing and golf.  He began running seriously in his 40's, and for more than thirty years, both in Chicago and after his ally to Israel in 1983, he woke up early every morning to run.  As a busy engineer who traveled worldwide, he always made the time for his daily run.

The Norman Kates Memorial Fund has chosen to support Tikvot because Tikvot's goals of helping terror victims regain their strength and confidence through sports correlates with Mr. Kates' belief in the importance of sports and exercise for good health.

Miriam comments, "I was looking for a cause that would have meant a lot to my father.  Tikvot rehabilitates victims of terror through sports and fitness and it is the perfect choice."

The Norman Kates Fund is raising funds to help pay for the specialized sports program of Asael Shabo, now fifteen years old.  Asael, who lost his mother and three siblings in a tragic terrorist attack in 2002, has become an enthusiastic sportsman, thanks to the amazing work of Tikvot.  In spite of having lost a leg in the attack, Asael has become involved with sports such as swimming, water skiing, wheelchair basketball and more.  Last summer Tikvot took Asael to the U.S. to get him fitted with two prostheses, one for walking and one for running.  For the first time in six years, Asael can not only walk, but he can run.  As he continues to grow, building his strength and developing his skills, the Norman Kates Fund plans to continue to support Tikvot and Asael's sports program.