Ask Abby (Feldman) Basalay about Yachad and she’ll have a lifetime of memories, experiences, and wisdom to share with you. For Abby, participation in Yachad was a family affair. From a young age her parents hosted a number of Yachad members and advisors in their Queens home. She recalls sitting at the dinner table and listening to the zmirot, surrounded by a sense of warmth and happiness. She notes that these events were always inclusive, with no off-hand whispers or cliques; she remembers only the warmth and joy of shared song and dance. After attending a particularly inspirational Simchaton when she was eleven, Abby knew she wanted to get involved with Yachad for the long term.
As the years progressed, Abby transitioned from a high school participant, to an advisor, and finally served as a counselor for Yad B’Yad and Birthright Yachad. Her outstanding dedication to Yachad’s mission, to promote inclusion among Jews with diverse abilities, shines through in her caring nature, easy smile, and passion for infusing fun into any situation.
Abby shared that some of her favorite memories come from her time with Yad B’Yad, particularly while staying at the Kibbutz Ein Tzurim in Israel. She laughs as she recalls that “no teenager in their right mind would wake up early to gather eggs and clean a coop or the cow barn.” Yet, much to her surprise, the Yachad participants were so eager and excited to help out that in the end they all “jumped in and cleaned, sprayed, raked leaves, and had fun with something that I would have never imagined could be great.” Spending time in Israel on Yad B’Yad was a transformational experience for Abby, who can spend hours retelling stories filled with laughter and joy. 
Today Abby resides in Kew Garden Hills, Queens with her husband, Daniel, and two children, Menashe and Ellie. She’s currently a pediatric intern at Cohen’s Children’s Medical at LIJ Hospital. Although her counseling and advising days are over, Abby looks back on her experience with Yachad with fondness and warmth. Undoubtedly this all-star alumna will share her memories with her family and perhaps, inspire her children to continue the tradition.