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> Jerusalem Post, July 23, 2011
The MaraTani - Chain of Giving project is dedicated to Tani's memory. The name “MaraTani” was given to the idea of “Marathon” Learning for “Tani”. Tani lived in the German Colony of Jerusalem, was a student at the Hartman High School and died in 2002, at the age of 17. We learned from the Tani's friends that Tani did not learn for exams, he taught the material to his friends -- and thus learned himself. The Goodman family, together with the International Cultural and Community Center in the Goodman neighborhood, decided to continue Tani's legacy in the same way that Tani lived his life-by giving to and teaching others. Tani did not complete his matriculation exams, he died in the middle of 12th grade, but through his legacy other students his age are given the opportunity to successfully complete their exams.
Professional teachers and university students tutor pupils for their exams in small groups throughout the year in English, Math and Hebrew. (See Upcoming Events for course dates). In addition, Marathon learning sessions are held before each final exam-hence the name "MaraTani". The teachers are all volunteers, and while the pupils do not pay for their lessons, they "pay" by volunteering in their communities in return. These volunteer projects include "big brother/sister" activities for younger children; helping the elderly; joining the civil guard; working in community gardens; ambulance and first aid assistance; teaching others in the MaraTani. These community service projects which began with the MaraTani gave impetus to other youth oriented volunteer projects today in Jerusalem. 80% of the youth volunteering today through the ICCC originated in the MaraTani.
The ICCC, the Goodman and Posnick Families, The Tani Fund and friends and in memory of Josh and Shirley Sapir (Z’L) support the project which received the 2005 Jerusalem Mayor's Award for Volunteer Project. Radio Broadcast on the MaraTani Project by Maggie Goodman in 2008.