Mordechai came to Israel as a toddler from Azerbaijan. His father was unable to find work, began drinking, and subsequently became violent and abusive towards his family.
When Mordechai was in the second grade at Shuvu Netanya School, his father went to the extreme of burning down their home. Despite his emotional turmoil, the love and understanding Mordechai received at school helped him regain trust in others and he went from strength to strength in his school and social life. Upon his graduation, Mordechai received a Certificate of Excellence. To this day, Mordechai still visits the Shuvu Netanya School whenever possible to offer the same support and encouragement as he himself once received from the Shuvu family.
