Return Lielle to Israel for Burial

From Anat Levitan Kaplan, Lielle's mom:
Lielle "Kashtapashta" Kaplan was born in Austin, Texas, on June 11, 2008. Her first action in life was to smile, in the first moment she was born. She was a curious, happy, active baby and that carried through her entire life. Lielle loved to explore everything, especially nature. She spent most of her days outside rescuing lost animals; collecting rocks, leaves, and shells; and discovering the special stories behind every object. 


Lielle was also exceptionally creative. She crafted with paint, yarn, and clay, and her favorite school subject was art. She radiated music--singing in the shower, playing piano and ukelele, and swapping favorite songs with her mom.


One of her most fun qualities was how clever she was. At the age of two--barred from watching TV at home--she began watching movies on the sly at a friend's house. I only found out when she forgot and identified Nemo on a cup at HEB! Lielle was also excellent at kindly but directly correcting my English grammar and spelling.

Most of all, Lielle was a kind friend, daughter, granddaughter, niece, neighbor, and student. She was always laughing, always cared about others and wanted to help. If two friends were arguing, she tried to mediate fairly or set things right. 


Tragically, Lielle is gone. I am stunned and grieving, along with my family. Many of you know that Israel is my homeland and Lielle's, too. Austin was a wonderful chapter in our beautiful life together, and now I want to take her home. She will be buried there. Then I will try to create a new home and move on with my daughter close by.

Funds raised here will be used for:

--Lielle's funeral services
--Traditional Jewish burial and preparation expenses for Lielle
--Purchase of a cemetary plot in Israel
--Cost of transporting Lielle to Israel
--Customs duties 
--If possible,
assisting family funeral travel

Our stated goal is an estimation of the possible tran






sportation and burial expenses. Should the cost be less than the funds raised, the extra money will be donated to Lielle's school, Austin Waldorf School.

Thank you to all of our friends for your care, kind words, love, and support at this unspeakably difficult time.