Israeli Runner Shares Dream Big Story Days Before PR

When Haimro Alame walked into Amigos Por Vida Charter School, over 400 students greeted him with "Shalom" in four languages, setting the stage for an unforgettable day about resilience and possibility.

The Israeli marathon runner visited Houston on January 8 as part of Dream Big's Art & Literacy Day, sharing his journey from a serious foot injury at age 8 to becoming one of Israel's fastest distance runners. Just three days after inspiring these students, Alame ran the second-fastest time ever by an Israeli athlete in the Chevron Houston Half Marathon.

Dream Big brought Alame's story to life through an animated book illustrated by an Ethiopian artist. The visual storytelling helped students see themselves in his experiences and believe in their own potential.

One particularly powerful moment came when a student shared that she, too, was born in Ethiopia. That connection reminded everyone in the room why representation matters so deeply.

Art teacher Andrea Stephania called the visit "a wonderful opportunity for our community," noting how students left ready to pursue their own goals with fresh confidence. Throughout the program, children shared their dreams and recent acts of kindness, weaving together themes of perseverance and responsibility.

What makes Alame's book even more special is its young authors. Students Noa Sonenshein, Jack Merwin, and Samantha Merwin participated in a Dream Big Creation Lab, helping shape the story from a child's perspective. It marked the organization's third Creation Lab, with plans to host at least one per month through 2026.

Why This Inspires

Dream Big proves that the right story at the right moment can change how children see their own potential. By bringing real people with real struggles into classrooms, the organization shows students that obstacles don't define destinies.

The program extends beyond athletic achievements. Dream Big's "Adopt a Holocaust Survivor's Story" initiative transforms survivor testimonials into animated stories for Bar and Bat Mitzvah projects, ensuring these voices continue reaching new generations.

"Dream Big with Haimro Alame" is now available in English, Spanish, Hebrew, and Amharic through Dream Big's digital bookstore. For every book purchased, the organization donates a matching copy to a school, doubling the impact of each sale.

These Art & Literacy Days celebrate more than reading. They honor resilience, multilingual communities, and the universal truth that every child's story deserves to be heard and every dream deserves space to grow.