For Dr. Rula Sinokrot, reading has never been a passing activity, it is a natural extension of her deep commitment to giving and community service. A retired dentist with a master’s degree in Educational Psychology (Growth and Learning), Dr. Rula found in We Love Reading a space where knowledge meets humanity, and books meet children.
Dr. Rula first learned about the program years ago through social media, and its name stayed with her. Over time, the program resurfaced in a community conversation, and she felt the moment was right. After receiving the program’s training and children’s books, she began her journey of reading aloud to children.
In collaboration with Dar Al-Manhal publishing house, Dr. Rula took part in a unique experience. While teenagers aged 12 to 18 gathered to discuss a book with an author, she organized read-aloud sessions for their younger siblings who accompanied them. The first session was filled with emotion and joy; one child offered her a flower, a simple gesture that became a powerful motivation for her to continue reading more stories aloud.
Dr. Rula soon realized that what she was offering went far beyond reading a story. What touched her most were the children’s spontaneous words, their genuine engagement with the stories, and the mothers’ reflections on how eagerly their children waited for each session. Many parents also shared how carefully their children treasured the books they received after the reading sessions.
As time went on, children began inviting their friends to join, and attendance at one session reached nearly fifty children. This growing enthusiasm encouraged Dr. Rula to propose additional sessions throughout the month, transforming reading into a consistent part of children’s lives rather than an occasional event.
The impact of We Love Reading was not limited to the children alone, it deeply influenced Rula herself. The program renewed her sense of purpose and fulfillment, giving her fresh energy and a deeper meaning to giving. She believes that time, knowledge, and experience only gain true value when they are shared with others.
Beyond reading, Dr. Rula Sinokrot is actively involved in several volunteer initiatives, including supporting individuals with visual impairments by recording audiobooks, participating in healthcare initiatives, and assisting students and caregivers of patients from Gaza. She also leads a Quran-focused initiative she launched in 2017, bringing together participants from across the Arab world. Across all these efforts, she views We Love Reading as a bridge between humanitarian and cultural work, one she continually seeks to integrate into her broader community engagement.