Her Bat Mitzvah had to be postponed because of the pandemic. A surprise made it better
For nearly two years Kassie Lazega — with the help of her parents — planned the perfect Bat Mitzvah party celebrating her love for food and traveling.
She learned her Torah portion. She picked out two dresses. They lined up a DJ, dancers and a photo booth.
The party, a Jewish celebration for girls turning 12, was to be held Saturday, a day after her birthday.
Then the coronavirus pandemic happened. So Kassie and her family had to postpone.
“I was bummed I’d have to wait even longer for my party,” she said, adding having to learn a new Torah portion was also disappointing.
When North Miami Beach council member Fortuna Smukler heard that the girl’s special day had to be canceled, she decided she wanted to do something special for her.
So with the help of the city, several dozen cars joined together Friday afternoon for a Bat Mitzvah parade.
“It was so nice to see everyone come out, even people who didn’t know her,” Smukler said.
Kassie was brought to tears.
“I am blown away that everyone did that for me,” said Kassie. “I couldn’t believe it.”
The procession was led by a police cruiser and several of Kassie’s friends, family members and neighbors joined in. They presented the preteen with a cake, and several people left balloons.
“It was incredible how our city pulled together,” said Kassie’s dad, Russel Lazega. “It’s like everyone wanted some good news and happiness for a change.”
This story was originally published May 1, 2020 at 6:33 PM.
