People with disabilities

Students with Down syndrome, autism graduate as teaching assistants

The first cohort completed a joint Herzog College-Shekel training program aimed at bringing people with disabilities into Israeli classrooms as paid teaching assistants.

Students with various physical and developmental disabilities graduate from Herzog Academic College as teaching assistants in June 2026.
NATURE VISIT with Ilan organization families.

Nature without barriers: Lotem transforms outdoor experiences for people with disabilities

A MEETING between the Alei Siach organization, leading rabbis of the Argentinian community, Neve Tikva, and Mitoch Halev, in Argentina, May, 2026.

Israeli housing organization for people with disabilities 'Alei Siach' comes to Argentina

SHEKEL participants with counselor during a siren, in a bomb shelter at the Jerusalem center.

Through a mother's eyes: The wartime struggle of Israelis with special needs - comment


Special Olympics: Embracing strength of vulnerability through athletic achievement

“We believe that this is a tremendous gesture from the State of Israel, not only to recognize the brand of Special Olympics, but to recognize the inherent grit, courage, determination and talent..."

DAVID EVANGELISTA (left) has been involved in Special Olympics leadership roles for decades, and he has lobbied successfully in Israel and throughout the world for legislation addressing athletes with intellectual disabilities. Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023 – the 16th edition of event

New law to force Israeli gov't offices to employ people with disabilities

Israel's future as a strong, moral and united society depends on its ability to care first and foremost for minority groups.

Disabled Israelis protest outside the Knesset, October 2017

Israeli athletes head to Berlin for Special Olympics

The Special Olympics were not active in Israel for many years, while the government funded the regular Olympics and Paralympics. But Culture and Sport Minister Miki Zohar gave it recognition.

 Pazit Rubens playing table tennis

Israel's Etgarim launches national fundraising campaign

Over recent years, the association has faced such challenges as the coronavirus pandemic, a decrease in government support and delayed government budgets.

 ONE OF THE activities provided by Etgarim.

Twitter beats disabled worker's lawsuit over layoffs, for now

"Elon Musk has shown his utter lack of regard for disabled employees through his words and conduct," a lawyer representing a cancer survivor said.

 Illustrative of the US and California state flags.

Birthright Israel: Making trips accessible for Jews with disabilities

Thanks to the committed efforts of many players, Birthright is becoming increasingly accessible to any Jewish young adult who wants to experience the country.

 THE BIRTHRIGHT ISRAEL group of challenged young adults arrive at Ben-Gurion Airport in Feburary.

SHEKEL screens emotional films with people with disabilities

All four films were moving and showed diverse facets of the special-needs community all around the world, but it also emphasized mutual issues and experiences.

 SINGER LILACH MACHLOFF and pianist Imri Gilad of the Israel Integrative Orchestra in performance.

Israel Prison Service inaugurates inmate-run chocolate factory

The ceremony was held at Magel-Nitzan Prison, a facility for incarcerated individuals with cognitive disabilities in need of extra support. 

 Israeli inmates work at the Magen Nitzan Prison chocolate factory.

Israel's first special-needs oleh since accessibility reform arrives

A few months ago, the State of Israel corrected a longstanding omission and allowed people with special needs to prearrange their immigration and residence in the country.

 Yaakov Shalem, Israel's first special needs immigrant since the accessibility reform.

Friendship: The Holy Grail of relationships - opinion

When we think of friendships and their significance, it has to be the similarities that take center stage, creating an environment that doesn’t require inclusion in the first place.

 FRIENDS AT Yeshivat Darkaynu visit the Western Wall.