Feb 9, 2021

Federation Supports Diversity and Inclusion Overseas

While February is recognized as Jewish Disabilities Awareness, Acceptance & Inclusion Month, for Federation, removing barriers to opportunity and celebrating the diversity of individuals with differing abilities is a priority year-round. In addition to supporting Israel's Beit Issie Shapiro, an international leader in developing and implementing state-of-the-art services for children and adults with disabilities, our Israel and Overseas Committee recently distributed grants to two organizations in Israel supporting individuals with special needs. Shalva-The Israel Association for Care and Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities offers one-on-one early intervention therapy programs for infants with disabilities up to 18 months old through Me and My Mommy. OU Israel’s Yachad Israel Vocational Training Program assists 20-40-year-olds who have completed high school build social skills to enhance their employability. While the offices have been closed due to the pandemic, the classes have moved online.

In recent weeks, Israel’s President Reuven Rivlin visited Beit Issie Shapiro. During the visit, he met with therapists, teachers and students and saw firsthand how educational and therapeutic activities have continued through the pandemic. According to Rivlin, interviewed in an article in The Jerusalem Post, the dedication of organizations like Beit Issie have allowed disability issues to receive more attention on the public agenda. Click here to learn more about Federation’s work around the world.