ADI’s professional hydrotherapy team works hard to find the suitable equipment and activities that enable every child to play in the pool. From special diving masks to waterproof breathing apparatuses for respiratory dependent children, ADI staff ensure that everyone gets to cool off and splash around.
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Just watch these videos of the residents of ADI creating beautiful products during their vocational workshops! Incredible!!
You can view and purchase the stunning products here https://adi-il.org/ability-boutique/
A Family Meal: Putting Everything on the Table
This truly unique card game encourages open family discussions about siblings with disabilities. By way of wide-ranging questions and dynamic gameplay, 'A Family Meal' allows family members to learn about each other's thoughts, dreams, challenges and secret aspirations, and provides a safe and inclusive environment for a family discussion about a sibling with disabilities.
The game was developed by the professional therapeutic team at ADI 4 U, a division of ADI that provides informational services, guidance and support for parents of children with disabilities at the various stages of life. Fittingly, this game was packaged with love by employees of the ADI Ofakim Employment Center, which provides people with a wide range of disabilities with gainful and meaningful employment.
Order Now! https://adi-il.org/ability-boutique/
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To mark her bat mitzvah earlier this month, Shana Miller of Woodmere, New York, embraced her new responsibilities as a Jewish adult and rallied family and friends to raise more than $10,000 for ADI (adi-israel.org), Israel’s network of specialized rehabilitative care for those living with and touched by disability. Wanting to personalize her campaign, Shana chose to “twin” with an ADI resident named Inbal Agai, who is also becoming a bat mitzvah this year, and geared her efforts towards furthering Inbal’s advancement.
Working together with her parents, Abby and Steven Miller, and ADI’s Coordinator of Marketing, Development and Special Projects Dov Hirth, Shana constructed a campaign so compelling that she surpassed her initial $5,000 fundraising goal in record time. With her bat mitzvah still weeks away, Shana decided that she “had to go bigger,” and baked up a plan to sell cakes, cookies and other confections to double her impact and ensure that Inbal would continue to receive the therapies and experiences needed to make her next developmental leap.
“My cousin, Sefi Fleischman, has been volunteering at ADI Jerusalem since he was 14 years old, and has continued after his army service, and I’ve always been so inspired by ADI’s mission and Sefi’s dedication to the cause. When it came time to choose a bat mitzvah project, it was a no-brainer for me—it had to be ADI,” explained Shana. “From the very beginning, I felt very determined. This was my opportunity to really make a difference, and I knew that we could count on our family and community to help us reach our goal.”
In addition to the familial connection and inspirational inclusive vision, Shana was drawn to ADI’s crucial wartime efforts and wanted to empower Israel’s most vulnerable citizens during uncertain times.
“ADI’s Bnei Mitzvah Campaigns allow young women and men to transform their special day into a platform for performing the ultimate act of kindness—providing peers who can’t walk, talk or even breathe on their own a chance to live better, happier and more fulfilling lives. Over the last eight months, these campaigns have become more important than ever,” said Elie Klein, ADI’s director of development for the US and Canada.
“Day after day, ADI provides its residents and special education students with the consistent positive engagement and specialized developmental exercises necessary to promote growth and safeguard their emotional wellness. We are so grateful to incredible young leaders like Shana who enable us to continue providing our ADI family members with the tools and programming they need to stay happy, healthy and whole. This is what becoming a bat mitzvah is all about!”
Just ahead of Shavuot, the Miller family hosted a bake sale extravaganza that featured everything from cheesecakes to flower bouquets to raffle tickets for restaurant vouchers, with all of the proceeds going towards Shana’s campaign for ADI. Just as Shana predicted, the community stepped up and bought out the bake sale, driving her fundraising grand total up to $10,800. But Shana still isn’t interested in calling it quits and now has her heart set on reaching a baker’s dozen—her new goal is $13,000.
“As an educator with a background in special education, I’m thrilled to see my daughter talking about disability inclusion with her friends and going above and beyond to make others feel accepted,” said Shana’s mother, Abby Miller, associate principal at SKA High School for Girls. “It’s very impressive when 12 year olds are so inspired that they donate $36 and $50 of their own money, and it gives me hope that we can all work together to include everyone and give the most vulnerable among us as rich a life as possible.”
ADI provides its residents and special education students with the individualized growth plans and specialized services they need to grow and thrive, its rehabilitation patients with the treatments and therapies they need to heal and return to their lives, and the community at large with tangible opportunities for encountering disability, raising awareness and promoting acceptance.
Building on two years of successful partnership, Chasalat, Israel’s largest insect-free produce company, turned to staff at ADI Negev-Nahalat Eran’s Gardeners Without Borders Program to grow and produce their new line of insect-free strawberries. Fittingly, the first strawberry harvest took place on December 3, a day annually recognized as International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
Preparation for the first harvest began two years ago with the installation of two new greenhouses at ADI’s agricultural farm. The units, secured with special netting and fitted with elevated growing surfaces, use swarms of bees to enhance pollination, provide higher yield and improve overall fruit quality and flavor for the pesticide-free berries.
“It was such an exciting challenge, and we are the perfect team to tackle it. If any agriculture team would be sensitive to the needs or limitations of others, it is our group of ADI Negev gardeners,” said Yosef Morano, an ADI rehabilitation patient turned gardener who oversees special projects at ADI’s organic agricultural farm. Morano’s statement referenced the fact that kashrut restrictions limit strawberry consumption due to the fruit’s naturally high level of bug infestation. The new growing process established by Chasalat and ADI makes strawberries accessible to all.
ADI Negev-Nahalat Eran’s Gardeners Without Borders program provides dozens of individuals with disabilities who were deemed unemployable by others with fair-wage employment that empowers, promotes inclusion, advances rehabilitation and affords ongoing opportunities for social interaction.
“This sensational strawberry harvest is a testament to the hard work and exceptional skill of these incredible individuals, some of whom were born with disabilities, other of whom were touched by disability later in life,” says Elie Klein, ADI’s North America Director of Advancement. “But it also sends a different kind of message: fourteen months on, we’re not just surviving, we’re thriving. By promoting acceptance and providing tools for personal advancement, we are renewing hope and rebuilding the Negev, one game-changing project at a time.”
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ADI Negev-Nahalat Eran and ADI Jerusalem teamed up with the Annanim Organization (Clouds: Flying for the Community) for a unique activity that provided children with disabilities and injured IDF soldiers undergoing rehabilitation with a chance to soar above their disabilities and injuries to touch the sky.
Approximately 30 airplanes took part in the special activity in honor of the new school year, flying dozens of passengers over the skies of southern Israel for a bird’s eye view of the land.
Major-General (res.) Doron Almog, chairman of ADI centers commented that, “today we had a chance to do something very special. The children and residents of ADI and the heroic IDF soldiers undergoing rehabilitation at the Harvey and Gloria Kaylie Rehabilitation Medical Center at ADI Negev-Nahalat Eran will never be able to be pilots, yet today, they touched the sky. They experienced a few moments of special joy and that is exactly what we do at our rehabilitation centers. We energize and empower people to feel equal among equals.”
Injured IDF soldier Michael Guttesman, presently undergoing rehabilitation at the Kaylie Rehabilitation Medical Center was one of the soldiers who took part in the flyover. “For me, this was a closure of sorts. The last time I flew, I was in critical condition being taken by helicopter to Soroka Hospital. To see our beautiful country, the land we fought for, from the sky, is a wonderful experience, and to do so as part of such a special activity, together with other rehabilitation patients and the amazing ADI team was just awesome. In rehabilitation, we make small, significant steps every day. It is part of a long process, but we see daily progress. Today was extraordinary.”
Once everyone was back on the ground, participants received their wings, a symbol of their strong spirit and the hope instilled in them by the rehabilitation teams through hard work and special activities such as this.
“I would like to thank ADI’s dedicated staff, pilot Shai Shimon, chairman of Annanim who led the flyover, all of the wonderful pilots who enabled this activity, and everyone who took part in this special event,” concluded Almog. “At ADI, we see ability in disability. The sky is the limit.”
There is nothing that fully charges your batteries, nothing more fulfilling and satisfying than sharing a puzzle or having some fun in the playground with one of ADIs children.... The best part is the hug at the end.
In the eyes of our ADI children, I see a reflection of pure joy, a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Focusing my days for the betterment of these incredible children has filled my life with a sense of purpose and gratitude. Witnessing their courage and experiencing their unconditional love has been an immeasurable gift. It's a reminder that true joy lies in connecting with others, celebrating their unique strengths, and finding meaning beyond ourselves.
ADI Israel with a campus in Jerusalem and the breathtaking ADI Negev Rehabilitation village in the Western Negev, is a magical place, and a beacon of hope for over 650 children with special needs who receive 24/7 care, and hundreds of civilians and IDF war heroes undergoing rehabilitation. As a resource development professional, I am inspired by the unwavering commitment of ADI's staff, the hundreds of volunteers and the dedicated donors. Their generosity fuels ADI's mission, enabling ADI to continue providing innovative and vital services, creating a more inclusive society for all.
ADI's dedicated staff, provide 24/7 care, ensures every individual's unique needs are met with compassion and expertise. Through innovative rehabilitation programs, ADI empowers all under their care to reach their full potential, fostering independence and dignity.
CULTIVATING EMPATHY & INCLUSION:
Working in partnership with the municipal government of the Merhavim Region and dozens of local schools, ADI Negev-Nahalat Eran welcomes hundreds of elementary school students to the village each week to learn about planting and harvesting at the Organic Farm, proper animal care at the Safari Petting Zoo and Therapeutic Horse Stable, and food preparation at the outdoor kitchen.
Along way, they are also tasked with leading activities for our special education students, experiences that help them internalize the core humanistic values of compassion, empathy and inclusion. By providing these passionate pupils with tangible opportunities for encountering disability and asking their burning questions at a young age, they are primed to continue raising awareness and advancing acceptance throughout their lives.
At ADI, every resource is seen as a tool to promote empathy, empowerment and education!
During the hot days of summer, children all over can be heard asking their parents, “Can we go to the pool?” At ADI, we believe that every child deserves a “yes” to that question, so we rise to the challenge by finding answers that will satisfy the how.
ADI’s professional hydrotherapy team works hard to find the suitable equipment and activities that enable every child to play in the pool. From special diving masks to waterproof breathing apparatuses for respiratory dependent children, ADI staff ensure that everyone gets to cool off and splash around.
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One of the amazing therapies done at ADI is the rehabilitative vocational workshops.
I have products from The Ability Boutique by ADI in my home and I wanted to share more about this incredible "boutique shop".
The beautiful Judaica and home décor items featured here were created by our ADI residents during their rehabilitative vocational workshops.
By purchasing these distinctive handcrafted items, you will help us celebrate the persistence, passion and creativity of our ADI residents, and promote the belief that every individual has the right to self-fulfillment and the ability to achieve it.
I came to ADI to volunteer and ended up feeling I received so much more than I gave!
The residents became friends for life. They remind me daily what's important and real and how we are so much more than just a body. ADI uses every technology and technique to help bring each resident to his or her fullest potential. ADI is a place full of hope and joy!
Two of my kids have benefitted from ADI's services: Both received speech therapy, my son got dyadic developmental psychotherapy. We received parental counseling and the journey throughout has been very pleasant, the staff professional and eager to help, even after treatment has ended. Really dedicated to their work, everyone benefits from the great atmosphere on site and I can only recommend this organization as extremely professional and warm.
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ADI is an amazing place where people are accepted as they are. All people have something unique in them, regardless of ability, background, age, race etc. ADI is a place where all those unique facets of each individual can shine and are embraced.
ADI is a place of all heart combined with uncompromising professionalism. Seeing a child with multiple disabilities treated as a friend and equal, joining a Shabbaton and expressing what she would like to eat for breakfast via her adaptive iPad is so rewarding. I highly recommend coming to visit the ADI Jerusalem Center or ADI's Negev village in Ofakim. You will be inspired for life!
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I love ADI! Its passion, caring, going beyond the call of duty for every child in its care, is extraordinary and so empowering, especially for the families of the children. ADI really sees beyond the disability to the spirit of the child within. It believes in each child's capabilities and is determined to let them shine through. ADI's amazing positive attitude carries me through hard days and gives me continued strength to deal with my challenges!
As someone who is familiar with ADI's work, I can say that their commitment to care and inclusion is truly inspiring. ADI provides exceptional care and rehabilitation for individuals with disabilities – those born with them, temporarily challenged with them, or newly experiencing them as a result of an incident – at their centers in Jerusalem and the Negev. At ADI’s hospital – the only one in southern Israel, ADI has been rehabilitating war-wounded IDF soldiers and residents of nearby communities, giving them top care and access to a multitude of physical and emotional therapies.
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ADI is a very special place. I recently took a tour of ADI Negev-Nahalat Eran, and it was a truly incredible and heartwarming experience. The campus itself is stunning – beautiful scenery, renovated buildings, so much to look at and drink in… and the staff members/caretakers/teachers are so warm and caring. ADI is an organization that ~literally~ makes a difference in numerous people’s lives on a daily basis. I am so thankful that I’ve learned about ADI, and I know they will continue to grow and make a huge impact on those touched by disability.
Over the last year, the Harvey and Gloria Kaylie Rehabilitation Medical Center at ADI Negev-Nahalat Eran – the first-ever rehabilitation hospital in Israel’s south – has improved the care of Negev residents in need of inpatient rehabilitation following a serious illness, accident, or terror attack by implementing revolutionary rehabilitation techniques, employing international experts in various fields to train its medical residents, and offering services not available anywhere else in Israel. This includes an Oncological Rehabilitation Clinic and support groups to help rehabilitation patients successfully reintegrate into their communities.
By providing inpatient and long-term outpatient rehabilitation services and treatments that were previously nonexistent in southern Israel, the medical center is keeping families together throughout the rehabilitation process while also immersing them in the village’s uniquely inclusive environment. Above all, the dedicated professional staff at the Kaylie Rehabilitation Medical Center provides rehabilitation patients with the love, attention, personalized care, and specialized inpatient and outpatient treatments and therapies they need to heal and return to their lives.
Before coming to ADI, I hadn’t had the opportunity to meet people with disabilities. I now view these special souls in a whole new light. These lovable human beings are just that – human beings – and they have so much value to offer me and the rest of the world.
Volunteering at ADI is not just a job or a list of tasks that needs to be completed – it’s something much greater. These are people – living beings – we’re working with and learning to love being with them is extremely important, enjoyable, and rewarding.
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This amazing experience gave me the satisfaction of playing a role in someone’s else life. Volunteering was a way of giving back to the community while I gained valuable work experience. I went to ADI thinking that I would be a GIVING to the residents but, the longer I volunteered, the more I realized that they were the ones GIVING to ME! The experiences with residents will be forever etched in my mind. The main lesson I took from my volunteering at ADI was that It’s easy to see what they can’t do. But ADI sees what they CAN do.
ADI Jerusalem is an amazing organization that really cares about its residents heart and soul. ADI is determined to enable every child to live a life of quality and meaning. It looks beyond the disability to the spirit of the child within, and finds ways to connect to the child's abilities and strengths.
This year, ADI hired an occupational therapist who is also technically savvy. He creates fascinating adaptations so the residents can more fully participate in therapy sessions and functional daily living skills. This therapist created a specialized sleeve band that helps release the resident's hand once he operates the switch. It is so meaningful to see the residents able to be more active participants in their therapy goals.
I have been supporting this wonderful organization for many years. Each time I visit the center in Jerusalem or the village in the Negev, I am always blown away by the dedication, devotion, care, cleanliness, the focus on each and every child's needs, the professionalism, but, above all THE LOVE! The staff (from the director to the security guard) are so devoted and you can feel that they love and respect the children, they give 100% of themselves day in and day out to ensure that every resident or student is reaching his / her maximum potential. I am a PROUD supporter ADI and I encourage anyone who reads this post to visit, donate, or volunteer - you too will be proud to be a member of the ADI Family!
The secret ingredient in ADI's success is the love they impart to each student and resident. No matter what position an employee holds - teacher, caregiver, therapist, administrator or maintenance worker - each person's very real love and concern for the wellbeing of every child is apparent. Anyone who steps into ADI immediately feels the serenity, happiness and overall atmosphere of positivity that enable students, residents and rehab patients to move forward and progress to the best of their abilities.
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The love and care that ALEH imparts to residents - babies, children, teens, young adults and adults - can be felt in the air as soon as you enter one of the ALEH buildings. ALEH gives its all to residents, their families and the community-at-large, never compromising on professionalism, always searching for a better way to advance and improve the lives of those who cannot care for themselves. By reaching out to the community and expounding the principles of acceptance and equality, ALEH is making our lives better as well, and making our world a better place to live in.
It's amazing to see how strangers get together to empower children who would otherwise have no place to go and grow. This is a big family of all kinds of people who have one goal - to help those who truly need help.
ADI gives children with severe disabilities the chance to live a real quality life, full of fun, laughter, positivity and excitement! ADI also adapts activities and daily living skills to the children's abilities, enabling them to learn to express themselves, gain independent mobility, choose what they would like to eat or wear. Living in the neighborhood of the ADI Jerusalem facility, I am amazed how ADI works to include the general community, running events and social activities to encourage inclusion and acceptance.
ADI is a special, caring organization that is like an extended family. It employs cutting-edge therapies and offers quality care for people with severe disabilities while at the same time, it provides the love and warmth of a home. Staff is determined to give the children every opportunity to enjoy the full gamut of life experiences. ADI also cares about the families, running programs and activities to include them in their child's life.
Seeing is believing !!
No words will ever do justice to this beautiful organization. One has to actually visit its facilities to only begin to understand what extraordinary services they provide for each individual. In ALEH everyone deserves only the best !! Each and everyone's need are addressed to the last detail, always with a warm smile and outmost care. Every ALEH member's potential is brought out to shine and succeed!
Much success on your continuous great work!!
On your next trip to Israel,...don't miss out, and don't leave without visiting ALEH " Seeing is believing!!
I am very happy and grateful that I have spent two years at ALEH. It was a very beautiful and rare experience. The children here have taught me many things, allowing me to listen them more deeply from heart; they are no longer just residents of ALEH, but my family in a little far distance.
I'm a volunteer from Germany. Going to Aleh was one of the best decisions I've made. I love the people there. They became a family for me. It was not me who helped the vulnerable first, but the vulnerable taught me to be thankful for the smallest things in life. Despite it was an honor for me to serve in Israel. If you have the chance to go to Aleh, just do it. It will broaden your horizon.
Such a wonderful place to volunteer!! It's great working with the disabled people from Aleh. And Aleh provides in very good room and board for their volunteers!!
I had a life changing experience last summer 2019 at Aleh Negev!
Aleh is an amazing organization helping the most vulnerable among the jewish and Arab population equally treating them with much love, kindness and compassion.
It would be an honor to volunteer again!
My three months last year (2019) as a volunteer at ALEH NEGEV was one of the most valuable experiences in my life. On regular basis I am a university professor and I can say now that time with ALEH was the best university for me ever. Miroslaw Patalon, Poland
A great place, for all residents with disabbiltys but they are seen as persons with abbilitys.
Makes it heartbeating, joyfull and with lots of happiness for volunteers, care givers, family and ofcourse all the residents & visitors!!!
Ich habe bei Aleh als Volontärin ein Jahr lang mitgeholfen, das Leben schwerstbehinderter Menschen würdg zu gestalten. Dafür steht Aleh. Eine großartige Organisation, die für die Schwächsten eintritt.
I have been volunteering with ALEH now for a number of years and I still think it's an amazing organization!
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If you are looking for a charity that is based totally on love, giving, kindness, growth, and real, true happiness... look no further than ALEH!
Candy and Yoni Lipschitz, the proud parents of six beautiful children, including ALEH residents Dinah and Kayla, two young women with severe complex disabilities. For years, Candy and Yoni scoured their native South Africa and many other countries in search of a framework that would allow Dinah and Kayla to grow and thrive. When they stumbled upon ALEH, they knew that they had finally found a true partner who could provide their daughters with the medical, rehabilitative and therapeutic care and educational, vocational and social opportunities they needed to reach their greatest potentials. – “ALEH does not see disability, they see human beings, and they maximize their potential.”
Meet Ofra Nir, a mother of three who sought out ALEH after her young son was severely injured in an accident. Thanks to the warmth, love and devoted care of ALEH’s professional staff and volunteers, Ofra has watched her son grow and develop well beyond her expectations. – “Everyone involved in any aspect of this place are saints to us – they all have a special place in heaven.”
ALEH’s international volunteers come from varied cultural backgrounds, speak different languages and travel to Israel for many different reasons, but they all decide to become ALEH volunteers after falling in love with ALEH’s mission of advancing disability care, inclusion, equity and access in Israel and beyond. Year after year, this diverse group of incredible women and men from tens of countries around the globe work side by side as ambassadors of kindness, helping our ALEH children with severe complex disabilities realize their greatest potentials.
YOU can also help ALEH build a better, more caring world – BECOME A VOLUNTEER: https://aleh.org/volunteering/
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JOIN TEAM ALEH THIS YEAR ON FRIDAY MARCH 15TH 2019 - CLICK HERE TO JOIN https://runforaleh.org/
ALEH transformed the 8th annual Jerusalem Marathon into a celebration of disability inclusion and acceptance. With participants in every race, cheering sections on every sideline, and one of the largest groups at the 800-meter ‘Community Track,’ including more than 50 “runners” with severe disabilities, ALEH was everywhere at once, spreading the message of inclusion and highlighting the importance of quality care for Israel’s disability community.
Boasting more than 100 runners of all ages, ‘ALEH Ascend,’ the organization’s inclusive running team, was a force to be reckoned with on the 5K, 10K, half marathon and marathon tracks. Team members included young men and women from the Tri-State area currently on gap year programs, officers from the Jerusalem Police Department, firefighters from the Jerusalem Fire Department, doctors and nurses from Hadassah Medical Center, and top lawyers from the firms of Goldfarb Seligman, Ephraim Abramson & Co., Herzog Fox & Neeman (HFN), and Meitar Liquornik Geva Leshem Tal (Meitar).
While ALEH Ascend made its mark at the competitive races, a group of officers from the Jerusalem Police Department and their ALEH running partners won the day on the ‘Community Track’ for the fifth straight year. After months of training, the officers used specialized walkers and words of encouragement to lead the ALEH residents down the 500-meter stretch as hundreds of ALEH supporters cheered them on. In some cases, the police officers actually wore residents who could not use walkers in special walking harnesses, giving children who have never even moved their own legs the ability to “run” in the marathon.
All told, more than 500 ALEH supporters attended the Jerusalem Marathon to support the organization’s vital work and promote disability inclusion in Israel.
Learn more about ALEH: www.ALEH.org
ALEH is a very special organisation, caring for very special children. I have been involved with ALEH for a number of years now and I am still impressed by the quality of care that I see every time and again.
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ALEH is a great organization. I have been volunteering with them now for over 2.5 years now and am still impressed by what I see and experience. The loving care for the residents and the professional attitude. ALEH is worth your support!
The endless care and innitiative is inspiring for whom ever walks those doors...
The people who work at Aleh and the volunteers are angels.
There's so much to be done - but whatever is done is always with a huge smile and great care.
The parents od Aleh children say "this place hasn't just changed their lives...they actually started living". I wish for them to always have that smile and big heart when taking care of these great children. This place does make a change! and a big one!
god bless
I live in the neighborhood of ALEH in Jerusalem. I see the children going out to the zoo, the beach, a nature hike, a weekend sleepover and more. I see them dancing in the courtyard and being taken for a march over the Jerusalem bridge. The atmosphere is always so positive and the attitude is that the kids deserve the best! The volunteers are so devoted and it's incredible to see how much they love the children and really give of their whole hearts.
ALEH is an organization that is all heart - caring for children and adults with severe intellectual and developmental disabilities and medical conditions, most of whom are totally dependent for all basic daily living activities. ALEH provides top quality medical and rehabilitative care, schooling and vocational opportunities; at the same time it invests so much effort and resources into giving the kids a real quality of life - there is always some interesting activity or outing or community integration going on, and the kids show their enjoyment with the most beautiful smiles. I love going to ALEH because I feel the kids are my friends, and they give back to me in a deep way that can't be expressed in words.
Over the last decade, I absolutely fell in love with ALEH. Initially, ALEH was my client, and I worked diligently to secure media coverage for the organization. But for every story placed in the media, there were 100 more happening behind the scenes that blew my mind and filled my heart - innovative approaches to disability care and inclusion, the highest attention paid to every child's individual needs, development far beyond initial prognoses thanks to the dedication of ALEH's professional staff and volunteers. To me, ALEH represents the very best of humanity. As a member of the ALEH team, it is now my privilege to help the organization advance disability care, inclusion, equity and access in Israel (and beyond).
I already heard about ALEH the Netherlands. I learned about their amazing work and commitment towards their residents. After visiting the ALEH Negev- and Jerusalem facilities, those feelings were only confirmed. A special place for special people. I enjoyed the staff's professionalism and pleasantness. Plus, for the residents' families, there are no 'visiting hours', that shows a great sense of transparency. Dear greetings!
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ALEH is just an amazing organisation, An organisation that respects all human beings just as they are. ALEH gives the children love and patience, takes care of their special needs. Includes them into our society - believes in their abilities... With the team of great doctors, nurses, professionals, care givers, friends, donors and wonderful volunteers ALEH is already the winner! The winner of the moral ethic in our society!
I have been in a tour at Aleh facility in the Negev and was stunned! I never expected to see such a beautiful and relaxed place! We saw the children being taken care of by workers and volunteers who try to bring a smile to their face. The whole place is like a big clean and pleasant park that includes a little zoo, swimming pool amd more facilities. Very nice to see how they invest. Well done for your holy work!
I've met many of ALEH's volunteers and staff, each of whom was a wonderful, caring and dedicated individual. The work that ALEH does is exceptional. ALEH is constantly updating their technology and improving their centers, ensuring that their standard of care is the highest. There is nothing like the smiles seen on the faces of ALEH's residents.
What made me decide to join the ALEH family? It was the day I walked into the Jerusalem center. I was not there as part of a guided tour or a planned visit, and it was clear that I was witnessing daily life at ALEH just as it was, without any pretense or show. I was immediately struck by the warm, personal connections between residents and their dedicated caregivers, as well as the superlative level of support. While I had previously volunteered at a number of facilities for people with developmental disabilities, I had never seen and experienced anything like this. ALEH felt like a real home, a place in which each person was treated as an individual, where feelings were given their due, where communication went far beyond speaking, where programs and therapies were tailored to each resident's capabilities. Now, over a decade later, I have seen amazing advancements in rehabilitative technology and inclusion, but the underlying foundation of care - where each resident is seen and valued for who they are - has not changed. I am proud to be associated with this organization.
ALEH is an amazing organization that is so professional and at the same time so warm and caring. The children are treated with real dignity and the families have so much comfort. It's so special to see how they take the children out for weekends, with their feeding tubes and medical paraphenelia. Nothing stops them!
I have worked for several years with agencies for the disabled, but I have never come across a place like ALEH Village!
Two years ago, I visited Israel for the first time. On the plane ride back home, I noticed a donation envelope on the seat of the plane for ALEH.
I went home and searched for ALEH on the internet. I was completely enamored with the vision and the mission of ALEH.
I noticed that there were opportunities for people to be International Volunteers at ALEH. I applied and was approved.
This was one of the greatest decisions of my life. ALEH is an organization like no other.
Those who receive services from ALEH receive more than professional help - they receive massive doses of Love.
I have a daughter with special needs and I know how important it is for caregivers to truly care - from the heart.
ALEH is a great place. Full of love and compassion.
Laughter and music are the common sounds. ALEH is truly a place full of light!
ALEH is such a warm, caring, loving place where children and young adults with severe disabilities are given the best of everything! Medical care, rehabilitation, every type of therapy, schooling, and more but the most important thing that ALEH gives these folks is lots and lots of LOVE! I am attaching a fantastic video I recently saw about just one amazing aspect of ALEH.
Aleh is An amazing organisation. We have worked for three months in Aleh- Jeruzalem. The people very kind andere it was amazing tot see the love, for the children, but also for us, as voluteers. It was a great time with a lot of party's, food andere most of all love. A place where the staff are good for jews and arab children.
Much blessings,
Thomas & Erica Wierks
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We are Thomas (25) and Erica(22). We come from the Netherlands and we are married now for a year. After we been married we made the decision to spend our time and to serve in Israël. We wanted to be a blessing for the country and especially the Jewish people, because we are christian and we believe that Israël and the Jewish people have a special place in G'ds heart. We really want to show them the love of our messiah Yeshua by deeds. So we saw on different places, like in a church, in a magazine of Christians for Israël and Isreality and on internet advertising for Aleh. So we made the decision to serve there. We we are in Aleh now for 7 weeks. Aleh is an awesome nonprofit organisation, where they really take you as a volunteer into their "family". It is so nice to see that the longer you work with the children/teens of Aleh, the more they recognize you. At the beginning we worked with the children and didn't see much of response, but after a week the children/teens responded to us more and more. Now after a week we have been able to build a special bond with different children/teens. To see their wide smile or sometimes small smile, all the work is worth more. It is also very nice to work in Aleh, because you are also seen as a volunteer. They really need you as a volunteer, and they also show that to us. At the beginning it was sometimes difficult to get used to the way the employees talk to each other, because it is a whole different mentality than we are used to in the Netherlands. But colleagues are also very friendly and show you their gratitude almost every day. We love Aleh and all the people in there. It has become our second family.
Thomas and Erica (the Netherlands)
There are many reasons why ALEH is considered Israel’s foremost network of care for
children with severe complex disabilities.
ALEH’s individualized therapies and advanced medical care have empowered hundreds of children and young adults with severe intellectual and developmental disabilities to advance well beyond their initial prognoses. ALEH is also renowned for its supportive residential environments, special education schools, pioneering rehabilitative programs and child development centers serving the wider community.
Just as importantly, ALEH has helped bring about a crucial shift in societal attitudes towards individuals with disabilities, spreading the light of inclusion in Israel and beyond.
Disability doesn't mean inability.
It simply means adaptability.
In a world full of obstacles and exclusionary practices, ALEH
promotes the acceptance and inclusion of individuals with all levels of abilities.
ALEH is amazing! I strong advise anyone who can, to contribute, volunteer, visit, get involved!
Inspiration Guaranteed!!
ALEH is a first class facility for children and adults with special needs. As a donor, I know my contribution is going to help these children and not to costly overhead. The staff from the directors to the cook are all so warm, caring and loving and I see feel privileged to be a part of the ALEH family!
I loved every moment of my volunteer stint at ALEH. I saw so clearly how these kids have the same feelings and emotions as all of us, they just can't express it in the same way. I loved bringing them joy and seeing their faces light up with such purity. ALEH's care for the children is unsupassed - they really go all out to provide the best quality of life possible.
I have always believed that ALEH is a place where angels care for angels. Never before have I seen such care and compassion on display constantly. ALEH's staff and volunteers are unparalleled in their devotion to each individual child and the greater goals of accessibility, inclusion and quality care for individuals with disabilities. ALEH is changing the face of Israel and giving hope to children with severe complex disabilities and their families. I am a proud donor of this warm and wonderful world-changing organization.
ALEH is not just a special education school, rehabilitation hospital, or therapy center...it's a family. I can not recommend ALEH highly enough.
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after visiting the ALEH facility in the Negev and seeing first hand the amazing work they do for children and adults with disabilities, I know that there are angles on earth! It is rare to see such devotion and dedication and I for one was truly impressed and inspired.
Hi, ALEH! I just thought I would message you with thanks. I’m from Sydney, Australia, and I volunteered for ALEH two years ago when I was on a gap year program for 5 months in Jerusalem called Israel By Choice.
When I first started at ALEH, I experienced a whirlwind of emotions. At first, I was a bit apprehensive and questioned myself and my abilities. I knew that this experience would be challenging, but little did I realize that it would be the most rewarding experience of my life. When I first got to my class, I met the beautiful children – whose names I still remember: Shimon, Sarah, and Batya.
Within a few weeks into my volunteer experience, I formed an inexplicable bond with all of the children. They taught me the simple act of communication through love rather than voice. They taught me that happiness could be found through any aspect of life. It’s been two years since my time at ALEH, and I can honestly say that there isn’t a day that goes when I don’t think about it.
I think about my kids and how happy they are being in a place like ALEH, where disability isn’t seen as a difference. I feel lucky knowing that I had the opportunity to immerse myself in such a loving and happy environment. But most importantly, I’m thankful. My work at ALEH has allowed me to change career paths, from studying design to social work. It has inspired me to peruse a career with the ultimate goal of empowering those with disabilities and educating those who may not be so familiar with the term.
I would like to thank the whole ALEH family. Thank you for providing such a beautiful, happy place for the kids that are truly the light in this world. I hope to one day return to Israel and reunite with my class again.
Best wishes,
Melanie Vesely
Last summer I worked at ALEH. Had a great time there and really enjoyed the stay.
Beautiful people and feeling a part of ALEH's family
I was the first dutch volunteer for Aleh Negev. From the first day I felt my self by the residens and staff adopted as a famely member.
I was allowed to give te residents extra attention by walking and plying with them. It was amazing to see how the jewish and beduin caregivers work as a famely together to give every resident the best life that is possible for him or here. To motive them to do as much as posible by them self. I felt in love with Aleh Negev So in 2014 and 2015 I came 4 times back. (It is still emotional for me to remember when I came back that many residents recornized me, some who never say my name during my first 5 weeks welcomed me by saying PETER.).in dec 2015 I got my israelian ID. In 2016 Aleh Negev offerd me a job as caregiver. I'm proud to be allowed to to work in this amazing village for sevierly disabled residents.
Follow your Hart and great things shall happen.
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In 2014 and 2015 a was 3 periods (5 weeks, 2.5 months and 3 months) a volunteer at Aleh Negev nahalt Eran.
From the first moment a felt me excepted like a member of the Aleh Negev family. I was allowed to help the caregivers to take care of the residents. I walked many hours with them helped them during work therapie and more. It is amazing to see how every person in Aleh is giving love and kindness to the residents. For me it was the best vacation ever. I hope to come back soon. Because I miss the atmosphere, the residents the caregivers and the staff.
ALEH is the most beautiful family I have ever encountered. Not many people within its network of facilities across Israel are actually blood relatives, but they are all connected by the inseparable bond of compassion, commitment and care. I am inspired by both the residents and staff. This beautiful family makes me want to be a better person. Supporting ALEH is the easiest way to steer our society in the right direction: towards caring, understanding, and true inclusion.
I know ALEH for about twenty years. Seeing is believing! ALEH's care, devotion proffessionalism, the attention to every last detail of the need of every single child and adult alike, ist just unparalleled. Amazing is just the beginning of how you describe ALEH. Seeing the
children thrive and progress is the best vote for ALEH! GO ALEH GO! Keep the great
work up!!
ALEh is such a special place. Every time I visit the facilities I am overwhelmed by the genuine love, care and concern that the staff gives to the children there. What impresses me the most is how happy the kids are. ALEH is, hands down, the leader in care for the disabled. I feel honored to be a part of the ALEH family!
ALEH is truly a family, they care for every one of their children as their own. The warmth at ALEH from the staff, to the volunteers is unparalleled. I am honored to be associated with such an incredible organization.
Worked last summer as a volunteer at ALEH negev in the hospital. Never bin in a place with so much love. Had an amazing month and learned a lot.
Volunteering at Aleh made me the person I am today! I worked there last year in 2014 as a volunteer. When you first walk into Aleh you feel a sense of love. When I arrived home from my time away (Australia) I changed my university degree from design to social work in hope to one day come back to Aleh work. The kids will melt your heart, I didn't speak Hebrew, but I learned one thing, at Aleh they speak the language of love...
There are no words that can capture how truly amazing ALEH is. This past summer I had the honor of interning at ALEH Negev. As a student from the US, I was amazed by the amount of hands on experience I was given. I learned so much about the clients I worked with and saw them for who they are rather than what disability they have. All staff and volunteers show so much love and care for each resident. I am so grateful for my experience with ALEH and hope to work with this amazing non-profit organization one day in the future.
I am so happy that I had a chance to tour ALEH while in Jerusalem. I was extremely moved by the kindness and compassion shown to the children. ALEH does such important work caring for Israel's most vulnerable population. ALEH truly makes a difference in so many lives.
-Robyn Zimmer
ALEH is an amazing org! Top quality professionals with a heart, who care passionately about the children and look beyond their disabilities to the spirit within. Every time I visit any of the facilities I am amazed at the positive energy, the joy, the way the kids are treated with so much dignity, and the ongoing therapies and rehab that is so intense, way beyond government funding.
highly recommended!
Aleh Negev Foundation 06/11/2015
Thank You!