Celebrating our Diversity

Israel Elwyn

1 week ago

With Shock and Deep Sorrow, We Mourn the Loss of Haggai Dasta z”l

With profound sadness and heavy hearts, we say goodbye to our talented and humble friend, Haggai Dasta, a member of Israel Elwyn's Shavim band.
Haggai was only 24 years old – young, gifted, full of life and light.

About three years ago, at the start of his journey as a participant in Israel Elwyn’s Future Directions program, he came to an audition held at our Herzliya offices.
From the very first moment he began to sing “Shavim” (“Equal”), it was clear that we were hearing a rare voice and a soul that radiated truth.
From that day on, Haggai became an inseparable part of the Shavim family – a talented, sensitive, and modest singer who captured hearts everywhere he performed.

The last song the band recorded was “Ratz Eleicha” (“Running to You”), in which Haggai performed the lead solo, singing with emotion, power, and extraordinary professionalism.
He performed that song in the band’s last five shows – each one a moment of grace, a moment of truth.

Just this past weekend, we celebrated his 24th birthday with him,
and today, we bid him farewell – on the very same Hebrew date on which he was born.
They say that only the kindest and most special souls leave this world on their birthday,
and Haggai was exactly that – kind-hearted, humble, generous, and full of light.

Yifat Pinto-Kahana and Yaron Samimi, who accompanied Haggai from his very first day in the band on behalf of Israel Elwyn, part with him in deep sorrow and express their gratitude for the privilege of walking beside him on his musical and personal journey – from the first audition, through his first steps on stage, to the shining moments when he flourished at center stage.

The loss is also deeply felt by his fellow band members – Maayan, Adi, Shahar, and Ariel – who walked beside him hand in hand, on and off the stage, and were his true family.

On behalf of the entire Israel Elwyn family,
we send our heartfelt condolences and a warm embrace to the dear Dasta family.
Haggai – your voice, your smile, and your light will accompany us in every song and on every stage.
We will keep singing – and you will, forever, sing with us. 💙 ... See MoreSee Less

Israel Elwyn

2 weeks ago

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Israel Elwyn

4 weeks ago

This is the date when, about 42 years ago, we received from the Registrar of Nonprofits the official approval to establish Israel Elwyn.

Last year we marked 41 years, while the plans for our 40th anniversary celebrations still sat in the drawer – waiting for the day after. The day when the hostages would return home, the reservists would return to civilian life, and all of us could return to a quiet, ordinary routine.

This year as well, on our 42nd birthday –
there are no celebrations,
no joyful events,
but there is deep gratitude.

Gratitude to our 1,504 professionals, who support 5,470 service recipients every day across the country – of every religion, gender, and background – through 5 branches, in partnership with 256 municipalities.

We will continue to advance our vision of a society in which every person with a disability is entitled, like every person, to an equal life in the community. We will continue to act with professionalism, determination, and the spirit of innovation that defines us. ... See MoreSee Less

Israel Elwyn

1 month ago

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