Celebrating our Diversity

Israel Elwyn

1 day ago

Equal in Learning, Equal on the Journey 👨‍🎓👩‍🎓🎓

We were excited to celebrate the graduation of the sixth cohort of the Shoval Program at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

Thirteen Israel Elwyn service recipients and nine university students learned side by side, studying law, psychology, computer science, new media, and artificial intelligence. But more than anything, they learned from one another.

Shoval (Equal in Education) is a program that promotes the inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities in higher education. It is designed to strengthen self-confidence, advance equal opportunities, and provide participants with an authentic university experience.

The program was established at Reichman University in partnership with Israel Elwyn and has since expanded to Tel Aviv University, the Technion, and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

Thank you to all the students, the course staff, and our partners at the Hebrew University for a journey filled with learning, partnership, and meaning.

When we create equal opportunities, everyone grows together. ... See MoreSee Less

Israel Elwyn

2 weeks ago

Sometimes, all it takes is one day of volunteering to remind us of the power of an open heart.

We were delighted to welcome the wonderful employees of Protalix Karmiel to the George & Irina Schaeffer Early Intervention Center in Karmiel.

They arrived with smiles, incredible energy, and so much warmth, turning the day into a true celebration filled with joy, color, and meaningful connections for the children.

There were bubbles floating through the air, arts and crafts, songs, games, and the kind of children's laughter that fills your heart.

But beyond the activities, there was something even more meaningful:
There was presence.
There was generosity.
There was a community that came to tell our children, "We are here with you. You matter to us."

A huge thank you to the employees of Protalix Karmiel for a day filled with inspiration, kindness, and heartfelt giving. We are grateful to have such wonderful partners on our journey. ✨💜

May we continue creating more moments like these, small moments that become lasting memories. ... See MoreSee Less

Israel Elwyn is with ETTA.org.

3 weeks ago

A Journey of Learning, Inspiration, and Partnership

Last week, we had the pleasure of hosting a delegation from the ETTA organization in Los Angeles as part of the Louis Levine z"l Professional Staff Exchange Program, following the warm and inspiring hospitality we received during our visit to Los Angeles this past May. The program is designed to strengthen the partnership between our organizations, promote the exchange of knowledge and best practices, and learn from one another through our shared commitment to expanding opportunities and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities. Throughout the week, the delegation visited a wide range of Israel Elwyn's programs and services, met with the people we support, staff members, and leadership, and took part in meaningful professional discussions.

A highlight of the visit was the dedication of the Louis Levine Barista Training Room, attended by Louis' sister, Nina Paul of the United States, together with his niece, Malki Cohen, who lives in Israel, her husband Eli, and their son Nadav. Louis, who was a devoted coffee lover, would no doubt have appreciated having his name associated with a space that provides people with disabilities the training, skills, and opportunities to build meaningful careers. It was a deeply moving moment that beautifully connected his personal passion with a legacy of generosity, opportunity, and inclusion.

Thank you to Josh Taff, Leah Schachter, and the entire team at the ETTA organization in Los Angeles for a week of learning, collaboration, and strengthening the bond between our organizations. Special thanks also to Dr. Michael Held, ETTA's Founder and CEO, and Scott Saliman, Executive Director, for their vision, trust, and commitment to advancing this meaningful partnership between the ETTA organization in Los Angeles and Israel Elwyn. We look forward to many more opportunities to learn, grow, and create impact together. 💜 ... See MoreSee Less

Israel Elwyn is with ‎קק״ל - קרן קימת לישראל‎ at ‎Jerusalem-ירושלים‎.

3 weeks ago

At the Hearing Area of the Sensory Garden, established in memory of Katie Manson z"l, we celebrated her birthday with great joy, love, and excitement.

Participants enjoyed lively music, dancing, and a warm, energetic atmosphere that made the day especially meaningful and memorable. Special thanks to KKL-JNF for their generous support and partnership, and to Etzion, our musical entertainer, who brought incredible energy and brought joy to everyone.

The spirit of connection, community, and celebration that filled the event reflected Katie’s special legacy. 💜 ... See MoreSee Less

Israel Elwyn

3 weeks ago

When art brings people together, something special happens 🎨🖌️🧑‍🎨

Congratulations to the graduates of the "Creating Art Together" course, participants from the Ra’anana, Lavi, and Ilan Gilon Adult Day Centers, who today completed a semester of studies at the Midrasha School of Arts at Beit Berl Academic College, alongside education and art students.

A special thank you to the Shalem Fund and to Timna Gabay Markovitz, Director of Professional Development, who initiated, funded, and supported the program through the Zrakor Grant.

Many thanks to Ronit Ettinger, Head of the Education Department at the Midrasha Faculty of Arts, Beit Berl Academic College, for another year of meaningful partnership.

To Tziki Eisenberg, our wonderful instructor, who brings us all together with sensitivity, care, and creativity.

To the amazing Beit Berl students who learned alongside us. We looked forward to our weekly meetings with you!

And to the Israel Elwyn Adult Day Center staff - Yael David Fried, Rahab Altititi, Daniel Salomon, and Erez Amit - for their dedicated and professional support throughout the program.

See you next year! ✨ ... See MoreSee Less