Flashback to 1983. What does the Jewish community look like for people with disabilities?

For some it was being asked to leave services because they were too distracting. For others it was never having a bar mitzvah because it was assumed they could not learn to read Torah. For some it was spending Shabbat afternoon at home alone because no one ever invited them for a meal. For others it meant never having the opportunity to travel to Israel.

For most people with disabilities, there was no opportunity to meaningfully participate in Jewish communal life.

Our community has seen significant change over the past 35 years. There are now inclusive summer programs and trips to Israel that enable people with disabilities to participate. More and more synagogues have moved to make their physical space accessible. And community institutions are creating inclusion committees to make their programs more inclusive. Yet there is still work to be done.

We at Yachad Israel have dedicated ourselves to collapsing barriers within the Jewish community. As the only International Jewish organization solely dedicated to inclusion, Yachad connects individuals of all ages and abilities, so that together we can actualize our greatest impact in the world.

Because of your friendship and support, this past year alone we have hosted 10 Shabbatons (weekend retreats), weekly inclusive programs, a family Shabbaton for over 300 people, hosted a pop-up cafe, partnered with many schools and communities for weekly programs and more.

This year Yachad Israel is working to open the world’s first ever Inclusive Board-Game Café. Games inspire, motivate, entertain, and help us grow. In this positive space, we seek to provide all people the challenge and enjoyment unique to the world of board games no matter our background, looks or abilities. Located on Emek Refaim in Jerusalem, the Café would house hundreds of board games, an Xbox, Foosball Table while offering food and beverages. We believe that the inclusive board-game café will be a great asset to our community and help foster inclusion, but we cannot do that without your support.

Your gift will also help Yachad Israel provide:

Weekly Social programs
Shabbatons (Weekend retreats)
Holiday Programs and trips
Summer camp programs
Vocational services
And spread the message of inclusion throughout the Israel

When you give now your impact will be Doubled by our generous matcher, The Ruderman Family Foundation. Join us to celebrate the progress we have made over the past 35 years and show your commitment to moving forward. #35YearsOfInclusion

Israel Yachad Giving Day 2018

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