Shalva, the Israel Association for the Care and Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities is dedicated to providing transformative care for individuals with disabilities, empowering their families and promoting social inclusion. Shlava provides an all encompassing range of services for thousands of people with disabilities from infancy to adulthood. Its comprehensive life - cycle programming provide leading - edge therapies, inclusive educational frameworks, social, and recreational activities, employment training, and independent living, as well as respite and family support. Shalva gives equal access and opportunities to all participants regardless of religion, ethnic background or financial capability. 

 

This meaningful exhibit reveals the heavy toll the recent war has had on the people of Israel at Shalva, as seen through the lens of Israel's top news photographers who capture the profound impact of war on people with disabilities, their families and the support systems they depend on. 

 

In this series, photographer Yossi Zelliger captured the therapeutic recreational activities taking place at Shalva, including hydro - music, art and sports therapy. Given the stress of the war and its impact on everyday life, it is critical for Shalva participants to have creative and productive ways to cope.

 

Another photo entitled "Leave No Child Behind" by Ori Ben Kakoon captures Yoav Engel, Shalva's Sport Director. On the 7th of October his son, Ofir was kidnapped to Gaza, along with the father of Ofir's girlfriend, Yossi Sharabi. Ofir was returned home after 50 days and Yossi was killed during his captivity. During Ofir's captivity, Shalva remained an anchor for the Engel family and supported them during this horrific period. 

 

Another moving photo entitled "A Safe Place to Grieve" by Yoav Dudevitch is about Itamar Rubio, a charming boy of 15 years with a severe cognitive disability, originally from Colombia. Itamar's oldest sister Yvvone was declared missing from the Nova Music Festival on October 7th. A week later, the family received the news that Yvvone was murdered by Hamas. As the family dealt with the horrific aftermath of such a loss, Shlava stepped in to take care of Itamar. Volunteer and staff members took him on walks and continued to provide a sense of "normalcy" when everything seemed to be falling apart. This is what Shalva has done throughout the war - helping people with disabilities and their families navigate this unbelievably complex time in Israel.

 

Rabbi and Rabbanit Kalman Samuels, originally from Vancouver, Canada 35 years ago started Shalva in an apartment with five children. He proudly opened the evening thanking all present, especially mentioning Mr. Avner Oun, Director General of the Waldorf Astoria for his generosity and Mrs.Tal Maron, the hotel's spokesperson. Mr. Eli Madelbaum who conceptualized this exhibition, was also acknowledged as well as all photographers who participated, "Their  Lenses Have Depicted an Island of Serenity". 

 

The Director General of the Waldorf Astoria, Mr. Avner Oun stated that when Shalva approached him about hosting the event, he immediately agreed. He mentioned that when sirens went off during the war, he often thought about what went through the minds of Shalva's children while being rushed and housed in shelters. He concluded by stating that we are praying for a safe return of all hostages after 477 days in captivity. 

 

The main photographer who coordinated the exhibition, Mr. Yossi Zelliger who said that "Shalva Provides Hope to All" and thanked all participating photographers.

 

A duet was performed by Ariel Hadad (violin) and  Uri Averbuach (clarinet) playing Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah". Thereafter a letter from President Isaac Herzog expressing his support and admiration for Shalva was read by the Master of Ceremonies". 

 

The Jerusalem Post's Chief Photographer, Mr. Marc Israel Sellem briefly spoke saying that he could not refuse participating in Shalva's project when he was approached. 

 

 

 

 

A short video was shown about Shiva's various projects and the ceremony was concluded by Mr. Eli Mandelbaum, the Project Director who presented certificates of merit together with the Ambassador of Guatemala and North Macedonia, the  Deputy Head of Missions from the Netherlands and Peru and the directors from "Bridges for Peace" to people who have tirelessly  contributed towards Shalva's efforts.

 

A sumptuous buffet and a variety of drinks was served and conspicuously enjoyed by all guests.

 

Diplomacy.co.il salutes Shlava for its invaluable humanitarian work and immense acts of kindness, may Shalva grow from strength to strength!