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JDIN's avatar

From Rabbi Michael Levy:

I am in frequent contact with friends and family (of all abilities) in Israel.

The “person-centered” approach to disability stresses that Israelis with disabilities, not well-meaning Americans, should explore choices

We, and the “disability journalists,” should be careful not to unhesitatingly impose our own experiences and preferences the disability communityWE need not, and should not, duplicate efforts and achievements that Israel has initiated.

The following entities have, or will soon initiate, bomb shelter accessibility efforts in Israel.

Shalva

Yad Sarah

Rabbinic and home front entities

Organizations and health entities working with the frail and elderly directed by knowledgable groups in Israel, which have greater awareness and expertise than the Diaspora as,

People with disabilities and the frail elderly can LIVE IN bomb shelters for weeks

Health professionals and those dealing with anxiety are quickly available, sometimes by Zoom. Overseas Medical and health professionals can be consulted

The writer may not be aware that

Diaspora Jews with disabilities travel to Israel to receive innovative diagnoses and treatment that is not available outside Israel In some cases, innocent Gazans, “Arabs and Bedouins with disabilities receive shelter

It would be better for all of us to direct our efforts to support all Israelis of all abilities

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Jason Lieberman's avatar

I agree that the diaspora should focus on all Israelis, I'm afraid that the people with disabilities are not adequately served by NGOs you mentioned. As more people are injured my rabbi and I have stressed the need for more to be done. As for medical help that is for another article and not relevant to this issue.

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Jason Lieberman's avatar

I'm aware of all of these NGOs but think that the shelters need to be made accessible preferably by Israeli entities but with the help of diaspora financial support.

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