Shalva National Center

As the school year comes to an end, we would like to take a moment and thank the overseas volunteers for all they have done for the Shalva children. This past year we were privileged to have over 100 volunteers from all over the world including United States, England, Australia, Canada, Italy, Mexico, and more. These gap year students came to Shalva on a weekly basis to volunteer with our children in various programs. We are so grateful for everything you have done for the Shalva children and look forward to seeing you back at Shalva!💜

After a year of hard training and a period of challenging and successful tests, we reached the exciting moment under the leadership of coach and mentor Gadi Ben Lulu: the graduation ceremony for the judo class!
The children’s parents, Noam Greenberg, CEO of the Judo Association, Yoel Lipster, director of Meitav Jerusalem, and Kalman Samuels, who presented a certificate of excellence to each child, all came to hug and honor the children. Thank you!
A big thank you to Bank Yahav for supporting us throughout the year🌟

A group of Shalva's children were invited by the La Rose Community Center in Marseille to come visit for a few days. They got to discover a new country and culture and the community were excited to meet them and experience the magic of inclusion firsthand.

Much love and appreciation💜

The love story of Ateret and Gilad:
Five years ago we started volunteering at Shalva. From the first week, we had a special connection. We became good friends and later a couple, and after four years Gilad proposed and thank God we got married. Thank you Shalva for giving us a place to give so much love, and to find love of our own.
These married couples met as Shalva volunteers, national service girls, and staff.
Love is what they came to give, and love is what they found❤️

Camp Shalva Summer Camp 2023 - Social Online Fundraising | JGive

Shalva does not stop the therapeutic process and continues all necessary activities - even in the summer.

And then comes the highlight of the year for our children – Summer Camp!!

They go on trips, sing, dance, swim, hang out, have fun.
Like all other children.

Equally as important, their families receive vital and much-needed respite.

The week of Shalva's Camp is the ONLY week of the year when the family gets a break, to build up strength, and restore their energies.

We are in the final stages of our Summer Camp campaign, join us, and make this dream come true for so many.

Camp Shalva Summer Camp 2023 - Social Online Fundraising | JGive For a child with disabilities, every day is significant. Every day is an opportunity for development and growth. Every day also has the potential for regression if the child is unengaged and without a proper framework Throughout the year, Shalva's children with disabilities receive vital therapies a...

Shalva provides round-the-clock care to thousands of individuals with diaabilitiea. Join us in changing their lives and easing the lives of their family members.

With just one click from your phone YOU can create lasting impact.

Donate through the BiT app >> https://bitpay.poalimlinks.co.il/app/
Or online >> https://bit.ly/2VHhDv0

The cost of one therapy treatment: 180 NIS
You can donate one treatment, multiple sessions, or even just part of one.

Together we are changing lives!

The Shalva family mourns the passing of Sapir.
Sapir taught us all to love life, to smile, and to appreciate every moment. She bore her complex health difficulties with courage and grace and didn't let her limited mobility stop her from going places and interacting with love and warmth to those around her. She was a shining sapphire with her trademark twinkling eyes and wide smile greeting everyone she saw.

Sapir suffered from Progeria, a premature aging syndrome, and passed away at 21.
We send our heartfelt condolences to her dedicated mother and loving family and friends who devoted themselves so tirelessly to her, ensuring that she led a life of dignity, meaning, and endless love.
BDE 💔💔

2023 NY Marathon, here we come!

115 (yes, you read that number correctly) superheroes have signed with Team Shalva to run the NY marathon on behalf of Shalva's children.

We are inspired by your dedication to making the world a better place for all.

This morning, the team of superheroes came to Shalva for the kickoff meeting. We loved meeting you all and sre cheering you on all the way to the finish line. 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️





איסתא ספורט - Issta Sport
Saucony
TCS New York City Marathon

On the eve of Memorial Day for Fallen Soldiers and Victims of Terror, we grieve and remember the fallen.

Especially close to our hearts are the soldiers who were also dear friends of Shalva's children and spent years volunteering at Shalva.

First Sergeant Avinoam Cohen z"l
Deputy Lieutenant Yuval Heiman z"l
Sergeant Nachshon Waxman z"l

As well as dedicated volunteer Elizabeth-Lily Deborah Goren-Friedman z"l.

May their memories be a blessing.

Super Proud of Matanya Palmor 🎖

During an inspiring ceremony at the Jerusalem border police base, attended by Moshe Lion, Mayor of Jerusalem, Matanya was nominated the base's outstanding soldier.

Matanya is part of Shalva's Rising in Rank IDF program.

Join us in wishing him a huge, well-deserved Mazal tov!

Moshe Lion - משה ליאון
Israel Border Police - משמר הגבול

Eliana Sultan, 12 years old, is the reason we are hopeful about the future. For her Bat Mitzva, she chose to include Shalva's children with disabilities thereby setting a beautiful example for everyone! For an entire year, she designed and sold water bottles, donating the proceeds to Shalva.

This week she joined her peers at Shalva for a cupcake decorating activity and wonderful friendships were made. 💜💜

Join us in congratulating Eliana on her Bat Mitzva.

On the eve of Holocaust Memorial Day here in Israel, Shalva remembers and pays tribute to those who perished. We work to create a better world for all in their memory and continue to believe in the goodness of man.

Today, on World Autism Awareness Day, we introduce Ofri to you. A gorgeous girl in her second year of Shalva's preschool class for children with autism.

During her first year, Ofri did not communicate at all. This year, after hours of therapeutic input, she has blossomed and has started communicating, addressing our staff by their names, saying good morning and interacting more. 💥

Her teachers attribute her progress to the therapeutic gardening, her friendship with fellow classmate, Ayelet, and her close connection to Nechama Orah, her communication therapist.
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Children in Shalva's specialized classes receive a tailor-made therapy regimen that includes at least 14 hours of individual therapy sessions every week. Like all of our inclusive preschool students, Shalva prepares them to be integrated into the mainstream school system by first grade.



Ora Kempinsky

Naama, who is part of Shalva's Employment and Vocational Training Program, diligently at work at a Jerusalem bakery.

We commend the businesses who hire individuals with disabilities, who actively create inclusive work environments and who give their employees the opportunity to make a unique contribution.

Our graduates work in various inclusive businesses throughout Jerusalem - cafes, kindergartens, supermarkets, and more.

If you have a business and are interested in integrating an adult from Shalva into your staff,
please contact our program manager, Hadas, at 0526160857.

It was fire 🔥🔥

Shalva's children thoroughly enjoyed the visit by firemen from the local fire station.
They learned about the hazzards they need to be aware of, what a fireman does, and even got to test out the hoses.

We are always moved when first responders come to Shalva, volunteer of their time, and make inclusion a priority.

Thank you for an awesome visit, we can't wait for more!

Welcome! Your Moroccan adventure starts here.

🚴‍♀️🚴🚴‍♂️ Join your love of BIKE RIDING with your love for making the world a BETTER PLACE for all.

You can realize a dream and at the same time directly impact thousands of individuals with disabilities by supporting the vital services Shalva provides. You get to experience the High Atlas Mountain Ride so that Shalva's families are able to conquer their personal mountains on a daily basis.

LIMITED SPACES AVAILABLE.

For more information: [email protected] or +972.58.430.8554

A Promise to Our Blind & Deaf Son: R' Kalman Samuels -Founder of Shalva | Inspiration For The Nation

Enjoy the conversation between Inspiration for the Nation's Yaakov Langer and Kalman Samuels.

Catch it on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Music (links below)
And of course, share with friends and family.

Yaakov Langer
Living Lchaim

Watch here 🎞️
https://youtu.be/67nhn7nPTOo

Listen here 🎧

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inspiration-for-the-nation-with-yaakov-langer/id1619028254?i=1000603699458

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/69wVuBxI6AZ15hDjN2YnxR?si=xQ4YhqtmTCm0kUdPWSD3Pg&app_destination=copy-link

A Promise to Our Blind & Deaf Son: R' Kalman Samuels -Founder of Shalva | Inspiration For The Nation Kerry Samuels life changed on a short trip to Israel. After becoming and Orthodox Jew a bigger life change was still waiting to happen.Rabbi Kalman Samuels a...

Today, on World Down Syndrome Day, we recognize the incredible contributions of people with Down Syndrome.

Gila, who lives in one of Shalva's independent living apartments, presented the annual Ambassador of Inspiration award at Tel Aviv's fashion week runway to famed Israeli poet Tzippi Shahrur. Gila was an awesome role model of inclusion and accessibility as she read a poem Tzippi titled "Leonard Cohen Sings to Her" on stage.

So proud of you, Gila!
We are determined to continue creating a more inclusive world for all.

The Team Shalva 2023 full album is here!
Tag yourself if you see you see yourself 💜💛

This past Friday, 300 runners from the US, UK, and Canada, joined an additional 60 runners from Israel and together they ran and ran and ran and ran for Shalva's children with disabilities.🏃‍♀️👨‍🦼🏃‍♂️🧑‍🦽🏃

It was magical. It was memorable. It was humanity at its best.
And we can't wait to do it – again – next year!

SAVE THE DATE: March 8, 2024

Team Logistics: Yechiel Fishman 👏👏
Team Music: Holy Simcha Entertainment
📷🎬: Spicy Media

Jerusalem Winner Marathon
עיריית ירושלים

We painted Jerusalem purple and yellow 💜💛💜💛
The Jerusalem Marathon 2023 was our most energetic yet! With 300 international runners, our NY Marathon team of runners from Israel, hundreds of Shalva children and adults with disabilities, family members and volunteers running side by side under clear Jerusalem skies.
Humanity at its best 🏆

Jerusalem Winner Marathon

Last week over 450 friends of Shalva gathered at the historic Gotham Hall in midtown Manhattan to celebrate 33 years of Shalva and 75 years of Israel at our “Reach for the Stars” Gala Dinner.

We celebrated our Shalva children and their families, Israel’s Diamond Jubilee 75th Anniversary, and our wonderful partners who have helped Shalva, and Israel, make the world a better and more inclusive place for all.

Guests of Honor were Jane and Ishaia Gol, L’Dor V’Dor Honorees were Ariel and Baruch, and Max Glaubach and NextGen Honorees were Tamar and Yehudah Buchweitz. The Reach for the Stars Awardee was Israel’s very own, Retired IAF Commander, Major General Amikam Norkin.

After a 4-year hiatus due to the pandemic, we were finally able to celebrate in person and the hall was filled with buzzing energy and excitement as a. result. Thanks to all who made the dinner such a fantastic success, raising over $2.6 million for Shalva’s children and their families!

Tania Violin

Today we celebrated the holiday of Purim at Shalva.

Children, volunteers, and staff alike all dressed up and gave each other sweet gifts 💜

An awesome time was had by all 👑

An incredible community of builders.

When Sasha from Biogarden heard about our independent living in the community apartments, he found the time 🕕 and volunteered to install all the planters for the balconies 🪴.
He did not stop there, and together with our residents, built a table and decorative sign for their little spot of heaven.

Our greater Shalva family is made of people with extra-large hearts who have taken on the mission of inspiring hope and changing the lives of people with disabilities.
Thank you.🙏🙏🙏🙏

And this is what a DREAM TEAM looks like.
Just a few weeks ago, residents of Shalva's Independent Living in the Community program formed their own team and started training with a coach.
Yesterday, they represented Shalva with pride in the Champions League Tournament that took place at the Jerusalem International YMCA.

Thanks to Tehilla Tayver, Team Manager, Super Coach Beny and kudos to the team of champions!

Watch this space for future games.

Definitely one of the most impressive courses in the IDF took place at Shalva over the last few weeks.
"It's a dream come true"

Once a week, 12 officers from the Kfir Brigade, came to Shalva for a joint course given together with our adults with disabilities. The group learned about 3D printing and acquired the skills needed to operate 3D printers. Most of all, they learned about each other's worlds and experienced one of the highest forms of inclusion.

Salute!

Because everyone deserves a beautiful smile! 😃
Bina, Shalva's dedicated hygienist, makes sure that all of our children are continuously learning about the importance of good oral health.
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There is a higher prevalence and severity of oral disease among people with disabilities compared to the general population. Shalva's Oral Health for Everyone (OHEV) preventative dental medicine program provides oral health care to all of our participants from babies as young as one month of age to adults with disabilities.

We were honored to host members of Labour Friends of Israel from the UK who came to experience the magic of Shalva firsthand.

Thank you for including us in your visit to Israel and for your dedication to making the world a better, more inclusive, place for all.

Labour Friends of Israel
Steve McCabe MP
Catherine McKinnell
Christian Wakeford MP
Margaret Hodge
Alex Davies-Jones MP

Today - Valentine's Day - is the perfect day to celebrate another Shalva match ❤🩷💜.

Hila and Netanel met at Shalva when she was a National Service Intern and he a volunteer. He studied nearby and regularly volunteered. Five months ago, they got married, and of course, Shalva's children and Yossi Samuels were their guests of honor.

There is a wall at the Shalva National Center that lists all the couples who met through their work at Shalva. *Love is what they came to give, and love is what they got.*
Thrilled to add you to the list! ❤️

Wishing you all the joy in the world. We are sure you will build a home on the beautiful foundation of love and unconditional giving you showed Shalva's children.

The power of perseverance, determination and hard work ❤

Alex, the gorgeous little boy in the picture, comes to Shalva every single week with his parents, all the way from the city of Sderot (about 2 hours away).

During hydrotherapy, he works hard on strengthening muscles, balance and equilibrium for a higher quality of life and overall good health.
Alex did not give up at any point, despite the hardship, and the results were not long in coming!

After a year of perseverance, under the guidance of Tehila his dedicated hydro therapist, Alex achieved extraordinary results and he is now completely independent in the water, maintains balance and equilibrium with unusually high motor skills.

The combined determination of Alex, and his parents, together with the tools given by Shalva have worked their magic.

And we couldn't be happier or prouder of his achievements. 👑👑

Oo-la-la, I am gorgeous 💖💄

The women in our adult program take part in a Beauty and Grooming Course, seen here with some of the scarves, bracelets, and accessories they received.

Promoted!
Eliya is the first soldier from Shalva's Rising in Rank program who will be serving at the Border Patrol base in Beit Horon.

He will serve as a lookout at the control tower following two years as a lookout at the Border Patrol base in Jerusalem.

Join us in congratulating him on his exceptional service and for paving the way for future soldiers with disabilities to find meaningful ways to integrate
We salute you!

When Kalman Samuels, Founder and President of Shalva, met Troy on a plane this week, he didn't expect their chance encounter would create such a ripple of positivity. 🙏💜🙏

Troy, we look forward to hosting you on your next visit to Israel.

‘My mother always said, “Troy, always be nice, you never know who you will meet that could change your life.” I had the pleasure of sitting next to Rabbi Kalman Samuels on my flight to Miami today and having the most fascinating talk about life: dreams, meaning of life and purpose. He wrote a book titled Dreams Never Dreamed, a powerful story about his son, who lost his sight and hearing, the Helen Keller of Israel.

It was such a powerful chat about pain, anger, positive thiniking and never giving up no matter what and how God has purpose for all of us. He and his wife dedicated their existence because of their son to helping families / children with disabilities regardless of religion, ethnic background, or financial capability. They started small and now Shalva is one of the largest organizations in Israel helping 2000 children through birth to adulthood weekly and they built a $25 million dollar facility. Through being of service, it has turned him into a very successful man, as he stated. I shared what I am building and the hurdles, he said, “God has you, young man. You have purpose and meaning, your time is coming, keep going and don’t listen to the noise, everyone has an opinion, have they built anything? And lets keep in touch there are alot of men in Israel who need skincare.”’

- Troy Alexander, Co-Founder and President of TROY skincare for men