Since the beginning of the war, organizations that care for people with special needs, and especially people with intellectual disabilities, came into the spotlight. KKL-JNF is the first organization in Israel to take upon itself caring for such people at this time, and it held hundreds of activities for them since the beginning of the war all throughout the country.
On Wednesday, KKL-JNF's volunteer and special needs division collaborated with the Special Olympics Association and held activities for people with special needs who were evacuated from the hostel in Kiryat Shmona to the Poriya guesthouse. In addition, soldiers from the Israeli Border Police took part in the activities after hearing about the initiative.
The unique collaboration provided KKL-JNF with an infrastructure for the activities, and connected the different organizations with the trainers and guides from Special Olympics Israel who held sport activities against the landscapes of the Sea of the Galilee – activities that included exercise, yoga, body movement and more.
David Ashkenazi, Manager of the Volunteers and Special Needs Division in KKL-JNF: "In these challenging times, every citizen comes to the aid of those who need it, especially for those with special needs, who require extra care and attention. At KKL-JNF, we are committed to assist this population in Israel, and are therefore thankful for the wide variety of activities. I would like to thank the Special Olympics Association for contributing to this activity and to many other sport activities throughout the country. I hope that the collaboration will continue in times of peace as well."
Sharon Levi-Balanga, General Manager of Special Olympics Israel: "This collaboration is highly important to maximize the influence and reach as many populations as possible. Special Olympics is thankful for this important collaboration."