Beit Issie Shapiro

13/02/2026

Last week, we had the honor of participating in a truly inspiring gallery exhibition hosted by at the Miles Nadal JCC in honor of JDAIM.

The exhibition, titled "Shining with Shlemut," featured artwork by artists with disabilities and highlighted Jewish disability organizations from around the world. We were proud to represent Israel in this global showcase, contributing beautiful pieces created by three of our talented Special Education School students. See their artworks below!

As the exhibit organizers shared, these works reflect the richness, creativity, and diversity of the disability community. For many artists who face challenges with verbal communication, art becomes a vital language - a way to share their unique perspectives, identity, and incredible inner worlds.

Our Canadian Board Member, Johanna Samuel, shared the moving story of 12-year-old Lia, who lives with Cerebral Palsy and is non-verbal. Through our photography program, Lia uses her camera as a tool for self-expression. Her series, titled "Perspective," perfectly captures the exhibit's theme: that disability is not a limitation, but an essential part of our collective wholeness.

In Lia’s own words: “You can look at the world in different ways - happy and sad - it all depends on your perspective.”

Johanna summarized it perfectly: "It reminds us that art is a language - and that everyone deserves the opportunity to express themselves and be seen. This is what JDAIM is all about."

Thank you for giving our students the platform to shine and share their limitless abilities with the world. 💙

09/02/2026

Running from the lowest point on earth to lift our heroes higher! 🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️✨

This past weekend, over 7,000 runners took part in the מרתון ארץ ים המלח - Dead Sea Marathon, and for the first time ever, Beit Issie was right there on the track! Our team of 10 amazing runners joined the race to support Tech for Heroes - our initiative helping wounded soldiers regain their independence and rebuild their lives through tailored technology solutions.

By hitting the trails at the Dead Sea, our team raised vital funds to provide life-changing equipment for those who have given so much. To keep them inspired, each runner carried a special kit with the personal stories and photos of the soldiers they were running forת feeling their spirit with every kilometer.

A huge thank you to our incredible team: Lisa Lawrence, Abaye Schoor, Noa Zomer, Liora Weiss, Daniel Friedman, Pearl Friedman, Micha Schoor, Jordana Kofman Schoor, Kalman Schoor, and Adielle Schoor.

And of course, a big shout-out to all the generous donors who stepped up and supported our runnersת we couldn't have done it without you!

Thank you for your heart, your dedication, and for running to give our wounded soldiers a more independent future.

08/02/2026

"Too often, the first impact is felt by the most vulnerable - those who have no voice, no lobby, and no platform from which to be heard."

While we are all marking JDAIM this month, we just got a tough reminder that true inclusion is about more than just symbols. Last week, a sudden 20% budget cut hit welfare services across Israel, directly affecting the toddlers and families who rely on us most.

But we want to be clear: regardless of these cuts, we are still here, giving our 100% for the children. Our team is working around the clock to make sure every child gets what they need, but we need the state to stay true to its promises.

Read the full article by Ahmir Lerner, published in The Times of Israel here >> https://blogs.timesofisrael.com/when-only-80-of-funding-arrives-who-pays-for-it/

The Welfare Ministry suddenly cut funding for services already delivered. Organizations like those serving children with disabilities have to absorb the shock

01/02/2026

February is here, and so is JDAIM! 💙

Today marks the start of Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance & Inclusion Month. At Beit Issie, we work every single day to create a more inclusive society. For us, inclusion isn’t a one-time event—it’s about daily education, breaking down barriers, and developing innovative empowering tools.

Throughout this month, just like during the rest of the year, we will continue to show you how inclusion, awareness, and acceptance play a huge part in everything we do.

Are you with us? Drop a 💙 if you’re celebrating inclusion this month!

29/01/2026

Lara, you make us so proud! 🏆✨

Huge congratulations to our youngest UK Trustee, LLara Isaacs for winning the Young Volunteer of the Year Award at the JJVN - Jewish Volunteering Network2025 Awards! 🥳

Lara was not only a nominee for the JVN Young Adult Volunteer of the Year, but she also took home JJewish Women's AidYoung Volunteer of the Year Award! 🏆

From starting as an intern to making waves at AAmazon.com AAmazon.co.ukand leading change at Beit Issie, Lara is a true inspiration. 🌍💙

We are so lucky to have you on our team, Lara!

Drop a ❤️ to congratulate her!

28/01/2026

843 days. Zero hostages.

Ran Gvili Z"L is finally back home in Israel for eternal rest.
The time has come to take down this meaningful display of faces that has been part of our daily lives.
While the signs come down, we will never forget the journey or the cost.

Thank you to our heroes who fought, sacrificed, and brought them home.
Am Yisrael Chai.

25/01/2026

Our Special Education School students visited the .shtut accessible strawberry farm for a magical experience!
From picking and eating fresh strawberries, and baking pitas in a Taboon oven with chocolate, to learning about honey extraction in full beekeeper suits - it was a truly sweet and successful day.
Did your day look like this? Tell us below!

22/01/2026

Our students hit it out of the park at the Bocce Tournament! ✨

Yesterday, our Special Education School students participated in the annual Bocce tournament, competing alongside five other Special Education Schools.

Bocce is a strategic precision ball sport that requires focus, coordination, and great skill.

From tournament to tournament, they are becoming more confident, playing with joy, waiting patiently for their turn, and cheering each other on with such spirit!

We are incredibly proud of their hard work, their sportsmanship, and their great ambition to win.

18/01/2026

Hebrew Language Week at our Special Ed School!

Last week, schools all over Israel celebrated the beauty of the Hebrew language, and our school was part of this nationwide celebration!

Our students enjoyed enriching activities like baking letter-cookies to spell their names, singing songs, and playing Hebrew language games.

Thank you to our amazing staff for making this week so memorable and fun for our students!💙

15/01/2026

Warming up to dive back in!💦

While our main pool was being renovated, our hydrotherapy treatments continued in the small pool. But the wait is almost over... our large pool is reopening very soon!

We are ready. Are you?

14/01/2026

The children’s smiles say it all! ✨

Meni Tsukrel Mamtara - the funny, famous, and incredibly talented children’s star of Israeli children's TV (הופ! לגדול בידיים טובות HOT VOD yes) visited our special education school and inclusive preschool, this week to bring some extra joy to our kids.
Meni met the children, took photos with them, and even sang one of his most famous songs. The kids were absolutely thrilled and starstruck! 🤩

Thank you, Meni, for all the smiles and laughter you brought to our school!

11/01/2026

On International Thank You Day, we want to say it loud and clear: THANK YOU! 💙

Your partnership allows us to change lives of people with disabilities, every single day.

Thank you for being part of the Beit Issie family.