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AKIM International

AKIM Israel is a vibrant, person-centered organization that acts to realize the rights and improve t

Mission:
To make Israel a better place for people with intellectual disabilities: a warm, inclusive and respectful society, enabling self-actualization and offering equal opportunity while recognizing diversity. AKIM was founded in 1951 by parents of children with intellectual disabilities. AKIM operates 67 branches in both the Jewish and the Arab sectors. AKIM is Israel’s leading national organization for people with intellectual disabilities. A Unique Organization:
 NATION-WIDE - SERVICING THE PERIPHERY: Providing advocacy, services and support reaching diverse populations in Israel.
 DEMOCRATIC GOVERNANCE: Unique democratic organization whose board of directors and branch leadership are elected every four years.
 PERSON-CENTERED APPROACH: AKIM advocates for all people with disabilities based on the premise that each person with disabilities has autonomy to make decisions for her/himself. AKIM leads the way in advocating for the movement from institutional to community living.

22/03/2026

Yesterday, an AKIM Community Living Home in Dimona, in southern Israel, was struck by a missile that destroyed their home.

Miraculously, all residents and their support staff were in the protected shelter at the time. That decision saved their lives.
After precautionary checks at Soroka Hospital, they were safely discharged and are now staying temporarily in another AKIM apartment in Be’er Sheva, embraced by a dedicated and caring team.

The destruction is devastating—but it makes one thing painfully clear: following safety instructions saves lives.

We extend our deepest gratitude to Esther, whose calm and professional actions were life-saving, to Sivan, who leads the local community living program, and to the entire AKIM team for their extraordinary response.

AKIM is committed to rebuilding—quickly and with care—so they can return to a safe, warm, and dignified home in their community as soon as possible.

Please keep them in your thoughts, and stay safe. 🙏

19/03/2026

We’re proud to share that most of AKIM’s Day & Occupational Centers have been reopened — fully operational and bustling with activity. 🙌

This achievement is thanks to the hard work and dedication of our teams, who made it possible to restore these essential services for the individuals and families who rely on them every day.

Across the country, our facilities are fully compliant with Home Front Command guidelines and have the protective infrastructure to keep every participant safe.

To everyone who helped make this happen — thank you.
Your commitment is seen, felt, and deeply appreciated.

For the people we support, it means the world. 💙

17/03/2026

𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

Today, we take a moment to pause and recognize AKIM's extraordinary social workers, who approach their work involving people with intellectual disabilities not as a profession, but as a calling.

In times as complex and demanding as these, their contribution is not simply valuable. It is indispensable.

On behalf of our staff and management, our families and volunteers, and above all, the individuals that we are privileged to support.

Thank you. Not only today, but every single day. 🙏🏻

Nir Neeman Gery David

13/03/2026

From the very first days of the war, AKIM’s Employment and Leisure Division mobilized to support the people we serve and their families.

Through AKIM Live, a wide range of recreational and supportive activities were launched to help individuals maintain connection, routine, and resilience during this difficult time.

Within days, several day centers and employment programs began reopening carefully and safely. Work groups in essential industries also returned to activity, allowing many individuals to regain stability and purpose.

At the same time, AKIM’s college programs moved online, volunteers from “Equal in Uniform” resumed their service, and in-home support continued for those unable to attend programs in person.

Because at AKIM, ensuring that no one is left without care, connection, or support is not a courtesy — it is our commitment.

Our heartfelt gratitude goes to the professionals, directors, coordinators, and staff of the Employment and Leisure Division, whose dedication, creativity, and tireless work made all of this possible.

11/03/2026

𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐌 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠 💙

To our remarkable community living support teams, you show us every day what true dedication means.

Even now, during the current operation, you continue to arrive at AKIM’s apartments and community residences, undeterred by sirens and missile alerts. With unwavering commitment and deep compassion, you support, encourage, and enrich the lives of those who depend on us most.

You are not only essential workers — you are a cornerstone of our community’s resilience.

Our deepest gratitude goes to each and every one of you.

We hold onto the hope that this will be the last war — one that brings an end to those who seek to harm us and opens the way for a society united by shared values. A society grounded in empathy, solidarity, and human dignity, where every person — including those who are different — is welcomed and valued.

𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐌. 𝐋𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐦𝐞. 𝐋𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮.

With profound appreciation,
Sigal Peretz-Yahalomi
CEO, AKIM Israel

09/03/2026

💜 International Women’s Day at AKIM 💜

Today, we celebrate the incredible women who are part of the AKIM community — women with intellectual disabilities who are building independent lives and making their voices heard, alongside the mothers, professionals, caregivers, and volunteers who support them every day.

Despite the current situation, the residents and staff at AKIM’s Beit Halomi Community Living Center in Ra’anana did not forget to mark International Women’s Day. The photos below capture a few special moments from their celebration. ❤️

Together, they continue to help shape a more inclusive society across Israel.

08/03/2026

An extraordinary display of dedication from AKIM’s residential support teams, who have gone above and beyond to keep our homes and apartments fully staffed during this challenging period.

The individuals we support in our community housing program have been remaining in protected areas around the clock, as day programs and employment frameworks remain closed due to the security situation. This has required extensive contingency planning and reinforced staffing — including overnight shifts — to ensure residents receive the care, stability, and reassurance they need during incoming missile alerts.

In the face of the crises our communities have endured in recent years, AKIM’s housing staff continues to show what true commitment looks like.

Our deepest gratitude to these remarkable teams. 💙

03/03/2026

As Israel faces ongoing missile attacks, AKIM is taking immediate action to protect and support people with intellectual disabilities and their families.

We have revived our Digital Community Center, offering online programs — including Zumba, exercise classes, musical performances, and cooking workshops — in both Hebrew and Arabic, so individuals and parents can stay connected and supported from home.

Our P2P (Parents to Parents) hotline has been expanded with additional volunteers and extended hours to ensure no family is left without support. In our community living settings, dedicated staff accompany every resident to safe rooms during alerts, maintaining calm and safeguarding their well-being.

We are focusing on safety, continuity of care, and maintaining a strong, compassionate community.

Wishing everyone a safe and peaceful Purim.

24/02/2026

The stage in Karmiel came alive last week. 💃🏻✨

Members of AKIM’s day centers delivered a spectacular dance performance, joined by the incredible Nevo Ben Cnaan and Moran Izhaki Abergil, together with dedicated high school volunteers Shirly Ganon and Talya Harosh.

The audience — including the Mayor and proud family members — witnessed an unforgettable evening filled with energy, passion, and joy. 🌟

In a city known for its love of dance, our performers reminded everyone of something even more powerful:
Dance is not just movement. It is expression. It is confidence. It is belonging.

22/02/2026

As we mark #𝗝𝗗𝗔𝗜𝗠 (𝗝𝗲𝘄𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀, 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 & 𝗜𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵), the Jewish Federations of North America have released a new publication: Supporting Israelis with Disabilities: A Strategic Guide for Jewish Federations.

AKIM is honored to be recognized as a recommended partner in this important report.

For decades, AKIM has worked to ensure that people with intellectual disabilities are recognized for their abilities and have meaningful opportunities to thrive — in housing, employment, education, and community life.

When individuals can live independently, work with purpose, and participate fully in society, Israel grows stronger.

We thank JFNA for advancing inclusion in Israel as a shared responsibility and a national priority.

Nir Neeman
Gery David

19/02/2026

Have you heard about Elitzur “Shavim” Yavne — AKIM Yavne’s official basketball team? 🏀🔥

Every player is matched with a dedicated volunteer mentor who shows up week after week for practice, while building skills, confidence, and true team spirit.

They’re talented.
They’re determined.
And their commitment and sportsmanship are next-level. 🙌✨

Trust us — you’re going to be hearing a lot more about Elitzur “Shavim” Yavne.

They’re not just playing the game. They are the game. 💪🏽🏀

10/02/2026

Yesterday, we said goodbye to Matti Caspi - one of Israel’s greatest musicians. A rare and sensitive soul whose music shaped generations.

In this video shot decades ago, he’s playing with the brilliant Roi Ginat — today a student at AKIM MusEquality program (“Keilim Shluvím”) at Bar-Ilan University. Even when Roi was still a child, it was already clear where his path was leading.

Thank you, Matti, for decades of unforgettable music. And thank you, Roi, for sharing this beautiful memory with us. 💙🎶

Address

69 Pinchas Rosen Street
Tel Aviv
6951291

Telephone

+97237662222

Website

https://akimisrael.com/

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