Beit Issie Shapiro

25/02/2026

Thank you to the Israel in Österreich for the warm recognition and for highlighting our mission!
We are honored to receive the Zero Project 2026 award for our Accessible Dental Care Model, as we focus on developing innovative solutions and adapting environments to ensure that inclusion is seamlessly integrated into every aspect of life.

It was wonderful to stand alongside 14 incredible Israeli organizations as we work together to create an inclusive world.

24/02/2026

In honor of Disability Awareness, Acceptance and Inclusion - JDAIM, we were privileged to host Paralympic Gold Medalist and board member Moran Samuel for a global discussion.

Moran’s journey, from basketball star to world-class rower, perfectly reflects our mission of focusing on abilities. She shared how she rebuilt her identity through resilience, choosing to move forward with a clear purpose and turning obstacles into growth.

Moran reminded us that the greatest accessibility starts within the heart. This belief is at the core of our work: ensuring every individual has the opportunity to pursue their goals and be whoever they choose to be.

Watch a glimpse of the meeting below! 🎥
Full session link in the first comment. Join us for our next Global Meeting!

Thank you, Moran, for your leadership and for being a role model as we build a more inclusive future for all.

22/02/2026

Kicking Off the Purim Spirit! 🎭
This past Friday, our school was completely transformed! Our incredible National Service volunteers took the initiative to bring the "Hafecha" (transformation), to our halls - a special Purim tradition where the school "flips" into a festive wonderland to surprise the students.

The girls spent weeks working behind the scenes to turn the entire school building into one big, colorful carnival. When the kids arrived, they were greeted by game booths, a carousel, sweets, and so many wonderful surprises!

We are so grateful to our Bnot Sherut, for their creativity and hard work. Thank you for bringing so much joy to our student's faces, both for Purim and throughout the entire year. ✨

19/02/2026

Huge thank you to JFNA - Jewish Federations of North America❤️
We are so proud to see Beit Issie included in the just-released “Supporting Israelis with Disabilities: A Strategic Guide for Jewish Federations.”
This timely report comes out during , a month dedicated to awareness and inclusion. It serves as a powerful reminder that ensuring opportunities for people with disabilities isn't a separate task - it is an integral part of Israel’s national recovery.
We are honored to be recognized as a recommended partner for Federations. Most importantly, we thank JFNA for highlighting the urgent need to ensure every Israeli, regardless of ability, can fully participate in society.
A strong Israel is an inclusive one.

18/02/2026

Meet our very own Paralympic Champion! 🥇✨

With the 2026 Winter Games in the air and so much Paralympic inspiration around us, we wanted to take a moment during JDAIM to shout out a true legend in our family - our amazing Board Member, Moran Samuel!

Moran is a Paralympic gold medalist and a world champion, but more than that, she’s the ultimate proof that determination wins every time. She’s faced huge challenges, pushed through, and made it all the way to the top of the podium.

We are so lucky to have her on our team, reminding us every day that no barrier is too high to break.

Want to hear her story and get a serious boost of motivation? Join our Global Zoom with Moran Sunday, February 22, 2026 7:00 PM ISRAEL | 5:00 PM UK | 12:00 PM EST | 9:00 AM PST.
Trust us, you’ll leave the meeting feeling like you can conquer anything!

RSVP Now: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/Jfb1KJ2jSE6-iGKvcbDNVQ #/registration

17/02/2026

Today, we are celebrating in Israel Family Day!
It originally began as "Mother’s Day," in honor of Henrietta Szold, who dedicated her life to caring for children and families. Over time, it evolved into Family Day, a time to recognize the importance of the support circles surrounding every home.

At Beit Issie, we provide a supportive envelope for all the families of our children from our Early Intervention Center - Beit Raz, and Special Education School.

This Family Day, we want to share a message from the mother of 2-year-old Daniel, from our Beit Raz:

"Beit Rez is more than just a family. The staff understands and embraces us even more than our own families, who don't always understand what we're dealing with. Always with a smile, always with understanding." ❤️

To our staff, our parents, and to YOU - our global family. Thank you for being part of our community.

Happy Family Day from our home to yours!

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 Director of Canadian Friends of Beit Issie Shapiro - 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.