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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.

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. 💙🎶

05/02/2026

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐎𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐩𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐁𝐚𝐜𝐤!

AKIM's Other Theater is back in action, opening a series of performances of the renowned production entitled "Saran Wrap" ('niyar cellophan'). Yesterday's show was at Tichonet High School, home to 1,500 students from grades 7-12 in North Tel Aviv.

The talented actors and actresses brought laughter, emotion, and reflection—sharing a powerful message with the students: we are just like you.

As Bella (one of the actresses) so perfectly replied when asked whether it’s hard for her when people shout comments at her on the street, she gently turned the question back to the student and asked how he would feel if someone insulted him in public. And then she said: Like me, like you.

The applause throughout the performance and the eagerness to shake hands and take photos with the actors at the end said it all.

The troupe will continue to appear in other locations throughout the country in the coming days.

These performances show that true inclusion begins with firsthand experience—seeing, feeling, and understanding the perspectives of people with disabilities.👏🏼👏🏼

03/02/2026

This year, once again, Tu Bishvat was a special time across AKIM’s employment and housing programs nationwide, marked by meaningful activities inspired by the spirit of the holiday.

See how the AKIM community across the country celebrated Tu Bishvat—a time of growth, renewal, and blossoming. ❤️🌱

02/02/2026

🌳 𝗧𝘂 𝗕𝗶𝗦𝗵𝘃𝗮𝘁: 𝗥𝗼𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲. 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 🌱

Check out our latest newsletter (link below).
Read how AKIM made an impact in 2025 — and how Tu Bishvat reminds us that growth and renewal are always possible 🌿.

*Tu BiShvat (Hebrew: ט״ו בִּשְׁבָט) is a Jewish holiday occurring on the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Shevat. It is also called Rosh HaShanah La'Ilanot (ראש השנה לאילנות‎), literally "New Year to the Trees".

🔗 Read more: https://app.activetrail.com/S/aijizaj3dfa.htm

Friends of AKIM USA

01/02/2026

👨🏻‍🍳 Recognize this chef?

If you’re in Israel and watch 'Game of Chefs' on Channel 13, you may recognize Shimon Vaknin cooking up incredible dishes on screen. But behind the scenes, there’s another star we’re especially proud of—Anita, a participant in AKIM’s Equal in Uniform program- providing meaningful inclusion in the IDF.

Anita serves at the Emmanuel (Julis) base, where she gets to enjoy the delicious meals Shimon prepares daily in the base's kitchen—off camera and up close! 😋

📸 In the photo: Shimon with Anita in the base's kitchen💙

29/01/2026

AKIM Israel is recruiting a 𝗚𝗹𝗼𝗯𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿 to join our team working to advance the rights, inclusion, and quality of life of people with intellectual disabilities.

This is a 60% position based in Tel Aviv, offering the opportunity to work in a meaningful, impact-driven role with international partners.

📧 To apply: Please send your CV to jack.f@akim.org.il

25/01/2026

𝗔 𝗺𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗠 𝗜𝘀𝗿𝗮𝗲𝗹 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝗥𝗮𝗯𝗯𝗶 𝗗𝗿. 𝗕𝗲𝗻𝗷𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗻 (𝗕𝗲𝗻𝗻𝘆) 𝗟𝗮𝘂 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝗰𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗶𝗴𝗻:

"I’m excited to share AKIM’s new media campaign with you.

Anyone who grew up in Israel is familiar with AKIM — but not quite like what you will see now. The story of the evolution of AKIM reflects the broader journey of the inclusion of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, both globally and here in Israel.

Do you remember AKIM’s fundraising drives from years ago? (Yes, back when the campaign was called “A Roof for the Re****ed Child,” reflecting the Hebrew terminology and attitudes of that period.) 𝗪𝗲’𝘃𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗮 𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗮𝘆 𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻.

The organization has evolved and grown professionally, learning the deep truth about human beings — every human being — and their right to self-fulfillment according to their own wishes and abilities.

AKIM shifted toward listening to the voices of people themselves, not just to decide what’s best for them. It even established a self-advocacy movement called 'Kolenu' (“Our Voice”), which amplifies the voices of the people and listens to their inner will and longing to lead dignified lives.

AKIM recently launched a campaign marking 75 years of blessed activity. As part of a rebranding process that expresses the belief in each person’s inherent worth, a powerful and moving campaign went live in Israel under the title “Just Like You.”

People with disabilities share their pain, joy, fears, and love in therapy with a psychologist. And you may be surprised — they are just like you and me.

If you were touched by Elisha’s video, you’ll find a link in the first comment to all the videos. You can also donate and help the incredible people AKIM supports live meaningful, fulfilling lives.

𝗜’𝗺 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗮𝗺𝗮𝘇𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘇𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗜 𝗶𝗻𝘃𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝘂𝗲𝗱 𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘄𝘁𝗵."

הרב בני לאו Daniel Pascheles Larry Rein Nir Neeman Gery David Shirley Peleg Friends of AKIM USA

22/01/2026

We’re excited to launch AKIM’s new fundraising campaign that kicked off in Israel this week, accompanied by a short and deeply touching video series.

For 75 years, AKIM has supported individuals with intellectual disabilities, empowering them to live full, meaningful lives—just like everyone else.

This campaign celebrates our shared humanity, our impact, and the belief that inclusion strengthens us all.

Larry Rein Nir Neeman Gery David Shirley Peleg
Friends of AKIM USA

20/01/2026

🍽️🎓 𝗔 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗢𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 🎓🍽️

We were proud to mark the official launch of the AKIM College Equal in Culinary Arts program at Dan Ort Gourmet College in Tel Aviv, welcoming 9 students at the start of their professional journey.

The event took place in the presence of Ronen Danieli, CEO of Ort Dan Gourmet College, and Sigal Peretz Yahalomi, CEO of AKIM. Chef Keren Segel, the program’s instructor and the students’ primary guide, accompanied the launch—along with inspiring remarks from one of the students, who spoke about discovering her calling through the program.

Founded by the Dan Hotels network and Ort Israel, Dan Ort Gourmet College delivers top-level training in cooking, baking, and pastry with expert instructors and industry-grade facilities.

Special thanks to Oshrat Groman, Director of Employment Programs, and Yuval Levy, AKIM College Manager, along with many dedicated support staff, for ensuring the program's success.

🙏With gratitude to the Ministry of Welfare and Social Affairs, and Tamar Olivenbaum, Director of the Guided Employment Department, for their steadfast support of the AKIM College network.

We were honored to welcome Susie Sokol as a guest at the event, Founder and Director Emeritus of DANI and Founder of the Toronto Jewish Disability Network, the International Jewish Disability Network, and the Disability Family Advocacy Network.

✨ We wish the students every success as they begin this exciting culinary journey.

Friends of AKIM USA
Nir Neeman Daniel Pascheles Larry Rein

Address

69 Pinchas Rosen Street
Tel Aviv
6951291

Telephone

+97237662222

Website

https://akimisrael.com/

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