Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara visited the Negev-based ALEH rehabilitative village on Thursday to pay tribute to Maj. Gen. (res.) Doron Almog, recipient of the 2016 Israel Prize for lifetime achievement and contributions to society and the state. Founded in 1982, ALEH is Israel's foremost network of care facilities for children with severe physical and cognitive disabilities, providing over 700 children nationwide with high-level medical and rehabilitative care in four residential facilities. The organization seeks to "enable each child, regardless of the severity of the disability, to realize his or her potential and live a quality life on par with the rest of society." Almog and his wife Didi, led the prime minister and his wife on a tour of the village's facilities, including the integrated kindergarten for children with severe disabilities and their regularly-abled peers, the outpatient physical therapy clinic and the intensive care ward. Netanyahu also met with several national service volunteers and IDF soldiers who volunteer with ALEH. "Through its work with our most severely disabled citizens, by giving deep respect and loving care to each and every one of them without exception, ALEH exemplifies the very essence of both Judaism and humanity," Netanyahu said. Sara Netanyahu, who is a licensed child psychologist, added that ALEH's educational model is ideal for individual and societal growth. "When children of all abilities and backgrounds are brought together in this way, cared for by individuals who value nationalism and volunteerism, and are taught to focus on their similarities and capabilities, rather than their differences and disabilities, they will grow up to be kinder, gentler and more complete adults, and our society will reap the benefits," she noted. Since 2005, the ALEH Negev-Nahalat Eran village, one of four ALEH facilities across Israel, has provided a continuum of residential care for more than 200 children. In addition to providing services and outpatient care to thousands of individuals from Israel's southern region, including rehabilitative treatments and therapies, dental care, physiotherapy, hydrotherapy and communication and speech therapy, the Negev-based center also invests heavily in the region, currently employing close to 300 local residents. "ALEH Negev is a vital component to southern Israel's growth, and today's visit by the prime minister shows the importance of this facility, as well as the impact of JNF-USA donors, who allow the ALEH staff to provide the best treatment and care available," Eric Michaelson, Chief Israel Officer for Jewish National Fund in Israel, said. "We are proud to support and partner with Maj. Gen. Almog and the many dedicated professionals and passionate volunteers who work at ALEH Negev to ensure that no Israeli is ever left behind." A decorated officer, Almog served in a variety of military roles, He participated in the 1976 Operation Entebbe, and the 1984 Operation Moses, which brought thousands of Ethiopian Jews to Israel, commanded the Paratroopers Brigade and was GOC Southern Command. He retired from the IDF in 2004. "I'm so grateful to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara, for visiting ALEH. This visit is a powerful message indicating the Israeli government's commitment to both developing the Negev and providing the best possible support and care for the weakest members of our society," Almog said. "With the government and the JNF as our partners, we will continue to lead a revolution in caring for Israel's special needs population, making the desert bloom with compassion."
'Disabled children's facility exemplifies Judaism, humanity'
PM Netanyahu and his wife Sara visit Negev-based ALEH rehabilitative village championed by 2016 lifetime achievement Israel Prize laureate Maj. Gen. (res.) Doron Almog • Visit signals government's pledge to care for weakest members of society, Almog says.
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