Breathtaking photo exhibit spotlighting IDF soldiers with disabilities unveiled at NATO Headquarters in Brussels

An Israeli delegation to NATO unveiled a heartwarming photo exhibit spotlighting the IDF’s pioneering concept of inclusion of persons with disabilities into the armed forces.  The exhibit, on display in NATO Headquarters in Brussels, was unveiled in the first week of October by Israeli Ambassador to the EU and NATO Chaim Regev and IDF and Ministry of Defense Forces attaché Amit Lanir together with NATO officers, ambassadors, and military representatives to NATO.

The exhibit, an initiative of Israel’s delegation to NATO in cooperation with the IDF’s Human Resources department and Jewish National Fund-USA’s Special in Uniform, presented a moving collection of photos depicting the daily life of young soldiers with physical and mental disabilities who function in a wide range of capacities in Israel’s Defense Forces. 

Military service is a rite of passage of sorts for Israeli adolescents, as well as the gateway to a successful career and future.  JNF-USA’s Special in Uniform incorporates young people with physical and intellectual disabilities into Israel’s military, offering them training and skills that empower them to integrate into Israeli society and the workforce. The program accentuates the unique talents of each participant and places him or her into an appropriate setting within the IDF. Breaking down societal barriers and fostering widespread acceptance of social diversity, Special in Uniform focuses on the ability, not disability, of each individual, and teaches vital social and life skills that empower them to gain independence and become contributing members of society.

At the unveiling ceremony, Israel’s Ambassador to NATO and the EU Chaim Regev expressed: “The inclusion of persons with disabilities into the IDF helps advance our collective mission of offering equal opportunities to all stratums of Israeli society. It is a phenomenal initiative that positively builds up the confidence and strengths both of our young soldiers with disabilities and those who serve beside them. This exhibit is a special opportunity to share Israel’s positive experiences and success in enabling all young people in Israel to perform military service with the world and with NATO.”

Special in Uniform Director Lt. Col. (Res.) Tiran Attia shared that this exhibit is also a means of demonstrating Israel’s respect of every human being. “We’re committed to creating a society where everyone can contribute and do their utmost.”

In 2019, Chairman of the U.S. President's Advisory Committee on People with Disabilities Chris Neeley visited the Palmachim Air Force Base in Israel to observe SIU in action, with the long-term goal of adapting the project to meet the needs and soldiers of the United States Armed Forces.  Since then, delegations from other countries have likewise come to learn how they too can enable soldiers with special needs to contribute their strengths to the country. 

Attia says that he is hopeful that this exhibit in NATO Headquarters will inspire other countries and organizations to follow SIU’s model of inclusion, promoting a global community where every individual is valued and can utilize his or her strengths to contribute their utmost to society.

To support  people with disabilities through Jewish National Fund-USA, visit  jnf.org/disabilities or contact Yossi Kahana at ykahana@jnf.org