ADI Negev-Nahalat Eran Rehabilitation Village is a uniquely inclusive, almost magical oasis in Israel’s south. Here, people of all backgrounds, medical conditions and ability levels are able to reach their full potential. It is due to a combination of state-of-the-art therapies, a compassionate staff and a loving environment that these children are leading lives that far surpass anyone’s expectations!
After October 7, the roles and responsibilities of this very special Jewish National Fund-USA Affiliate changed dramatically.
The sound of laughter was everywhere on the accessible playground at the ADI Negev-Nahalat Eran Rehabilitation Village (ADI Negev) when I visited last March as part of a Jewish National Fund-USA (JNF-USA) volunteer mission. With war and chaos raging mere miles away, I was moved to tears seeing Adi-Negev’s dedicated, multi-cultural staff working together to play with, love and care for these very vulnerable kids. Even during “normal” times, I have found it quite remarkable to see children, all with severe disabilities, happily bouncing and swinging on specially adapted play equipment, giving them the ability to move, communicate and learn.
Supported by JNF-USA, seven government ministries, and generous donors worldwide, ADI Negev is an amazing, unique, almost magical, rehabilitation village in Israel’s south. ADI Negev cares for and empowers more than 300 residents and special education students with severe disabilities. Its innovative kindergarten integrates children with disabilities with more typical peers. Residential villas are home to individuals with multiple disabilities. Epitomizing Adi Negev’s focus on abilities, not disabilities, almost 40 individuals, previously deemed “unemployable,” work for “Gardener’s Without Borders” tending to the village’s beautiful 40-acre grounds and thriving organic farm.
ADI Negev’s Harvey and Gloria Kaylie Rehabilitation Medical Center is the first-ever rehabilitation hospital in Israel’s south. IDF soldiers, residents and so many others make great physical and mental health gains via ADI Negev’s hydrotherapy pool, sports therapy complex, and adaptive and inclusive sports – sponsored by JNF-USA. Says IDF hero Ron Vaknin who was severely wounded, “Whether I’m working out in the gym, visiting the horse stable or just chatting with my doctors, it’s clear that this place is different. It has a soul and restores your soul. It’s serene and beautiful and exactly what you need when you are feeling vulnerable … that soulfulness brings you back and makes you stronger than ever before.”
After October 7, ADI Negev, partnering with JNF-USA and others, took on critical leadership roles and responsibilities to address the great needs of neighboring communities severely impacted by Hamas’ atrocities.
Located just 12 miles from the Gaza border, ADI Negev was miraculously spared from Hamas' atrocities. To protect the region and ADI Negev, four hundred IDF soldiers were housed for eight weeks in the Medical Center’s neurological ward, which is also a bomb shelter. ADI Negev’s orthopedic patients were also moved there. The community quickly enveloped evacuated Israelis. The Medical Center began treating severely wounded IDF soldiers and civilians, keeping them close to their southern Israel homes and easing overcrowding in Israel’s center.
Considering the tremendous needs in the surrounding areas, JNF-USA, ADI Negev, and Israel’s Trauma Coalition hosted a collaborative meeting in May to connect organizations with needs to organizations that could help. Israeli mental health centers, resilience centers, trauma centers and other entities shared their immediate, short-term and long-term needs including how to feed, clothe, house and provide mental health services to the many severely traumatized children and adults. Breakout sessions pinpointed specific needs and identified which entities could meet these needs. JNF-USA, together with ADI Negev, refocused their efforts to address the need for resilience therapy, utilizing the many resources at the village.
In June, ADI Negev began running resilience programming for parents and children. This includes cooking, animal and canine therapy as well as hydrotherapy. Guidance is provided to parents before and after the sessions. Plans for the new school year include working with classes from schools in the Negev.
ADI Negev was named to honor Eran Almog, the late son and inspiration for founders Didi and Major General (Res.) Doron Almog. Founded in 2005, this JNF-USA Affiliate is an international role model for its cutting-edge tools and technologies, care and healing given to people from all backgrounds, medical conditions and ability levels.
As I pushed swings and sang kids’ songs on that sunny March day, Doron’s maxim, “the strength of the human chain is only as strong as its weakest link,” came to my mind.
For more about ADI Negev programs (all of which receive JNF-USA support) and to learn more about how JNF-USA is helping ADI Negev, and surrounding communities devastated by October 7, meet current critical needs and create a bright new future, visit jnf.org/our-work/disabilities-special-needs.
Written by Dvorah Richman, President JNF-USA Greater Washington Board, Member JNF-USA Special Needs and Disabilities Task Force.