Celebrating our Diversity

Israel Elwyn

1 day ago

“People with autism are first and foremost people. Each one is different from the other” 🧠💙

In honor of International Autism Awareness Day, which will be marked this coming weekend, we choose to highlight people’s stories. Not definitions. Not labels. People.

Meet Elad Manor (25) from Haifa.

Elad lives independently in an apartment with a roommate, supported by the Independent Community Living team of Israel Elwyn, with guidance from direct support staff member Yulia Greenberg and coordinator Reut Zilka Danan.

Less than a year ago, Elad was exempt from the army after completing full service as a volunteer in a counter-terrorism unit, and even received a Unit Excellence Award, a moment he defines as one of the most meaningful in his life.

Today, Elad works as a climbing instructor at two climbing gyms in Haifa, Boulder and Kir Yoav, and continues to build an independent, active, and meaningful life.

But beyond the achievements, what stands out about Elad is the journey.

The ability to persist, to grow, to acquire life skills, to navigate public transportation, to work, to dream, and above all, to choose every day to keep moving forward.

And when asked about his dreams, the answer is simple and precise: to be in a good and healthy relationship, to build a family, and to advance professionally until he becomes a physiotherapist.

Maybe that says it all, in one sentence.

Finally, our sincere thanks to our partners, the Ministry of Welfare and Social Affairs and the Joint Israel, for their guidance, support, and trust along the way. ... See MoreSee Less

Israel Elwyn

2 weeks ago

Sometimes all it takes is one moment around a shared table
As every year, this year as well, our Supported Living Program team gathered for a shared Iftar meal to mark the end of the daily fast during the month of Ramadan.

Especially during this challenging period and the intense weeks we have all been through, it felt important to pause for a moment to sit together around one table, to share, to listen, and to remember the strength found in community and in the people who walk this journey together day after day.

And by the way, for those wondering- what is Iftar?
Iftar is the traditional meal eaten after sunset during the month of Ramadan. It marks the breaking of the fast and is also a moment of gathering, partnership, and mutual respect.

A big thank you to our dedicated team,
and special thanks to the kitchen staff for organizing and preparing everything with such care and heart. 💙 ... See MoreSee Less

Israel Elwyn

2 weeks ago

Quick Shots with Social Worker Hila Marcus – in honor of International Social Workers Day 🎯✨

In honor of International Social Workers Day, which takes place this week, we would like to introduce you to some of the amazing social workers of Israel Elwyn — women (and men) who are an integral part of our daily work. They support people with disabilities and their families, lead personal and social processes, and work every day to promote full participation in the community and independent, meaningful lives.

This time, meet Hila Marcus (43), a social worker in our Supported Living Program and the Head of the Social Work Department within the program at Israel Elwyn.

Hila is married, a mother of five children aged 8–20, and lives in Efrat.
She has been with us for three years, holds a BA in Social Work from the Hebrew University, and has a particularly interesting path into the profession.



We asked her to answer a few quick questions 👇

Social work for me is:
Being at the heart of the work.

Israel Elwyn in one word:
“The high-tech of disability.”

One moment at work I’ll never forget:
When someone told me they could see the results of the work done in the therapy room reflected in the way the residents interact with their roommates in the apartment.

The most moving thing about working with residents:
Their openness, their progress, and their willingness to trust and believe again and again.

A professional challenge that accompanies me:
The lack of acceptance in society, and how to provide psychological support to people who need ongoing supports.

A small success that makes a big day:
A person who arrives at the therapy room shouting and leaves calm.

One word that describes the social work team:
Heart and soul.

Team collaboration for me is:
Dreaming and making things happen together.

Something that surprises people about our work:
The optimism.

Advice for a social worker at the beginning of their career:
Try - otherwise how will you know what is right for you?

Social work in 10 years:
Continuing to lead complex social processes and shining a light on the good at the margins of society.

Artificial intelligence and social work:
It helps reduce bureaucracy.

If I weren’t a social worker, I would be:
A coach.

A professional source of inspiration:
My supervisor.

One small thing that helps me recharge after a workday:
My family and reading.

💬 A message for International Social Workers Day:
“The impact of a social worker is sometimes much greater than it seems - on the individual, group, and organizational levels.”

💙 Thank you, Hila, for your heart, professionalism, and daily dedication. ... See MoreSee Less