‘First of its kind’ inclusive early years centre in Israel, thanks to UK donors

Adam and Tamar Fisher, parents of Raz, after whom the new campus is named, with CEO of Beit Issie Shapiro Ahmir Lerner (right) (Photo: David Gelb)David Garb www.softbox.co.il

The Beit Raz campus is named after Raz Fisher, a former Beit Issie child with a rare genetic syndrome, who passed away at the age of four. His parents, Tamar and Adam Fisher, partnered with Beit Issie to design the centre, which prioritises safety, light and accessibility. “Beit Issie saw Raz as a child first, not his disability,” said Tamar. “We wanted to give other parents what we received: love, care and a place where children can thrive.”

Ahmir Lerner, the CEO of Beit Issie Shapiro, which is at the forefront of disability provision and advocacy, told the JC that the centre, which is due to fully open in September, was the “gold standard” of early intervention. “We see this as a leading model, which has been created to be duplicated around the country.”

“We have a personalised approach to inclusion, making sure each child gets what they need, rather than treating them as one unit.”

He said that as much as this model of learning would benefit children with disabilities, it would also help those without. “On an emotional level, it will enable them to develop empathy, and cognitively, they will grow up in an environment where they will see that everything can be adapted, giving them a much more flexible mindset.”

Lerner said that he hadn’t been sure how parents would respond to the integrated model but had been struck by how “open-hearted” they were to the idea of children with and without disabilities learning alongside one another.

The opening ceremony of the Beit Raz Campus (Photo: Ron Friedman)[Missing Credit]

Hanna Yamin-Cherki, VP of professional services at Beit Issie Shapiro, said: “At Beit Raz, every toddler is supported, so they can grow in confidence through meaningful, age-appropriate interactions. These early experiences build the foundation for a more inclusive society.”

Wohl Legacy Israel director Jo Cohen said: “What inspires us about this new building is the seamlessness and accessibility of all the services and treatments children need. They’ll attend their therapies at the Wohl Therapy Centre and return to their classrooms to learn, all within the same building and at the highest professional standards.

“Maurice and Vivienne Wohl believed in opportunities for all. I’m sure they would be proud, just as we are, just as the trustees of the Wohl Legacy are, of this extraordinary project.”

Laura Weller, chair of the UK Friends of Beit Issie Shapiro Board, said: “We are deeply grateful to the Wohl Legacy and the Wolfson Family Charitable Trust for their integral support in our new campus, reflecting our enduring partnerships with each of them.”

Since its founding in 1980, Beit Issie Shapiro has been a leader in the field of disability services, shaping national policy and training tens of thousands of professionals worldwide.

What began as a small center in Ra’anana has since impacted 180 early intervention facilities across Israel. Beit Issie Shapiro has worked with UK organisations, including Kisharon Langdon, which supports people in the Jewish community with learning disabilities and autism.