D.C. Event to Reveal IDF’s “Secret Weapon” Driving Inclusion

In recognition of Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance, and Inclusion Month (JDAAIM) which takes place annually in February, Jewish National Fund-USA’s (JNF-USA) Women for Israel is inviting residents in the Greater Washington region to participate in a special virtual event highlighting one of JNF-USA’s trailblazing affiliates in Israel that is paving the way for teens with disabilities to reach their full potential.

On February 24, at 12:00 pm ET, the Director of Special in Uniform, Major. (Res.) Tiran Attia, will join JNF-USA and community members in D.C., Maryland, and the Mid-Atlantic virtually to discuss this revolutionary program that integrates Israeli teenagers with disabilities into the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), a milestone often considered a rite of passage among Israeli adolescents.

“Too often, individuals with disabilities feel defined by their limitations, by what they can’t do,” said Women for Israel Chair, Penny Bustin. “However, Special in Uniform recognizes the potential in everyone. To make these soldiers feel like they belong, for them to experience the pride of serving their country alongside their able-bodied peers, to be defined by their capabilities rather than their disability – it’s incredibly inspiring. JNF-USA recognizes what I discovered long ago: Israel thrives when every person counts.”

As part of JNF-USA’s focus on improving the quality of life in Israel for all its citizens, the organization is ensuring that no member of Israeli society is left behind. In addition to Special in Uniform, the organization partners with three other affiliates to provide cutting-edge rehabilitative services, special education, and medical care for people with special needs and makes Israel’s nature trails and recreational facilities inclusive for visitors of all ability levels.

There is no cost to attend this virtual event. To register or if you have questions, visit jnf.org/DCspecialneeds or contact Adam Tennen at atennen@jnf.org.

In recognition of JDAAIM, donations will be matched, up to $1 million through February 28, 2022, thanks to a generous anonymous donor from Arizona.