Accompanied by top senior advisors, Minister of Communication Yoaz Hendel paid a visit to the ADI Negev-Nahalat Eran rehabilitation village yesterday, January 11. The Minster and his staff met residents, employees and volunteers and were deeply impressed by the quantity and quality of activities and therapies provided on an ongoing and regular basis.
Major-Gen. (Res.) Doron Almog, chairman of the Negev village, and CEO Avi Wortzman escorted the Minster and his staff around the grounds, presenting and explaining plans for the village’s future development. The group saw the up-and-coming Neuro-Orthopedic Rehabilitation Hospital, the first of its kind in the Negev, scheduled for completion this spring, as well as the Translational Neuro-Rehabilitation Lab, unique in its research to advance physiotherapy for post-stroke and rehabilitation patients. Additional notable activities such as hydrotherapy, gardening therapy, animal-based therapy, and agricultural therapy were also included in the tour, as was a visit to the special education school and out-patient center.
Upon conclusion of the visit, Minister Yoaz Hendel commented that, “you have recruited another soldier in your efforts to change the face of Israeli society,” and further added in a post-visit post on his Facebook page, that “if anyone needs to recharge their batteries of mutual responsibility and chesed, they should visit this village or come to volunteer here. It is impossible to remain indifferent to what Doron Almog, Avi Wortzman and the hundreds of employees and volunteers do here. It is impossible not to think about Israeli society’s attitude to people with disabilities over the years. There is not one drop of cynicism, factionalism or hidden intentions in this place. There is only truth. Light that emanates from the darkest places.”
Avi Wortzman responded, saying, “It was our pleasure to host the Minster of Communication, Yoaz Hendel, at the ADI Negev-Nahalat Eran rehabilitation village. We appreciate the Minister’s willingness to join our efforts for the benefit of the village and our residents and patients, as well as all citizens of the Negev and the south. The Minister’s support is very important, on both a personal and public level. With the Minister’s backing, we are able to continue our important work and provide the best possible care for people with disabilities, advancing their integration into Israeli society and bringing about Tikkun Olam.”
