That’s how Yehuda Oren of moshav Masuoth Yitzhak, defined the newfound daily reality of six young women with disabilities who recently launched their adult lives as part of the welcoming moshav. Members of Masuoth Yitzhak warmly embraced the idea of creating a supportive SHEKEL apartment that would allow the women to live full lives as an inseparable part of the moshav community.

Speaking at the official launch of the apartment, the six young women spoke enthusiastically of their fulfilling work in the various branches of the moshav and touched many hearts in the audience as they movingly related their experience of feeling a vital part of moshav life.

The new apartment opened on the heels of SHEKEL’s groundbreaking “living among the community” apartments on kibbutz Yavneh, which received the Ministry of Labor and Welfare’s “Beacon of Light” award.

Thanking the Masuoth Yitzhak moshav members from the heart, SHEKEL CEO, Clara Feldman, delivered a moving message, stating that “people with disabilities are not a weak sector.” According to Feldman, “they are in fact strong people who have skills, talents and capabilities.” Feldman expressed her deep appreciation for the support of the Religious Kibbutz Movement; the Ministry of Labor and Welfare; the Israel National Insurance Institute and the Shafir Regional Council.

“We woke up to a different morning. A better morning”, wrote one of the parents the day after the ceremony. “Our daughters live in a place that hears them, that listens to the them. And that is the most important quality for our children.”

The ceremony took place in the presence of Mr. Gideon Shimon, Senior Vice President of Israel’s Ministry of Labor, Welfare and Social Services; Ms. Orna Yogev, Director of housing; Mr. Shmuel Weinglass, Director of the Israel National Insurance Institute Fund for People with Disabilities; Mr. Asher Abergel, Chairman of the Shafir Regional Council; Mr. Amitai Porat, Secretary General of the Religious Kibbutz Movement and Clara Feldman, SHEKEL CEO.