Knesset Chairman, Yuli Edelstein, was visibly moved as he presented letters of appointment for permanent employment, to seven young people with disabilities who have worked in the Knesset for two years, six of whom are part of SHEKEL’s “employment support” program.
Among them were: Hai, a valued computer technician; Mayan, who was praised for her secretarial work in the Rights of the Child Committee; Bat Zion, known as a diligent and efficient secretarial assistant; Michal, assistant in the Public Enquiries Committee and Amitai who works in the Knesset warehouse.
“I’m proud of myself and of SHEKEL” said Amitai, 25. “It’s very exciting and I want everyone to know about it.” Kobi, the warehouse manager described Amitai as “a very disciplined person who always has a big smile and radiates positive energy. He carries his work very professionally and takes personal responsibility for all his tasks. He’s an excellent worker.” Bat Chen expressed how she felt: “I am very excited, it’s a great privilege to receive letters of appointment and know that I will be here for many years to come. It’s an honor that comes with a respectable status, and the ceremony is really exciting.”
Speaking before the ceremony audience, Edelstein said “I am excited to be here today. All Knesset employees are proud of you and respect you.” Edelstein expressed his pride that the Knesset “goes further than simply passing laws for inclusion of people with disabilities in employment, it in fact serves as a role model”. Knesset Director General, Albert Sakharovich spoke of “the importance of equal opportunity in the workplace and acceptance of everyone, no matter who they are, as equals among equals.”
According to SHEKEL CEO, Clara Feldman: “People with disabilities are strong members of the community and have much potential, they simply need to be given a chance.” She noted that SHEKEL’s “employment support” program works to provide accessible employment support that allows each person to develop their personal strengths and skills and apply them in the workplace. “We are very proud of the results of this program” declares Feldman, adding: “We have warm historic ties with the Knesset, in fact, exactly a year ago, SHEKEL’s Israel Accessibility Center concluded its major national project to make the Knesset accessible. It was a far-reaching project that positioned Israel’s Knesset as the leading Parliament in the world in terms of accessibility.”
The letters of appointment ceremony took place in the presence of Knesset Chairman, Yuli Edelstein; Knesset Director General, Albert Sakharovich; Minister of Labor and Welfare, Haim Katz; Knesset Secretary, Yardena Meller Horowitz; and the ceremony moderator, Head of the Senior Branch of Human Resources, Mira Feuerstein.