Posted on 12/30/20
Jerusalem, Israel - Dec. 30, 2020 - The campaign to vaccinate the most vulnerable Israeli populations went over the half a million mark on Tuesday with those over 60 years of age and individuals with health issues receiving the first inoculations.
On Tuesday and Wednesday, ADI (formerly ALEH Jerusalem and ALEH Negev-Nahalat Eran) Israel’s most comprehensive provider of residential care for individuals with severe disabilities ran an inoculation drive. Over the course of two days, the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine was provided to staff, volunteers, and residents, children, adolescents, and adults with severe disabilities, in a festive and joyous atmosphere.
With the aid of numerous Ministry of Health and Magen David Adom technicians, the “vaccination celebration” began at ADI Negev-Nahalat Eran, the state-of-the-art rehabilitative village in Israel’s south. The party continued on December 30 at ADI Jerusalem, where music blasted from every doorway and MDA volunteers worked around the clock to ensure that every member of the ADI family received their inoculations ahead of the New Year.
“It is my firm belief that the strength of the human chain is only as strong as its weakest link, which is why ADI works tirelessly to care for and empower individuals with disabilities in every way possible. Over the last several months, we’ve had to work harder than ever before to provide this empowerment while shielding our immunocompromised residents from infection,” said Major General (Res.) Doron Almog, the Founder and Chairman of ADI Negev-Nahalat Eran, after receiving his vaccination. “This year has been a true test of our humanity, and I believe we have emerged better people and a stronger society for protecting and nurturing our most vulnerable citizens.”
More than 1,500 members of the ADI family were vaccinated. Shlomit Grayevksy, Director of ADI Jerusalem, praised the effort, “We are so grateful to our wonderful partners, the Ministry of Health and Magen David Adom, for prioritizing our ADI residents, the most vulnerable members of our society, and making this process a seamless and enjoyable experience for all involved,” said Grayevsky. “Hopefully, this is the first step towards a full return to normal activity, and only a matter of time until we can open our doors and welcome back visitors from across the country and around the world. We’ll be waiting with open arms!”
ADI empowers hundreds of Israel’s most vulnerable citizens to advance well beyond their initial prognoses and live happy, dignified, and meaningful lives. Establishing fully inclusive communities and laying the groundwork for the provision of the highest-level rehabilitative care is an important part of ADI's goal for each individual to reach their maximum potential.
