AKIM-Jerusalem’s “Nofshon” Respite Care Center is unique. It is a “home away from home” where children with intellectual and other disabilities come for a few hours or even several days, allowing their families time to “recharge their batteries.” It also provides services to families irrespective of their ethnic or religious belonging, gender or other affiliations. About 50% who visited the center last year were from East Jerusalem with its predominantly Palestinian population and 50% from West Jerusalem with it predominantly Jewish population. Finally, the director is a Palestinian woman and the staff is made up of Israelis and Arabs, Jews, Muslims and Christians.
I have worked for AKIM-Jerusalem for 12 years but for me, seeing the way everyone pulls together to improve the quality of life for children and adults with disabilities at “Nofshon” is a symbol for what could and should be achieved by communities of different faiths and nationalities who want to live in peace and security.
