On Wednesday, March 27, 2013, during the Passover holiday, ALEH (www.aleh.org), Israel’s largest network of residential facilities for children with severe physical and cognitive disabilities, hosted “ALEH MARCHES FORWARD” – the third annual ALEH Jerusalem march to increase public awareness of the disabled and encourage the integration of Israel’s disabled community within Israeli society. Over 300 marchers triumphantly marched across the Jerusalem Chords Bridge to support the cause.
According to their website: Aleh believes that every child, regardless of the severity of the physical or cognitive disability, has the right to benefit from the best available care in order to reach his or her fullest potential. Aleh cares for children with medical conditions such as autism, cerebral palsy and Down syndrome, as well as genetic disorders, including Tay-Sachs, Canavan disease and Rett syndrome. Because many of Aleh’s children come from families who lack the financial resources, expertise or time to adequately care for their disabled child, these amazing children would never have the opportunity to realize their potential without the help of Aleh’s dedicated professional staff and volunteers.
The festivities were capped off with singing, dancing, and a ceremony during which over 500 balloons were released into the air to signify the unrestricted potential of Israel’s disabled children. This video captures some of the tremendous compassion, joy and humanity of Aleh’s march: