Gideon Markowicz/TPS
Israelis with disabilities participate in a fashion show

December is Israel’s Disabilities Awareness Month and the fashion show was designed to spotlight individuals from Kfar Saba.

By Pesach Benson, TPS

A youth center in the middle class town of Kfar Saba is a long way from the bright lights of the fashion houses of New York, London, Paris and Milan.

None of the 15 special fashion models who showed up on Sunday night had ever strutted down a catwalk and struck a pose.

But it was an emotional scene as the models — Kfar Saba residents of all ages with disabilities — had their moment to shine on the red carpet, cheered by family, friends and neighbors.

December is Israel’s Disabilities Awareness Month, and the fashion show was the town’s event.

“Watching the residents of Kfar Saba marching on the runway, getting their applause and practically showing that in Kfar Saba, disability isn’t disabling,” said town Mayor Raffi Saar. “It was the highlight of the month for raising awareness.”