Israeli housing organization for people with disabilities ‘Alei Siach’ comes to Argentina
The purpose of the meeting was to lay the foundations for establishing a community housing system and a support envelope for people with disabilities, while importing a successful model from Israel.
In a historic step that marks a profound change in perception in the Jewish community in Argentina, the leading rabbis of the community, led by the Chief Rabbi, Rabbi Hamra, gathered this week for a foundational meeting with the professional team of the Israeli “Alei Siach” association in collaboration with the Argentine organizations Neve Tikva and Mitoch Halev.
The purpose of the meeting was to lay the foundations for establishing a community housing system and a support envelope for people with disabilities, while importing the successful model from Israel.
The professional guidance and rich experience were provided by the expertise of the Alei Siach association, which shared the applied knowledge required for the establishment of community housing: Gita Mundari, Director of the Housing System and Development Area, on behalf of the Alei Siach association; Maya Goldman, clinical social worker and lecturer, expert in the field of professional guidance; and Gila Malul, Director of the Housing Department of Alei Siach.
Spiritual Leadership as a Bridge to Grace
Rabbi Hamra opened the meeting with inspiring words about the importance of “faith in man” and communal responsibility.
The rabbi emphasized that the Jewish community throughout the ages has always known how to unite to solve complex problems, and that dealing with disabilities is not just a technical matter, but a “holy mission.”
According to him, true faith in God includes belief in the value of every person and their unique mission in the world, regardless of their physical limitations.
The Israeli Model as a Lighthouse
The professional team presented the “community housing” model – living in ordinary homes in the heart of residential neighborhoods – which allows residents to integrate into society and gain independence, rather than in closed, isolated institutions.
The initiative received full support from the community leadership, including AMIA representatives. The rabbis pledged to help make information accessible to families and change the social paradigm.
The project, led by a dedicated team of volunteers and professionals under the leadership of Rabbi Hamra, seeks to prove that by joining forces between Israel and Argentina, it is possible to break down barriers and build a more inclusive and accepting society.
Looking to the Future
The practical steps have already begun: in the upcoming work plan, the first apartments will be built in the city, protocols adapted to the needs of the place will be developed, and the experts who came from Israel will begin the training of local personnel.
Families are invited to participate in the main evening to be held in early June in the AMIA hall, where the full project will be presented to the general public.
