Translation of an article published in Maariv Newspaper, 5 July 2025
Like the rest of the country, Beit Issie Shapiro had to reinvent itself during the recent Operation Rising Lion war with Iran. The organization, which supports people and children with disabilities, quickly adapted to the new reality and made its services accessible to those unable to leave home. “Emotional distress isn’t always visible, but it runs deep—and there simply aren’t enough professionals in Israel who can handle it,” says CEO Amir Lerner, calling to “push the field forward.”
Amid security and economic crises that shut down special education institutions and rehabilitation centers, social initiatives become a beacon of hope. During such times, Beit Issie Shapiro’s work becomes even more vital—driving inclusive vision, innovative emotional support, and public advocacy that spans from grassroots to Knesset halls.
Legislative Impact
In the past decade, Beit Issie Shapiro has become a key player in Israel’s social legislative landscape. Beyond grassroots campaigns, it’s deeply involved in parliamentary processes, policy reforms, and the enactment of laws. “To date, we’ve influenced 15 major laws and regulations, granting new rights to thousands of families,” says CEO Amir Lerner. “We built a coalition of around 60 entities—parents, professionals, nonprofits—working together to advance legislation across education, welfare, accessibility, and employment.”
Among the laws: funding for rehabilitative daycare, expanding parental leave for parents of children with disabilities, and accessibility regulations. The organization even drafts legislative texts in collaboration with government ministries. “Good legislation isn’t just a slogan—it translates into real, enforceable action,” Lerner adds.
Mental Health for People with Disabilities
Beit Issie is also pioneering emotional support services for individuals with developmental intellectual disabilities—a frequently overlooked and underserved group. “Their emotional struggles are often invisible yet profound, and the system lacks trained professionals,” says Lerner. In response, Beit Issie is establishing Israel’s first national center for adapted emotional therapy. It will train clinical psychologists, partner with HMOs, and offer research-backed services. “There’s no existing clinical psychology specialization in disabilities here—we’re creating it.”
Beit Raz: An Innovative Early Childhood Campus
Recently, the organization launched “Beit Raz”—Israel’s pioneering Inclusive Early Childhood Campus for children aged 0–3, with and without disabilities. “Integration isn’t a one-size-fits-all goal but a spectrum of options,” explains Lerner. The model, built in partnership with the Boxenbaum Foundation, the Joint, and government ministries, is based on international emotional-social learning approaches. It emphasizes belonging, emotional regulation, and interpersonal connections, with full parental involvement.
War-Time Adaptation
When the war with Iran erupted, Beit Issie responded swiftly—contacting every family and client that same day. “Some children lost their ability to communicate because their centers shut down—so we delivered tech to their homes. We didn’t wait for government instructions,” says Lerner. Flexibility, rapid mobilization, and partnerships have become the organization’s hallmark. “Our team operates like an emergency unit—fully committed to every child and family.”
Influencing Policy, Not Just Practice
Beyond service provision, Beit Issie is deeply engaged in legislative and public discourse. “Real change happens when you help draft laws with ministries, not just tell personal stories,” says Lerner. “The Rehabilitative Daycare Law made access to care a legal norm—not a favor.”
The Challenge of Invisible Disabilities
In times of crisis, the challenge of invisible disabilities—cognitive, emotional, neurological—becomes even more pressing. “We worked with a soldier who had a traumatic brain injury. Outwardly he looked ‘normal,’ but internally he faced massive cognitive and emotional struggles,” Lerner shares. These individuals often don’t receive needed support because their disabilities aren’t visible. Beit Issie is pushing to change that narrative.
Leadership with Purpose
Lerner brings 30 years of defense service, including the Prime Minister’s Office and Israeli Air Force. He calls Beit Issie “a special forces unit of social hope.” Unlike many nonprofits, the organization operates on a stable model: 30% government funding, 30% self-generated income (services, training, R&D), and 40% from donations. “This mix lets us innovate and take risks—philanthropists trust us because they see our competence.”
Looking Ahead
Beit Issie Shapiro aims to expand its impact in Israel and globally. Recognized by UNESCO, its programs—like the Inclusive University for adults with intellectual disabilities—are now being adopted abroad. “We combine direct service, innovation, research, and social impact—something almost no one else does. And we have a responsibility to keep leading the way forward.”