Diplomatic women launch circle to champion disability advocacy inspired by Israeli center

More than twenty ambassadors and diplomatic spouses have launched a new "Diplomatic Ladies Circle" in Jerusalem, with a mission to champion disability inclusion in their respective home countries. The initiative is inspired by the work of Israel's Shalva National Center for Disabled Children, a renowned institution providing comprehensive support for individuals with disabilities and their families.

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The goal isn't just exporting a program but a philosophy centred on 'goodness, solidarity, and the care of families,' not policy alone.

The idea originated from Chaya Bisker, a mother whose Down syndrome daughter benefited from Shalva's programs, alongside Tali Rubin, wife of the Paraguay ambassador, and Linda Cohen, wife of Panama's ambassador. These women recognized the unique position of diplomatic spouses to influence global perspectives on disability. "The goal isn't just exporting a program but a philosophy centred on 'goodness, solidarity, and the care of families,' not policy alone," Bisker stated.

Valeria, wife of Argentina's investment representative, described Shalva as "a place full of energy, full of joy," while Linda Cohen noted that a visit to the center prompted her husband to express a desire to implement similar initiatives in Panama. Cohen shared that her own perspective and that of her husband were profoundly changed by their experience with Shalva, leading them to formalize their advocacy efforts.

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We need to do something with this in Panama.

Rubin, who volunteers weekly at Shalva, recruited other women by emphasizing the potential impact of collective action. "Small efforts, multiplied across countries, will be something big," she argued, believing these combined efforts can significantly alter the reality for people with disabilities worldwide. The group aims to translate their personal encounters with Shalva's model into tangible advocacy in their home nations.

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Small efforts, multiplied across countries, will be something big.

The founding of Shalva itself is a story rooted in personal resilience. Kalman Samuels, Shalva's president, recounted how his son Yossi became blind and deaf due to a faulty vaccine. Despite advice to institutionalize his son, his wife vowed to dedicate her life to helping other families if Yossi could learn to communicate. Years later, a breakthrough allowed Yossi to learn language and speak, fulfilling that promise and leading to the establishment of Shalva, which has grown from serving five children to thousands.

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whether it's a family member, whether it's a friend