Life without limits

In many societies across the globe, having a disability means living a life defined by limitations and the expectation that your life will somehow be “less than.” But for more than 60 years, one center in Israel has made it their mission to rewrite that narrative. To prove that with the right resources, determination, and hope, children with disabilities can grow up to be empowered individuals.

Founded in 1960, the Israel ParaSport Center (formerly known as the American Friends of Israel Sport Center for the Disabled) provides a home away from home for approximately 2,900 Israelis with disabilities and their families. The Center is the largest facility in the world employing sports and recreation as a form of holistic rehabilitation for children with disabilities. Programming at the Center focuses on uplifting the physical, mental, and spiritual well-being of each child.

Some of the Center’s young patrons were born with disabilities like cerebral palsy. Others developed disabilities later in life through traumatic incidents such as car accidents or terror attacks.

In many mainstream communities having a disability and requiring aids like a wheelchair can be physically and emotionally isolating. But not so at the Center. “They are all equal–they meet kids who have similar limits, and they build a great social network,” explains Morrie Silverman, Board Vice-President. No one is ever left to watch others play from the sidelines. No one is ever bullied or made to feel different for being who they are.

The Center proudly serves people of all ages, genders, abilities, religions, and ethnic backgrounds. “It’s a family place,” said Lori Komisar, Board President. “You’ll see an Orthodox woman, a Muslim woman, and a woman in her workout clothes all chatting and laughing together while waiting to pick up their kids…it’s something we don’t see enough of in the world.”

The Center has a therapeutic preschool for children ages 3-6, after school programming for children and youth, and a special paralympic track for those interested in serious athletic competition. Children can try all the sports available at the Center–such as swimming, para-tennis, para-cycling, and wheelchair basketball–and pick their favorite to focus on.

Most of the programming is led by adults with disabilities, many of whom grew up at the Center. Some members find their calling and become world class athletes earning Paralympic, European, and World Championship titles–like Executive Director and paralympic medalist, Boaz Kramer. Others simply find joy, and through sport, gain the strength and confidence to build a happy life.

“Participating in sports builds character, it builds confidence, and it builds strength,” Komisar said. “But most importantly, it takes away the feeling of being different. Instead, the kids are given the opportunity to find what their good at and run with it.”

“Inspiration happens every day at the Center,” added Jon Michelon, National Philanthropic Chair. Many patrons go on to serve in the Israeli Defense Forces, graduate from university, develop successful careers, and pursue their passions.

“I attribute it all to the self-confidence they gain [here],” Silverman said. “The attitude of these kids is beautiful. They want to accomplish things, they’re ambitious. They want to grow up and be of value to the world.”

“Our athletes are living proof that, with the resources and the right attitude, you can overcome almost anything,” added Brad Zamler, Governance Chair.

Komisar recalls with wonder a recent conversation she had with wheelchair table tennis World Champion, Caroline Tabib–whom she has known since Tabib was a little girl and first starting out at the Center. During their chat, Komisar asked her if she ever wished her circumstances were different and she could have full use of her legs.

Without missing a beat, Tabib replied, “Look what I’ve accomplished. I went to a mainstream school and served my country in the IDF. I’ve competed all over the world and have friends all over the world. I would choose my life every time.”

JUF is a longtime supporter of the Israel ParaSports Center .

Jenna Cohen is a development professional and freelance writer living in Chicago.