Inspiring Initiative: "In Our Village, Typical Individuals Will Live Alongside Those with Disabilities"

Integrating people with special needs into society has become very common in recent years. Each year, new integrated educational institutions open, workplaces offer special positions for those with disabilities, and awareness of the issue is continually growing.

However, a concept like Ophir Shek's seems unprecedented in the country. For several years now, and more precisely since 2007, Ophir has been planning a very special project - 'Shibolet Village,' a mixed community to be established in the north, housing around 280 families alongside 120 special residents appointed by the Ministry of Welfare, from the special education spectrum. "But in fact," he excitedly states, "my dream is that anyone visiting 'Shibolet' will not have a clue where the community ends and the institution begins, as every fourth plot will be dedicated to building homes for people with disabilities. The home will visually appear, both externally and internally, just like the entire sequence of houses in the community, as the residents will be part of us".

Community family gathering

The Aspiration: To Be One Community

This unique idea came to Ophir's mind after spending his youth volunteering in various organizations supporting special populations. "For a long period, I mentored a child with Asperger's and for years I tutored a girl with Down syndrome. My wife is also very connected to the integration topic, and in the early years after our marriage, she taught at the 'Rashit' school in Gush Etzion. It is a very special school that integrates children with special needs into standard classes. We both saw firsthand how true integration makes a significant difference in the lives of those with special needs. It is amazing. No doubt, ever since the 1950s and 60s when it was common to institutionalize such children, much has changed, and today they are more open and accepting. But we felt that what is now missing in the integration process is real integration into community life, allowing those with special needs to truly be part of us".

What do you mean? After all, they can never really be like everyone else...

"Why not?" he genuinely wonders. "Our aspiration is for them to simply assimilate into a way of life that allows them to be just like everyone else. Moreover, our 'typical' children will grow up realizing that those with special needs are part of the community and no less important than anyone else. Their disability is a minor detail and is completely irrelevant".

Interestingly, Shek does not consider this aspiration presumptuous. "When we thought of establishing 'Shibolet Village,' we genuinely started from the premise that all of us, all human beings, are limited. None of us are perfect. Each has their own limitations. Maybe it sounds a bit clichéd, but I truly believe I, as a typical person, sometimes struggle with anger or pride, while someone else deals with different challenges. While their challenges are more demanding, once we become a community connected through our shared qualities and positives, we become a quality forum".

There are currently homes for special people all over the country, why do you think a mixed village is needed?

"First and foremost, the Ministry of Welfare's data shows a lack of thousands of housing solutions, indicating a need and justification for almost every current initiative on the subject. But we are talking about a rural-communal lifestyle, which does not currently exist for people with disabilities, presenting an alternative not open before them. Our approach is also different. In other places, they raise and accompany such individuals, making decisions for them, genuinely with good intentions, but from a therapeutic perspective. However, our direction is entirely different - we want to live with them as part of an extended family, in a lifestyle of community sharing. As known in community settlements, we will visit each other, not only on Shabbats. We will be together in activities, experiencing all events within a comprehensive yet moderate framework. The residents will be part of a community that faces challenges together, for better or worse".

Village planning map

Not Charity, But Mutual Contribution

Nevertheless, Ophir agrees that there is clearly a need for special arrangements to integrate the special residents into the village.

"Of course, there will be arrangements," he says, "There are many questions we need to answer. It starts with planning and goes all the way to questions regarding daily life. For example, during community meetings, we will include the special residents as everyone else, as we do not wish to make decisions for them but want them to decide with us. However, such meetings will need mediation, understanding, and adjustment. We take all these factors into account, but the fundamental value leading us is that there is no 'us' and 'them' in this village, there is a community".

Another anticipated challenge is raising children. "It's clear to me there will be significant impacts on our children's upbringing. Even if we consider that young children imitate adult behavior and might adopt some of those behaviors. Additionally, the residents living with us may not always control their actions, potentially adversely affecting the children. However, we believe these challenges can be managed with thought, understanding, and goodwill".

This is incredible and so moving. Tremendous act of kindness!

"We do not intend for a moment to call it an act of kindness," he insists, "To some extent, the residents will be doing us a kindness. I firmly believe the contribution our children will gain from this will be immense, as it will infiltrate their souls, seeing and growing in such reality. It comes from a natural understanding".

Employment: 50% in Village Work

In addition to advancing the village construction, Shek is currently concerned with employment, as the goal is to allow the special residents of 'Shibolet' to also work in the area. "All jobs in the village will be shared between settlers and residents," he explains, "with many expected jobs locally, such as in the community office, management, grocery store, farm, etc. Currently, at least 50% of the residents will work in the settlement itself. Additionally, some will work in various private businesses nearby and in the government compound in Nof HaGalil. The public service currently has strict regulations mandating the employment of people with disabilities, and I believe, with Hashem's help, they will easily integrate.

"Already today," he adds with satisfaction, "there are quite a few business owners in the area who, whenever they meet me, ask: 'So, when will your friends finally arrive?' They are eager to start employing them".

Who are the families that have already joined the project?

"We continuously receive inquiries, and at this stage, 54 families have already joined and are expected to start residing in the village in about three years. These are families from all over the country - from Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria, and there are also families from Tel Aviv, Ramat Gan, and Givatayim. Some families have already moved to the north to facilitate the transition later. For example, we moved eight years ago to reside in Beit Rimon, which is very close to where Shibolet Village will be established.

"My biggest hope," he concludes, "is that the new model we are establishing here will succeed. That we create a settlement not raising people with disabilities, but simply walking alongside them. Out of love and mutual assistance, with a desire to help all of us".