A letter from one parent to another
Dear Jewish Families Around the World,
I am writing to you first and foremost as a mother.
My daughter went 18 minutes without oxygen at birth, changing not only the course of her life, but the course of all of our lives—hers, her brother's, and ours as parents. Like so many of you who love someone with an Intellectual or Developmental Disability (I/DD), I have spent years advocating for her and worrying about her future.
My daughter loves music, singing, theater, and especially being around people. I don't want her simply to be taken care of. I want her to have friends, purpose, meaningful work, and a community where she truly belongs.
As I get older, I find myself asking the same question I know so many other parents ask:
What will happen to my child when I am no longer here?
I believe there can be a better long-term answer.
That answer could be an inclusive, intentional, and self-sustaining community in Israel for Jewish individuals with I/DD and their families—a real community, not an institution.
Individuals of different abilities could live, work, socialize, develop friendships, and become as independent as their abilities allow, with the support and security they need. The community would offer safe, supported housing; long-term care; on-site medical staff and security; therapies including PT, OT, speech, aquatic, art, music, equine, and emotional support; and life-skills and vocational training.
A vegetable garden, community market, and working hotel could provide opportunities to learn, work, and contribute. There would also be music, celebrations, social activities, friendships, and opportunities to enjoy life. Families could also have the option to live within or near the community.
Why Israel?
Since October 7, 2023, growing antisemitism around the world has caused many Jewish families to think differently about where our children and we can feel safe, accepted, and comfortable living openly as Jews.
Israel offers the opportunity to build this community within the Jewish homeland, where Jewish identity, traditions, holidays, and culture are part of everyday life.
Could 500 Families Make This Possible?
Before moving forward, we need to know whether the demand truly exists.
If a professionally managed, inclusive, intentional, safe, and supportive community like this existed in Israel—where your loved one with I/DD could build a meaningful life and have long-term support and security after you are gone—would your family seriously consider making Aliyah and becoming part of it?
There is no commitment required. Families answering Yes or Possibly will receive a short follow-up questionnaire about their needs, priorities, and concerns.
Our initial benchmark is 500 interested families worldwide. If we can reach that number, it will demonstrate meaningful international demand and give us the basis to begin developing the location, services, partnerships, economic model, and long-term structure needed to make this vision real.
Please share this letter with other Jewish families, organizations, synagogues, schools, disability networks, and parent communities.
500 families can turn an idea into a real community.
Our loved ones deserve a home, friends, purpose, joy, belonging, safety, and a future, and their families deserve peace of mind.