“Seeing young men working in nature is beautiful and inspiring! In this day and age, where technology suppresses man’s ability to really connect to his surroundings, I am impressed by Ohel Sarah’s encouragement of its students to appreciate and live nature”
Mr. Chaim Messing, Chairman of the Jewish National Fund, Central Israel, during his visit to Ohel Sarah’s Therapy Greenhouse
“Thank you so much to everyone at Ohel Sarah for the amazing work that you do. It was an honor to see firsthand the projects and to meet your wonderful clients, children, adults and parents, and the very many people who give their time to make Ohel Sarah the wonderful place that it is. Kol Hakavod!”
Mrs. Celia Gould, spouse of former British Ambassador to Israel.
“It is wonderful to see these women working and being involved in meaningful employment. I am a staunch believer that people with special needs deserve to feel like contributing individuals in the community. Ohel Sarah serves as an advocate for adults with disabilities and advances their right to take an active part in society”
Mr. Eli Dadon, Chairman of the Israel National Lottery.
“I have been deeply impressed by the devotion, high professional standards, care and warmth and individual attention that each student at the organization receives…and by its constant aspiration towards advancement and improvement – all carried out with the purpose of providing the best possible care to the students.”
Michal Hertzog, Wohl Foundation.
Ohel Sarah is the only organisation in central Israel that provides continuous services to hundreds of people with learning disabilities, from the age of 6 until end of life. We offer education, employment and housing and help our students reach their potential, increase their independence and acquire crucial life skills. Our approach is unique in that we seek to integrate our students into mainstream society, while backing and supporting them throughout their lives.
Ohel Sarah is a non-profit organisation established 40 years ago by an extraordinary couple, the Ginsburgs. They believed in equal opportunities for all and their love and compassion for individuals with disabilities led them to action. They noticed how children and adults with special needs were often hidden away from the rest of society, so the Ginsburgs created a space for them in their own home. There, they nurtured and taught them the skills needed to a live a fulfilled and more independent life. Word quickly spread of this new initiative and dozens of families started coming to the Ginsburg’s home, where they saw a hope for a better and brighter future for their disabled children.
The small enterprise that began in the Ginsburg’s living room soon grew into the large organisation Ohel Sarah is today. Today there are over 600 students, four schools, five employment and day care centres, an old age programme and twenty eight group homes in the community; Ohel Sarah is the only organisation in central Israel that provides continuous support services to the special needs population from age six to end of life.
With love and devotion, Ohel Sarah’s professional staff is dedicated to help each student reach their full potential, and support them throughout their lives. As well as meeting our students’ physical, emotional and social needs, Ohel Sarah works closely with parents and caregivers in the difficult task of raising a child with disabilities. Ohel Sarah stays true to the Ginsburg’s legacy of integrity, equality and love for all, and are dedicated to helping our students lead independent, meaningful lives.
Ohel Sarah is a registered non-profit organisation, fully supervised and partially funded by government ministries, including the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Housing and the Ministry of Welfare. All staff members are highly qualified and work together to achieve the best results for all students.
At Ohel Sarah, our mission is to enrich the quality of life for children and adults with cognitive and physical disabilities in Israel by providing comprehensive support in the areas of education, employment and independent living.
We believe that every person with disabilities should have the same opportunities as their mainstream peers to reach their full potential. With love and devotion, we help each and every one of our students gain the ability to lead independent, meaningful lives and integrate them into society.
Martin Paisner CBE
Trustee
Martin Paisner qualified as a solicitor in 1970 and has specialised throughout his career in the areas of charity law and private client practice and is well-known for his expertise in these areas.
He has an Honorary PhD from the Weizmann Institute of Science, Israel and an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Glasgow. He was appointed CBE in June 2004.
He is married with 4 adult children and his hobbies include antiquarian book collecting.
Debbie Cowen
CEO
Debbie has worked in the Jewish community for many years - both professionally and as a volunteer. Most recently as Director of Etgar and also as a Trustee of Tzedek. She is happily married, has 5 children and 2 gorgeous grandsons, and lives in Highgate.
020 3328 1636
debbie@ohel-sarah.org.uk
Aya Sherman
Fundraising & Marketing
Aya has been living in London with her husband and three daughters over the past few years. Previously, she worked as a media manager for several advertising agencies in Israel. In the UK, she works and volunteers for Jewish and Israeli organisations.
020 3328 1636
aya@ohel-sarah.org.uk