For dozens of children on the autism spectrum and their families, the new school year in Jerusalem begins with fresh hope: a new special education school has opened inside the Shalva National Center, with four dedicated communication classes for first-grade students. The initiative reflects a growing vision of inclusion and equal opportunity in the city
Shalva School in Jerusalem: new classes for communication students
The Municipality of Jerusalem, through its Education Administration (Manhi), together with the Shalva organization, launched four special education classes for 20 children on the autism spectrum. Each class will host 5–6 students, ages six to seven, with mid-to-high functioning. The program is designed as a “growing” school, with plans to double the number of classes each year
Students will follow a curriculum adapted to the national-religious stream, integrating subjects from mainstream education. They will also benefit from unique activities such as theater, music, swimming, and art, all aimed at building learning and social skills
Partnership between Jerusalem Municipality and Shalva
The new school is located inside the Shalva National Center in Beit Vagan, which already operates a wide range of programs: a rehabilitation day care, the “Mother and Child” program for newborns with disabilities, special education kindergartens integrated with municipal kindergartens, and popular afternoon programs serving hundreds of children from Jerusalem and beyond with swimming lessons, basketball, and judo
Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion said: “The inauguration of the communication classes for first grade students at the Shalva Center is exciting news for children on the autism spectrum and their families, and reflects our deep commitment to adapted, professional, and sensitive education for every child in the city. The close partnership with Shalva, one of Israel’s leading institutions for people with disabilities, is an example of joint work that promotes inclusion, equality, and a strong community. We will continue to invest in education in general, and in special education in particular – because every child deserves equal opportunity. May this school year be calm, safe, and successful
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Vision of equality and community for children with disabilities
Shalva was founded in 1990 by Kalman and Malki Samuels, after their son Yossi was left blind, deaf, and disabled following a faulty vaccination at 11 months old. Since then, the center has grown into one of Israel’s leading organizations
Kalman Samuels, Shalva’s Founder and President, stated: “The opening of the ‘Shalva School’ is the fulfillment of a vision developed over many years – to allow children with disabilities to receive optimal, adapted, inclusive, and respectful education within a supportive community. The integration of communication classes within the Shalva Center is another step in the revolution of equal opportunities and a focus on abilities, not disabilities. We are deeply grateful to the Jerusalem Municipality and the Ministry of Education for their true and loyal partnership
Alongside this milestone, the Jerusalem Municipality emphasized its ongoing commitment to advancing inclusive frameworks across the city, ensuring that every child has the chance to grow, learn, and be part of the community
