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With you, we can ensure that Israeli seniors with special needs have a place to grow
At 60 years old, Hillel Zakai has been involved with the Community Living Program at Israel Elwyn, a longtime, Israeli partner agency that provides important programs supported by the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County. Israel Elwyn supports thousands of individuals with disabilities in Israel to live productively with dignity, while making decisions about their own lives.
During his journey with Israel Elwyn, Hillel has been receiving supports throughout his life and now in his retirement, reflecting his unwavering commitment to making a difference, both in his community and beyond.
Though retired, Hillel’s passion for helping others remains stronger than ever. At the Retiree Program he attends daily, he engages with fellow retirees, volunteers, and self-advocates for critical social change. Hillel’s activist spirit has driven him to serve in Israel Elwyn’s Self Advocacy National Leadership Group for five years, where he was instrumental in a successful campaign to modify traffic lights for individuals with hearing and visual disabilities in his neighborhood—an achievement of which he is deeply proud
Beyond serving as a self-advocate, Hillel shines in his role as an actor in Israel Elwyn’s theater group. Performing in the show “A Theatrical Document,” he shares his life story with diverse audiences, including policy makers, government officials, and senior citizens. Hillel’s joy for storytelling and his ability to connect with others through performance reflect his deep love for the stage and the impact he has.
Hillel’s leadership extends to his work as a spokesperson. After receiving training through IE’s Spokespersons Group, he developed critical rhetorical and communication skills, which he uses to lecture and participate in public panels. Over the past year, he has spoken to National Service volunteers, educating them on how to better support individuals with disabilities, and has participated in discussions with Israeli police officers to improve their interactions with people with intellectual disabilities.
Hillel’s commitment to breaking stigmas is evident in all areas of his life. Whether teaching kindergarten children about inclusion, lecturing social work students on improving support services, or volunteering during the recent conflict, Hillel’s message remains clear: “Even if we’re not exactly the same, we are all the same.”
Hillel Zakai’s story is a powerful reminder of the impact that inclusion, self-advocacy, and community support can have on individuals and, as a result, on society. Through his tireless work, Hillel continues to inspire others, embodying the values of Israel Elwyn and the mission of the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County.