Yahli Ezekiel

Daily routines that most of us take for granted like eating, getting dressed, washing and even writing, are a challenge for 26 year old Yahli. She was born with cerebral palsy and is confined to a wheelchair, which she controls using her head. But despite her

 

restricted movements and a speech impairment, Yahli has found an outlet through which to express herself - art. Her work gives the people around her, including her devoted parents, a window into her beautiful soul. Take a closer look at Yahli’s creations and feel the magic rub off on you.

 

Josef Sitbon

As a young man, Josef was strong and had no problem doing physically demanding work. Today, the 60-year-old father of 3 suffers from diabetes, hypertension and mental conditions that require sedation. He also had a stroke, which impaired his motor skills

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Yet, despite all he has been through, Josef has kept his strong Jewish faith and shares his spiritual outlook with those around him. He exudes a positive energy that is embodied in his art, and seen in sculptures like The Bride and The Pregnant Woman, which are a celebration of life and of new beginnings.

 

Reches Fartush

It’s amazing how charm and personality can shine through, even when a person can’t communicate in the conventional way. 26 year old Reches doesn’t rely on words to express himself. Although he suffers from epilepsy and his cerebral palsy makes it hard for him to speak and keeps him in a wheelchair, he expresses himself beautifully through sign language. And his strength, charisma and artistic nature shine through.

 

Reches is an inspiration and source of strength to his fellow artists at the Etgar Centre, another of the Netanya Foundation projects. His vivacious personality enchants everyone he meets and he’s always happy to lend a hand with any technical problems that arise.

 

Miriam Bracha Stephanie

Miriam, age 39, has cerebral palsy, is confined to a wheelchair and has speech and language difficulties. She made Aliya from France in 2009 and lives in Netanya with her elderly parents who are dedicated to her care.

 

The Etgar Centre has become a place for her to come into her own, a place where she too can feel content and fulfilled.

Isaac Gadinyan

Isaac lives the expression 'when life hands you lemons, make lemonade!' When presented with a challenge, he finds a way to turn it into an opportunity. At the age of 21, he lost a leg in a work accident, yet went on to work for many years as a taxi driver.

 

Now a 62 year old father of 4 and grandfather of 5, Isaac has been wheelchair-bound since suffering a stroke 2 years ago. His health has deteriorated, but the support of his family and his love of art have helped him fight depression and anxiety. A long-time regular at the Etgar Center, Isaac uses art to give voice to the inner self that has been molded through his life’s experiences.