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Howard Blas

Howard Blas

Howard Blas is a social worker and special-education teacher by training. He teaches Jewish studies and prepares students with a range of disabilities for b’nai mitzvah. He regularly leads Birthright Israel “classic” and service trips for people with disabilities. His publications can be viewed here.

Members of the Purple Vest Mission team take shelter during a siren in a shelter in Kfar Saba, March 2026. Credit: Access Israel.
Features
Support ramps up for disabled and elderly Israelis facing missile threats
Home Front Command and “purple” initiatives help vulnerable populations access shelters, information and essential services.
Mar. 19, 2026
Howard Blas
A view of the destruction in Dr. Amir Shahar's home in Tel Aviv, March 2026. Credit: Clalit Yoseftal Medical Center.
Israel News
Healing others while their own homes are hit by Iranian missiles
Mar. 16, 2026
Howard Blas
Masa fellows pose for a photograph at the Dead Sea, March 6, 2026. Credit: Masa.
Features
Masa fellows volunteer and recharge while war pauses programs
Mar. 11, 2026
Howard Blas
Israel’s Deni Avdija speaking to the press shortly after being drafted by the Washington Wizards. Source: Screenshot.
Culture and Society
Israel’s Deni Avdija gets picked to shoot for Washington Wizards
The 6-foot-9, 220-pounder becomes the third Israeli, after Omri Casspi and Gal Mekel, to play in the NBA.
Nov. 19, 2020
Howard Blas
Tisha B’Av services at Camp Modin in Belgrade, Maine. Credit: Courtesy.
Features
Camp Modin at 100: Making history in a time of hardship
The summer camp addressed issues of assimilation and the potential loss of Jewish identity in children of first-generation American Jews. Coincidentally, the idea for its establishment was proposed in the winter of 1921—just a year after another pandemic had finally ended.
Aug. 4, 2020
Howard Blas
Mariel Falk, co-founder and co-director, showing off her painting skills and Camp Yalla enthusiasm. Source: Screenshot.
Features
As pandemic uncertainties continue, summer gets a dose of virtual camp
Say hello to Camp Yalla, which will bring entertainment and connections to kids in the most modern of ways.
Jun. 3, 2020
Howard Blas
Yuval Wagner, founder and president of Access Israel, says “it is difficult time for us all, but for people with disabilities who are at risk and alone at their homes, it’s unbearable.” Source: Access Israel via Facebook.
Features
Israeli agencies serving disability community contend with changes brought on by pandemic
Staff tries to maintain a sense of routine for those who thrive on it, while at the same time introducing needed and relevant technology.
May. 4, 2020
Howard Blas
Friendship Circle participant Matthew Goldstein takes part in a Sunday-morning program online from Friendship Circle in Livingston, N.J. Credit: Courtesy.
Features
How corona has disrupted the lives of young adults with disabilities, who thrive on routine
With schedules disrupted, programs suspended and caretakers unable to report for work, people with disabilities, their families and professionals who work with them are experiencing new realities and experimenting with creative solutions.
Apr. 29, 2020
Howard Blas
A group shot of some of the 25 participants on the Friends of Access Israel (FAISR) who climbed Mount Kilimanjaro. Credit: Friends of Access Israel.
Features
Trekking Mount Kilimanjaro … in a wheelchair
The true meaning behind “All Jews are responsible for each other.” Even, or maybe especially, at 15,000 feet.
Mar. 2, 2020
Howard Blas
Israeli mixed martial-arts fighter Haim Gozali goes head to head against Arsen Faitovich. Credit: Courtesy.
Features
A father-and-son Israeli duo makes its mark on the world of mixed martial arts
While not nearly as popular as basketball, soccer, tennis or most other sports in Israel, mixed martial arts continues to grow in popularity.
Nov. 13, 2019
Howard Blas
Danny Valencia, No. 19 (left, in the air) and Nick Rickles after Team Israel's win in Game 5 against South Africa. Photo by Margo Sugarman.
Features
Home run: Danny Valencia goes from the Sunshine State to the Jewish state
His career includes nearly 3,000 at bats, 795 hits, 95 home runs, 397 runs batted in and a lifetime batting average of .268. He now adds member of Team Israel, Israeli citizen and 2020 Olympian to his list of accomplishments.
Oct. 11, 2019
Howard Blas
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