Israeli Doron Laor has always charted his own path. The youngest of three siblings, he was diagnosed with autism and developmental delays at the age of 2, and faced a world that often felt overwhelming. Sensory stimuli—sounds, touch, tastes and visual overload—made the world a daunting place.
“Doron didn’t speak much until he was about 4 years old,” says his mother, Dorit. “But one day, he pressed a single finger on an old keyboard at home and played a melody we recognized. That moment changed everything. Music became not only a tool for connection but also a medium for learning and growth.”
Through music, Laor, now 24, has found his voice, literally and figuratively. He learned to speak, read, write and even communicate in English. Rhythm helped him master complex tasks—from riding a bike to using a smartphone. Each beat, note and melody became a step forward, propelling him toward goals once thought unattainable.
‘Shatters barriers and fosters understanding’
As Laor grew, music remained central to his life. At 18, he sought more meaningful challenges beyond the confines of his special education school. After much searching, his family found the perfect match: a three-year music program tailored for young adults with disabilities at Bar-Ilan University in Ramat Gan. Despite being younger than the usual applicants, his talent and determination secured him a spot.
He thrived—learning to compose songs, play various instruments and perform confidently.
It was during this time that he discovered a Jewish National Fund-USA program called Special in Uniform that would transform his dreams into reality. After an audition, he became a founding member of the band, a group that combined his love for music with the fulfillment of his dream to serve in the army, like his two older siblings.
“Wearing a uniform was something Doron always dreamed of,” Dorit says. “Special in Uniform made it possible, blending his passion for music with his deep desire to serve.”
For Laor, the band was also an opportunity for growth. Speaking about the commitments of rehearsals, he says, “I understood that hard work is necessary for a good outcome and that I shouldn’t give up.”
Performing with the Special in Uniform band was more than a musical achievement; it was a platform for personal growth. Rehearsals, recordings, live performances and engagements with diverse audiences, both civilian and military, pushed Doron out of his comfort zone. He developed resilience, adaptability and self-confidence that will remain with him for life.
“Performing on stage in front of large crowds—something we never imagined he could do—became a reality,” Dorit says. “The sensory regulation, overcoming noise and movement, and handling the pressure of live performances were achievements beyond our wildest hopes.”
The band not only boosted her son’s self-esteem but also served as a bridge between individuals with special needs and the general public. “Doron and his bandmates became ambassadors of inclusion,” Dorit says. “Their presence shatters barriers and fosters understanding.”
As Laor’s journey with the band came to an end, his family sought the next step in his musical evolution. The Rimon School of Music, renowned for its excellence, welcomed him as a full-time student. He found not only a place to hone his vocal and instrumental skills but also a vibrant community that embraces him for who he is.
“He practices diligently between lessons and meets the same expectations as his peers,” Dorit says. “The content challenges him, but he loves it. The connection with fellow students and the campus experience has been transformative.”
His presence at Rimon is a testament to his talent and determination, but it also serves a broader purpose. His integration into mainstream society helps dismantle barriers and build bridges between diverse communities.
Thankful for his years with Special in Uniform, Laor is excited about this new chapter: “I’m grateful that they trusted me all these years. Now, I’m learning new things at Rimon, like singing in three-part harmony.”
‘Valid and achievable’
Laor’s story is not just about overcoming obstacles; it is a beacon for a more inclusive future. His journey highlights the profound impact of opportunity, perseverance and the universal language of music.
“Doron isn’t just receiving opportunities; he’s earning them,” Dorit emphasizes. “And in doing so, he’s teaching society about the value of inclusion and the power of breaking down barriers. His contributions to building a more tolerant and understanding community are as important as the opportunities he’s been given.”
“Doron’s journey embodies the triumph of the human spirit—a young man who refused to be defined by limitations and instead redefined what’s possible. By choosing to serve when he could have stepped back and pursued his passion for music when others might have stayed silent, he has become a beacon of hope. His courage in wearing the uniform and raising his voice in song has opened doors for countless others with special needs, showing them that their dreams are valid and achievable.”
His mother adds that through programs like Special in Uniform, her son “reminds us that true inclusion means recognizing that every person has unique gifts to contribute to our community.”
