Nearly 300 guests gathered at Sinai Temple in Los Angeles on the evening of Oct. 26 to celebrate 45 years of life-changing work by Beit Issie Shapiro, Israel’s pioneering leader in the field of disabilities.
The gala, titled “Celebrating 45 Years of Making the Impossible Possible,” featured an appearance by “D,” a soldier in the Israel Defense Forces who almost lost a limb in the war with Hamas in Gaza when a 30-ton tractor rolled over his legs as he helped evacuate elderly Palestinian civilians under terrorist fire.
After months of intensive rehabilitation, Beit Issie’s Tech for Heroes program provided “D” with smart home technology and customized appliances to help him regain independence.
“Beit Issie took the time to listen and understand my struggles in coming back home,” said the Israeli soldier. “Together, we found solutions that have helped me regain independence and focus on being the father and husband I’ve always been.”
He shared his emotional story of resilience, describing how his injury changed him, both physically and mentally, and brought him closer to his family, friends and country.
His wife joined him to a standing ovation, saying: “I’ve tried and still try to hold it all together—the kids, work, the home, and most of all, hope. Beit Issie made our home accessible, but beyond the practical help, they gave us something deeper: a sense of safety, calm and warmth.”
Among prominent community leaders who attended the gala were Uri Blackman, West Coast chair of American Friends of Beit Issie Shapiro; and Rachel Bachar, community affairs director and wife of Israel Bachar, the consul general of Israel in Los Angeles. She spoke poignantly about her daughter, who was born with Down syndrome.
“Something every parent of a child with disabilities learns quickly is that we cannot walk this road alone. Beit Issie creates an environment where children like my daughter can learn, build friendships and experience joy every single day,” she stated. “They believe what we believe—that every soul deserves opportunity and every child deserves dignity.
“What I love most is that they are not satisfied with the world as it is,” she said. “They are redefining inclusion: in classrooms, playgrounds and the community, helping countless families in Israel and around the world.”
Israeli mentalist Aviv Dora hosted the evening, wowing the audience with a mind-bending and heartfelt performance. The young star from Israel has recently skyrocketed to global renown, including viral videos of notable celebrities and top politicians.
Dora noted that he is personally inspired by Beit Issie by the way it shares its innovations with the rest of the world and drives social change: “They are truly building a world of new possibilities for people of all abilities.”
Key supporters Errol and Pat Fine received a Lifetime of Hope Award, presented to them by their son Andrew Fine, board chair of American Friends of Beit Issie Shapiro, along with a certificate of commendation from the City of Beverly Hills in recognition of extraordinary leadership.
“We are so deeply humbled to be chosen for this honor,” said Errol Fine. “Thank you to all who have been responsible for Beit Issie becoming what it is today. We are so grateful for all you do to make Beit Issie a world leader in the field of disabilities.”
Jila Farahi received the Visionary of Tomorrow Award. “Of all the organizations I have come to know, Beit Issie touches my heart the most,” she said. “They believe in the extraordinary abilities of people with disabilities and turn that belief into action every single day.”
Farahi singled out Beit Issie’s resilience since the Hamas-led terrorist attacks in southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, noting the organization’s expansion of mental health services and Tech for Heroes program.
In thanking attendees for their support, Beit Issie Shapiro CEO Ahmir Lerner emphasized the importance of the Tech for Heroes program, now an integral part of healing injured soldiers.
“The reality of war pushed us to do more. When the war began, we adapted our expertise in helping young children with disabilities speak with the help of technology for wounded soldiers who lost their ability to communicate,” he said. “That’s how Tech for Heroes was born, and it’s grown into a national program delivering smart, personalized solutions to those who need them most.”
Lerner affirmed that “this is what we do at Beit Issie—turn compassion into innovation and innovation into impact. And that’s how we’ll continue to lead for the next 45 years.”
