Shalva National Center

02/09/2026

Ten years ago, the doors of the Shalva National Center opened for the first time.

It was the realization of a dream but also the beginning of something much bigger.

Over the past decade, this building has become a place where thousands of children, adults and families have found support, opportunity and community. A place where new programs and models of care have been developed, and where professionals and delegations from around the world come to learn, exchange knowledge and take ideas home.

Because what makes a building meaningful is what happens inside it.

Join our community and support us!www.shalva.org

01/09/2026

Welcome Back to Shalva!

A new year is beginning today, and we’re excited to have everyone back!

The halls are once again filled with energy, laughter, learning, and connection.

We’re looking forward to all the milestones, meaningful moments, and memories that await us this year.

Here’s to a wonderful year ahead! 💜

31/08/2026

Congratulations to the latest graduates of Shalva’s Snoezelen course! 🎓💜

For years, Shalva has been at the forefront of Snoezelen therapy and professional training in Israel, developing expertise and sharing it with professionals across the field.

This week, a new group completed their training, combining theoretical knowledge with extensive hands-on experience in the multisensory approach. Their impressive final projects reflected both the knowledge and practical skills they developed throughout the course.

At Shalva, our goal is not only to use Snoezelen to enhance the lives of the people we serve, but to advance the field itself, training professionals, sharing expertise, and expanding its impact far beyond our walls.

30/08/2026

Penina moved to Israel to volunteer at Shalva. 🇮🇱💙

But what made her leave everything behind and come here?

We sat down with Penina to hear her story, why she chose to make Aliyah, and what her experience volunteering at Shalva has been like. ✨

Watch to hear her story! 🎥

24/08/2026

Matanel didn't take his first steps until he was four years old.

But that's only part of his story.

Born with Down syndrome and a rare genetic condition, Matanel also battled leukemia before his fourth birthday.

He faced more in four years than most people do in a lifetime.

After hundreds of treatments and years of determination, Matanel took his first steps.

Every step since has been a victory.

Today, Matanel is busy being six.

Playing. Learning. Laughing. Making friends.

Just as every child should💜

17/08/2026

A new initiative promoting oral health has been launched as part of Shalva’s adult Independent Living in the Community program.🦷

The first session focused on the importance of good oral hygiene, including proper tooth brushing, maintaining healthy teeth and gums, and understanding the connection between oral health and overall well-being.

Each resident received a personal oral-care kit with a new toothbrush and toothpaste, followed by one-on-one guidance and practice in front of a mirror. Staff worked individually with each resident, patiently adapting the guidance to abilities and needs.

The program aims to develop healthy daily habits, strengthen independence, and make proper tooth brushing a regular part of each resident’s routine, because a healthy mouth contributes to a healthy body.💜

13/08/2026

A Year of Growth, Connection & Belonging | Me & My Mommy

What does it mean to feel truly welcomed?

For the mothers in Shalva’s Me & My Mommy program, it was about discovering that they were not walking this journey alone.

As Shalva’s 2025-2026 Me & My Mommy program came to a close, mothers gathered to reflect on a year of growth, support and community.

One mother shared that when she first arrived at Shalva with her baby, seeing other children with Down syndrome felt overwhelming. But soon, those same children showed her that she had been welcomed into a very special community, one she came to see as a privilege.

She captured the experience beautifully: “There are places that provide a service, and there are places that give you their heart. Shalva gave us both.”

Me & My Mommy is about supporting the whole family, giving mothers and fathers a community where they feel understood, supported, and never alone💙

We are grateful to every family who shared this journey with us and to the incredible Shalva team who makes it all possible.

10/08/2026

A Summer of Fun at Shalva!☀️

What better way to celebrate summer than with a week filled with fun, friendship, adventure, and unforgettable memories?

Our sleepaway summer camp was packed with exciting activities, new experiences, plenty of laughter, and lots of time spent together. From morning until night, Shalva was filled with energy and excitement as our children enjoyed a week dedicated to making memories and simply having fun.

A week of friendship, adventure, laughter, and plenty of summer magic!

This special week was not only an unforgettable experience for our children, but it also gave their families a meaningful opportunity to recharge and enjoy some well-deserved respite, knowing their children are safe, supported, and having an incredible time💙

06/08/2026

The Shalva family is mourning the devastating loss of our dear friend and Shalva ambassador, Harel Birenstock, who fell in battle in Lebanon while defending the State and people of Israel.

Harel was a friend and a deeply valued member of our community who proudly ran with Team Shalva in the New York City Marathon.

Today, our hearts are broken as we mourn his loss and remember the incredible person he was. He was a champion of Shalva’s children and dedicated to making this world a better place for all.

We send our deepest condolences and strength to Harel’s family, friends, fellow soldiers, and all those who had the privilege of knowing and loving him.

May his memory be a blessing💔

03/08/2026

Shalva simply wouldn't be Shalva without our National Service volunteers💙

They are the heart and soul of our Center. Every day, they bring energy, compassion, and unwavering dedication to the children, adults, and families we serve. They celebrate milestones, build confidence, create meaningful connections, and help make Shalva the warm, joyful place it is.

Today, we are proud to celebrate a milestone of their own.

Through our new partnership with Herzog College the professional training and hands-on experience our National Service volunteers receive at Shalva will now be recognized with academic credit. Those who choose to continue their studies at Herzog College will begin with earned credits, recognizing the knowledge, skills, and experience they gained through their service.

Congratulations to this remarkable group of young women, and thank you to Herzog College for recognizing the extraordinary contribution they make every day. This partnership is a meaningful acknowledgment of the impact they have on the lives of so many children, adults, and families.