Conference: People with Disabilities in the Jewish and Democratic State

Prof. Reuven Feuerstein, Dr. Arye Carmon, and Prof. Yedidia Stern at the opening session

Introduction

The manner in which a society treats people with disabilities is an indicator of its level of commitment to the values of human rights. The State of Israel takes pride in an impressive set of laws dealing with the status and rights of individuals with disabilities. Key legal rulings have admirably defined the status of disabled people in Israeli society. On paper, Israel ranks among the most enlightened countries in the world in this regard. Nevertheless, in practice, the situation of people with disabilities in Israel is, to say the least, unsatisfactory. In fact, many studies show that there is a large gap between the situation of people with disabilities in Israel and their situation in Western countries.

One reason for the disparity between the legal status and reality for people with disabilities seems to stem from social and cultural perceptions of people with disabilities that are prevalent in Israeli society. It is impossible, for example, to ignore the use of language of exclusion and rejection in reference to people with disabilities in halakhic writings. While Jewish law often displays compassion and mercy towards individuals with disabilities, it does not see them as equals. New readings of Jewish sources that are exacting and finely honed are necessary to reveal additional dimensions that reflect the values of equality, human rights, and human dignity. Identifying strata of Jewish law that stress equality can contribute to changing the current culture and narrowing the gap between legislation and reality.

IDI's Human Rights and Judaism project explores the nexus between the liberal doctrine of human rights and the Jewish tradition. As part of this project, IDI seeks to place the status of people with disabilities on the public agenda in Israel—a status that is intrinsically related to Israel's unique role as a Jewish and democratic state.

To this end, on January 5-6, 2011, IDI convened a conference devoted to the topic of people with disabilities in the Jewish and democratic state. This conference brought together experts in disciplines related to the status of people with disabilities, rabbis who deal with disabilities from the perspective of Jewish law and Jewish thought, representatives of non-profit organizations dedicated to human rights and services for people with disabilities, performing artists, individuals with disabilities who are prepared to share their personal experiences, and representatives of the Israeli government, including the Israeli Minister of Social Welfare.

The conference was directed by Rabbi Shay Piron, a prominent educator, community rabbi, and social activist who is a member of IDI's "Religion and State" research team. A doctoral candidate in law and one of the leaders of the Tzohar rabbinic organization, Rabbi Piron is known for his involvement in educational reform and advocacy for the rights of children with disabilities.

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