PROJECTS | Special Needs

Ward at ADI Negev-Nahalat Rehabilitation Hospital

The development of the Neuro-Orthopedic Rehabilitation Hospital at ADI Negev-Nahalat Eran is addressing Israelis’ severe lack of access to rehabilitation in the Negev. Currently there is no rehabilitative hospital in the region, and victims of stroke, illness and terror attacks who require rehabilitative treatments to regain independence and quality of life are sent to the centre of the country. This places an untenable burden on family members to travel, find accommodation, and take time off work. Often, patients do not complete their rehabilitation and remain dependent for the rest of their lives. 

Doron Almog, founder of the ADI Negev-Nahalat Eran Rehab Hospital, was inspired by his brother Eran, who died in the Yom Kippur War, as well as his son Eran, who was born with severe special needs.

My army career and the tragic death of my brother, Eran, who bled to death on the battlefield of the Yom Kippur War, shaped my life and my worldview. And my son Eran, never said one word and never made eye contact, yet he was the greatest teacher of my life. It is incumbent upon us to ensure no person wounded or with a disability is ever left behind and excluded from society.


Doron Almog,  Major General (Res.) & Founder & Chairman
To serve those who need it most, ADI Negev is currently undergoing construction for a 108-bed hospital, providing in-patient rehabilitation to hundreds of Israelis in a venue that is close to home. The hospital is divided into three in-patient wards - Neuro-Rehabilitation, Spinal Rehabilitation, and Orthopedic Rehabilitation. Phase 1 comprises of the construction of the first two hospital wards, each with high-level physiotherapy and occupational therapy departments. Phase 2 will include a third ward, a sports centre and public facilities for out-patients, as well as a conference and research centre. The planned construction also takes into account the need for shelters and reinforced areas, due to its close proximity to the Gaza border.

JNF Canada and ADI Negev-Nahalat Eran are proud to form a partnership that is founded on a shared vision and mutual understanding of the need to develop social service infrastructures for Israel’s most vulnerable population.

JNF Canada donors have generously given to support the ADI Negev Rehab Hospital. Funds raised by individual donors, and at Negev Dinners and other events, have funded the Neuro-Rehabilitation ward at the hospital, as well as Orthopedic Garden Trail to create a calm and healing outdoor space.  

While visiting ADI Negev in Israel recently, we were overwhelmed with emotion as we looked into the faces of the children, the adults and the seniors who were able to benefit from the services now available. The daily impact was evident and profound. We are both humbled and proud to be part of the Builders Circle.


Terry & Carol Marcus,  Builders (Project Donors)
Doron explains the impacts of ADI Negev for the community and for Israel: 

"First, we provide vulnerable members of society with a loving home and family where they are accepted for who they are, empowered to reach their fullest potentials, and respected as integral parts of our community. Second, we have established first-class inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation services in Israel’s south, enabling people from all sectors and backgrounds who have been touched by disability to receive quality care close to home. Finally, we have made great strides in educating thousands of individuals from across Israel and around the world about the importance of acceptance, inclusion and the integration of people with disabilities. Through our work, we make it clear that the societal chain is only as strong as its weakest link, and it is incumbent upon us to strengthen that chain by supporting, accepting and including the most vulnerable members of our society. It is through this act of purest humanity that we earn our right to be called humankind." 

Read our full interview with Doron Almog in our 2022 Roots Magazine.