Birds eye view of the Knesset
Birds eye view of the KnessetNati Shochat/Flash 90

Director of Alei Siach Rabbi Chaim Perkal sent a letter to Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein (Likud) and requested the use of the Knesset for a very special wedding.

“In a few months we will be holding a very special wedding for the tenth couple to get married as part of our project. The groom, Nadav Halperin, is a employee in the Knesset and the bride, Hodaya Levinstein, is the daughter of Rabbi Tuvia Levenstein is supervisor of Lev L'Achim activities in the south. Both of them are individuals who have special needs,” Halperin clarified in the letter.

“Every time that we marry off a special needs couple there is a great level of excitement and so to here in this case especially as Nadav has turned into a bit of a celebrity and symbol of inclusion due to his working in the Knesset.”

Fraenkel said that is making the request specifically because of Halperin’s Knesset involvement. “I therefore wish to request that you be inclined to allow this wedding to take place in the Knesset. The fact that a wedding of people with special needs would be allowed to take place at the Knesset, the heart of Israeli democracy and consensus, would be a great benefit to our work to create a more inclusive society for people with special needs in Israeli society.”

“Your allowance would act as an official seal of approval for the hopes of so many people to be included in society. It would likewise put Israel at the forefront of tolerant countries that are working towards acceptance of ‘the other’”.

The Knesset is currently deliberating with regards to the request.

Only one marriage has ever been held at the Knesset. The marriage of billionaire tycoon Sheldon Adelson took place at the site in 1991.  

Alei Siach provides comprehensive and all-encompassing programs for special-needs individuals of many ages and disabilities which include assisted-living, a rehabilitative occupation center, advanced college programs and more.