שלוה - הכירו את רפאל כהן

Hebrew video

Rafael Cohen, an Israeli citizen who deals with Down Syndrome, spoke about himself and his special relationship with the place which has become his family and his home - Shalva.

"I was born with Down Syndrome. I didn't choose the syndrome, but I haven't attempted to run away from it either," Cohen said.

He recounted how he would face bullying from other children due to his condition.

"This is who I am, and I love who I i am," he said today. "When I came to Shalva, I was sure that they would look at me as a person with Down Syndrome, but that wasn't the case. They looked at me as an individual and attempted to find the work and occupation which was the best fit for me so that I could find my self-esteem and my self-realization. They looked at me for who I really am and not just the syndrome or the disability."

To donate to Shalva, click here

"I've always loved being part of a group," he said, "to be with and near people and to be at the center of the stage. That's why, at Shalva I was able to find a place where I could showcase my talents and also to work and live an independent life. About three years ago I started playing with the Shalva band and really enjoyed it, but I dreamed of directing and being at the center of the stage. Therefore, in a joint decision, I decided together with the organization's managers to work to fulfill my dream as a coordinator for events, for ceremonies and performances."

Today, Rafael works at two jobs which give him a sense of fulfillment and usefulness - he organizes events and works as a 'bartender' at the Shalva cafe in Jerusalem.

Today, as the coronavirus crisis continues and the economy reopens, the Shalva organization asks the public to join the effort to help children with special needs. As a result of the economic difficulties being faced around the world, many of the usual donors cannot provide their usual levels of assistance now, and there is great concern that Shalva's ability to help these children will be reduced due to the resulting lack of funds.

To donate to Shalva, click here