Yad Sarah is known for its wheel-chairs, used by nearly all Israelis who have found themselves in need - but the organization offers much more. In addition to a huge array of services and medical equipment, Yad Sarah has become a model of offering assistance in a way that spares those on the receiving end from feeling as though they are asking for charity and empowers them to become a part of the volunteer-powered organization in the future.

What started out as a neighborhood service founded by current Jerusalem Mayor Uri Lupolianski in 1976, now has over 100 branches across Israel and more than 6,000 volunteers.

One of Yad Sarah's main services: a water-proof bracelet that allows its wearer to alert emergency services with the push of a button.
Young women staff the emergency desk 24 hours a day, standing by to send an ambulance, should someone press their bracelet. The words on the wall read: "Before they call I will answer; and while they are yet speaking I will hear (Isaiah 65:24)."
One of the women staffing the emergency desk fields a call from someone who used the intercom Yad Sarah installed in his home.
A staffed medical library operates on premises. Anybody can call *6444 and ask about any medical condition or treatment and the staff will prepare a packet explaining all relevant information in lay-terms.
Two of the drivers of Yad Sarah's fleet of transport vehicles that bring the disabled to classes and treatments, as well as to recreational activities and family events. The drivers assist the passengers from door to door.
Dorit, who volunteers full-time for Yad Sarah, was first introduced to the organization after she had a near-fatal car accident. She explains the uses of all the equipment in the group's warehouse.
A volunteer explains to a family how to use the medical device they are being loaned.
People who have enjoyed Yad Sarah's services seek to "pay it forward" in any way possible, including knitting shawls and sweaters sold in a store on premises. "It also gives people the knowledge that they can still produce things of value," Dorit says.
Two of the drivers of Yad Sarah's fleet of transport vehicles that bring the disabled to classes and treatments, as well as to recreational activities and family events. The drivers assist the passengers from door to door.
Dorit, who volunteers full-time for Yad Sarah, was first introduced to the organization after she had a near-fatal car accident. She explains the uses of all the equipment in the group's warehouse.
Yad Sarah branches exist in Israeli-Arab villages as well.
At the workshop on the fourth floor, volunteers of all ages fix damaged equipment and prepare it to be loaned out once again.
Menachem, an 80+ retired tour guide, has been volunteering in the workshop for two years. "If even one small part isn't working, somebody could get hurt," he says. "And I love working with my hands."
Yad Sarah's building, on Jerusalem's Herzl Boulevard.


Both Arutz-7's Israel National Radio and Israel National TV covered the behind-the-scenes tour.

Click here for hour #1 with INR's Malkah Fleisher
Click here for hour #2

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(Photos: Josh Shamsi, Arutz-7 Photojournalist)