The 39-day strike/sit-in of the deaf community is over, following the signing of an agreement yesterday to the satisfaction of both the non-hearing and the government. Dalia Berlinsky, Director of the Israel Union of the Deaf, said that a significant portion of their demands were met. They had demanded recognition as disabled, translated into greater financial benefits, as well as stepped-up government participation in the costs of replacing hearing-aid sets. The deaf will also receive a significant increase in interpreter-hours for their educational, health, and welfare needs - up from 16 hours a year to 45. Berlinsky explains, \"When a deaf person has to go to a teachers\' meeting, or to a doctor, or the like, he or she calls us up and tell us the date and place, and we sent someone to interpret for them. They will now be eligible for 45 annual hours of this service.\"