Over the summer, disability rights activists took to Israel's streets in protests demanding that disability stipends be raised to the equivalent to Israel's minimum wage, around 5,300 shekels ($1,500) per month.
Although protests last year ended with an agreement to increase disability stipends, progress remains slow and Israeli stipends are still among the lowest in the developed world.
In addition, living in Israel in dignity with a disability presents a challenge that goes beyond the issue of financial assistance.
Affiliated with the group "Disabled Become Panthers," the protesters this year chanted, "We want justice, not charity," and blocked train lines and major highways, including from Ben-Gurion International Airport.
In this episode of Israel Hayom Insider, host Steve Ganot speaks with Cheri Tannenbaum, an immigrant wife, mother, artist, musician and author who suffers from dystonia musculorum deformans, a neurological movement disorder.
Tannenbaum, whose autobiography is soon to be published, discusses the recent protests, describes some of the challenges of living with a profound disability in Israel, and talks about what society can do to become more inclusive.
For more information, contact the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation, an organization founded by Tannenbaum's parents that is dedicated to serving the needs of people affected by dystonia and their families. Tannenbaum can be contacted at cherbelz@yahoo.com.
