Krembo Wings By Sharon Golland and Tom Goez

About “Krembo Wings” Krembo Wings is the only youth movement for children with special needs in Israel and the world, providing weekly social activities for over 600 youth with all types of mental and physical disabilities.

About “Krembo Wings” Established in 2002, operates 25 branches across Israel, and welcomes young people with special needs aged 7-21 from all cultural, religious and socioeconomic backgrounds. Activities are carried out with the assistance of over 1,400 able-bodied youth counselors, aged 14-18. Branches- סניפים Cultural-תרבות Religious- דתות Socioeconomic- חברתי כלכלי Counselors- מדריכים

How Did Everything Start? Krembo Wings was founded in 2002 by Adi Altschuler who was 16 at that time. Krembo Wings grew out of the special relationship between Adi Altshuler and Kfir Kobi, who was the first participant and the inspiration for the movement. 

How Did Everything Start? Adi came to realize that the main thing lacking in the lives of tens of thousands of children with special needs in Israel was a youth movement dedicated to them. This realization led to the idea of creating a youth movement that could meet the social needs of children like Kfir – because there is no reason for a child with special needs not to have a social life, friends and games to play.

Kfir Kobi Kfir, who passed away at age 11, was a charming boy who suffered from cerebral Palsy*  and had to struggle in a courage and optimistic way for the right to live, from the moment he was born until his last moments. *Cerebral Palsy is the name given to a number of motor problems which usually result from damage done to the brain during early childhood.

Life with Disabilities Kfir used whatever he could to communicate and take active part in social interactions. Instead of using his mouth Kfir communicated with his eyes and hands. Meeting new friends with the same problems like his, made his struggle easier.

Our Interview How did you start volunteering for the organization? “From many of my friends I heard about “Krambo Wings” and I decided to get to know the place and the people.” In your opinion, what is the main goal of “Krambo Wings”? “To enable children with special needs to become a part of the society and help them find the respected place in the community .” Enable- לאפשר

What were your feelings during the work there? “I felt excited, motivated and especially satisfied seeing the happy eyes of the kids.” Can you say what the children experience during your work with them ? “They feel that they can make it and become a member of the community. They can express themselves in action and most important of all, they feel happy.”

Can you tell that there has been a change in the awareness in our society towards the children with special needs? “Yes, I can definitely see the difference. Our society is becoming more sensitive and understanding.” awareness- מודעות