Everyone is made to feel welcome in Israel, especially travelers with disabilities. The Israel Government Tourist Corporation has initiated numerous projects designed to make dozens of tourist sites throughout the country accessible. New sites have been made accessible and old sites have been renovated to make them more suitable.
For example, the summit of the Massada fortress near the Dead Sea is now accessible, and wheelchairs can now reach the upper level of the site. A special area on Masada has been adapted so that persons with visual disabilities can touch and feel the surroundings. Other sites, such as the Knights’ Halls in Acre (Akko), and the esplanade and amphitheater in Caesarea have also been made accessible for the handicapped.
Beaches in Eilat, Herzliya and Tel Aviv, among others, are wheelchair accessible, and include special sunbeds for the disabled (North Cliff, Tel Baruch, Hilton and Metzitzim beaches in Tel Aviv.
Most of the KKL-JNF recreation sites and forests include wheelchair-accessible paths and bathroom facilities. Detailed information by site on wheelchair accessibility and preparations for the visually-handicapped can be found at the KKL website.
Access Israel provides detailed free information in English and Hebrew on sites accessible to travelers with disabilities. Access Israel offers detailed, up-to-date and reliable information on accessible tourism sites and accommodation, tours, halls, cultural events, restaurants, festivals, car rental agencies and other useful information for special needs travelers. Personalized accessible travel planning advice for Israel is also available.
Yad Sarah is a volunteer organization with branches all over Israel, lends tourists and visitors wheelchairs, crutches and other aides without charge, requesting only a security deposit. More information is available at the Yad Sarah website (www.yadsarah.org.il) or by calling +970-2-6444555 or by email: [email protected] . Visitors to Israel in wheelchairs can order airport pick-up in advance through the Yad Sarah Exhibition and Guidance Center at 972 2 644 4633 or by email: [email protected]
