Our Background
Variety Israel was founded in 1967 by Chaim Herzog, Ruth Dayan, Chaim Topol, Kenny Gridinger, and Danny Angel to support children with special needs from low socio-economic backgrounds facing significant challenges.
Over the years, the organization has supported tens of thousands of children with autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and other disabilities from all sectors, communities, and religions, helping them integrate socially and rehabilitatively into Israeli society.
In recent years, Variety Israel has expanded its reach and now serves as a platform for empowerment and inclusion programs for children from diverse backgrounds - including children with special needs, at-risk youth, and populations affected by the war.
Our Vision
Our Mision
A tolerant and inclusive society where differences are embraced and every child is empowered to reach their full potential.
Variety empowers children and youth from disadvantaged backgrounds by providing tools and creating opportunities for rehabilitation, inclusion, and meaningful participation in society.
Variety supports children and youth regardless of religion, race, or gender.
Our Activities
Variety in Sports
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Partnership with the Israel Tennis Centers: Approximately 400 children with special needs participate in weekly training sessions at centers across the country.
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Partnership with Maccabi Tel Aviv: Around 8 basketball teams for children with special needs.
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Partnership with Maccabi Haifa: Participation in games and educational activities promoting values in collaboration with “Sisma for Every Pupil" as part of the program "The Person Before the Player."
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Partnership with Ziv Neurim: Sea-based activities as a tool for empowerment and integration of at-risk youth and youth with special needs.
Variety Jerusalem center
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The center operates 10 special education kindergartens and 6 regular kindergartens,
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where both individual and group inclusion takes place.
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Around 230 children attend the kindergartens daily, about 100 of whom are in special education.
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Afternoon clubs: approximately 58 children participate in activities.
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The groups include children with autism, intellectual disabilities, cognitive impairments, and visual impairments (from the eastern part of the city).
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Child Development Unit: 35 children who are integrated into mainstream education receive para-medical therapeutic support, amounting to approximately 300 therapy hours per week.
Variety North Israel
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Almost 300 Children from the north of Israel participated in ODT and Table tennis activities on a weekly basis.
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“Leading the Way to the Heart” :an educational program connecting the education system with students’ hearts to drive meaningful social change. Through values-based leadership, it promotes inclusive, everyday interactions between general and special education students, both in and beyond school.
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Goals:
• Develop courageous, values-driven leadership
• Foster collaboration across cultures and communities
• Strengthen belonging and inclusion for all students -
Key Initiative: Variety Ambassadors
Students lead inclusive projects that build acceptance and bridges across diverse communities.
