The Inclusion Campaign screened ‘Praying with Lior’ at the Moishe House last night. The film is a powerful and emotional story of Lior, a Jewish boy with Down’s Syndrome, and his journey to his bar mitzvah.
After the film, Simone Aspis, from the Alliance for Inclusive Education, spoke about her experiences of being a Jewish person with a disability. The participants discussed the challenges facing the Jewish community in becoming more inclusive.
In particular, the need to integrate the excellent Jewish Social Care services which exist, and the exciting opportunities presented by the wider Jewish community, was highlighted. It should not be either/or; rather people should be able to benefit from both.
The need for Jewish disabled leaders was also raised – people with disabilities, including learning disabilities, should be represented in senior roles both in welfare organisations and other communal bodies.
The Moishe House organises events for young Jewish people (aged about 18-30), including Friday night dinners, music events and film nights. It is friendly, lively and everyone is welcome. The Moishe House aims to get more people, with different backgrounds, involved in their events.