Transcending politics (illustration)
Illustratio: Jupiter
Israeli mission leads WAAD events at UN
United Nations mark fourth World Autism Awareness Day in several events led by Israeli and Qatari missions. 'Autism is a complex phenomenon that transcends political considerations and boundaries,' says ALUT CEO
The United Nations marked World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) on Friday, April 2. Established in 2007, the fourth WAAD saw Israel and Qatar lead the principal events, which this year focused on families with autistic children.
Israel’s involvement in WAAD is part of its ongoing effort to engage on a wide range of issues that transcend political issues, such as development, the environment and peacekeeping, as well as education and care for special needs individuals.
The Israeli mission, along with the United Nations Department of Public Information and ALUT– the Israeli Society for Autistic Children – hosted a gala event on April 1, devoted to the issue of autism.
The evening included a special screening of ”The Flood” starring award-winning Israeli actress Ronit Alkabetz, alongside Tsahi Grad, Michael Moshonov and Yoav Rottman. The film’s director, Guy Nativ, offered his insights on the unique film, which focuses on the challenges faced by a family with an autistic son after his group home.
Israel’s Ambassador to the UN Gabriela Shalev also attended the even, as did ALUT Chairman Israel Borovich. Over 120 diplomats and delegates representing various autism organizations attended.
Meanwhile, the Qatari Mission to the UN organized a panel discussion with leading experts. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki- addressed panel visitors via video conference.
“I am proud to represent Israel, which is leading these events at the UN," Amir Weissbrod, Minister Counselor at the Israeli Mission to the UN said. "As someone who experiences this issue personally and on a daily basis, I can testify that an autistic child changes life dramatically for any family.
"Such families need tremendous emotional strength that outsiders can never understand. But with such strength, along with support and recognition from the government, the society and NGO’s, families with such special needs children can lead more normal lives. I am proud that Israel, along with many NGOs in this field, offer tremendous support and help in this regard.”
ALUT CEO Einat Kassuto added that, "It is very important that the issue of autism be addressed at the United Nations. Autism is a complex phenomenon that transcends political considerations and boundaries, and we are witnessing more and more diagnoses around the world.
"Given the global nature of this challenge, Israel – along with every member state of the UN – must contribute what it can towards autistic research, treatment, and support."
Yitzhak Benhorin, in Washington, contributed to this report
