For the week ending 26 May 2007 / 9 Sivan 5767
Help for the Disabled
Concern for the ability of disabled people to use public buildings has led to the widespread installation of ramp entrances and accessible bathrooms.
Such features, however, seem to be sorely lacking in most Israeli synagogues. A recent survey of 80 synagogues revealed that 94% of them lack a ramp or special bathroom and 70% of them lack both.
Ma'agalei Tzedek, the organization which conducted the study, has joined forces with other social and religious organizations in an effort to raise national sensitivity to the problems faced by the disabled in coming to the synagogue.
In a Jerusalem Post article of February 16, 2007, Ma'agalei Tzedek is described as "an organization established by religious Zionist youth who want more emphasis put on issues of social justice and not just the Greater Israel settlement ideal."