LOTEM – Making Israel Accessible
LOTEM has been operating in Israel for 32 years in the field of disabilities, specializing in nature therapy for populations with special needs—including physical, cognitive, emotional, mental, and sensory disabilities. Employing a multi-layered approach to accessibility, LOTEM helps those with physical, cognitive, and emotional special needs.
Through its work, LOTEM empowers individuals By fostering a deep connection to nature and by making natural sites across Israel accessible, LOTEM empowers individuals with special needs. LOTEM also trains government officials in accessibility practices. Each year, LOTEM directly impacts over 100,000 individuals, making it the largest organization of its kind in Israel.
The organization operates five centers nationwide, including one in Sderot that provides services to communities in and around the Gaza Strip. Following the events of October 7, at the request of the Israeli government, LOTEM played a crucial role in supporting displaced and traumatized families by organizing and overseeing informal education activities for children with special needs and their families in evacuated hotels.
LOTEM has extensive experience in the field of mental health, with 14 years of work supporting survivors of domestic violence and their children suffering from PTSD, collaborating with hospital psychiatric departments, assisting brain injured soldiers, and working with individuals experiencing mental illness. LOTEM’s Nature Therapy retreats have long been recognized for their impact, and following October 7, the organization has significantly expanded its mental health initiatives to meet the growing need. Today, LOTEM offers specialized programs for evacuees and victims of terrorism, as well as nature retreat programs tailored to wounded soldiers experiencing PTSD.Today, LOTEM offers nature retreat programs tailored for wounded soldiers experiencing post-traumatic stress symptoms, as well as specialized programs for evacuees and victims of terrorism.