Israeli President Visits 'Perach Israel' Rehabilitation Village Highlighting 70% Reduction in Psychiatric Medication

Israeli President Isaac Herzog toured the 'Perach Israel' community rehabilitation village in Rosh HaAyin, which provides housing and therapeutic support to approximately 230 adults with disabilities. The village operates under the funding and supervision of the Ministry of Welfare and Social Security. Herzog was welcomed by senior officials including Perach Israel CEO Rabbi Moshe Stein, professional director Professor Ze'ev Rotshtein, deputy CEO Rabbi Michael Dor, village manager Yafit Bergig, Deputy Director of the Welfare Ministry Moshe Lavon, and Rosh HaAyin Mayor Raz Shagai.

During the visit, Herzog toured residential areas, employment centers, and recreational facilities, engaging with residents and learning about their daily routines and activities that promote independence and responsibility. The leadership of Perach Israel detailed a comprehensive transformation involving extensive renovations, expanded nursing staff, recruitment of hundreds of employees, and integration of treatment, leisure, and enrichment programs into residents’ lives.

Central to this transformation is a professional model combining emotional and behavioral therapy, advanced therapies, active employment, community life, and close psychiatric supervision. This approach has led to a significant reduction in psychiatric medication dosages, with some residents decreasing their doses by up to 70%, under full medical oversight.

The village also provides year-round support, including weekends and holidays, offering a permanent home and warm social environment, especially for those without other housing options. Herzog received an overview of Perach Israel’s nationwide operations, which serve around 15,000 children and adults with disabilities across more than 30 cities and towns.

President Herzog praised the village’s revival and the respect and care shown to all residents, emphasizing the dignity of every individual. Rabbi Moshe Stein described Perach Israel as a home that grants respect, security, meaning, and belonging to each resident. Deputy Director Moshe Lavon highlighted the state’s commitment to promoting independent living and full community integration for people with disabilities. Mayor Raz Shagai expressed the city’s close connection to the village and noted cooperation during the recent conflict, when half the residents were temporarily housed in a local school.