Accessible Israel

Israel number of visitors is seeing an unprecedented growth. More and more people from around the world are fulfilling their dream of visiting Israel. The Ministry of tourism is committed to enabling everyone who wishes to visit, regardless of any possible impairment.

When it comes to accessibility, Israel is a world leader in legislation. From infrastructure to service, Israel is adapt to provide a smooth and accepting stay.

Please see below links to all those that can assist and assure a smooth, pleasant and barrier free stay.

NGO's and Travel

Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael

Accessible Forest, Parks and Sites in Israel

In recent years, KKL-JNF has been working to develop suitable facilities for the physically challenged in its forests and parks. Our aim is to open nature to all sectors of the population, by creating an environment through which people with limited mobility can move safely and comfortably. We have also gone one step forward, and brought nature into the schoolyard with unique projects in special education schools.

http://www.kkl-jnf.org/tourism-and-recreation/accessible-forests-parks-sites-israel/

Israel Nature and Parks Authority

INPA has worked in recent years to make its sites accessible to persons with disabilities. In all national parks, nature reserves, antiquities sites and heritage sites, work is underway to upgrade accessibility and provide access aids.

INPA are doing everything possible to increase the number of visitors with disabilities who can tour and enjoy the sites, with all the activities they have to offer.

On the website you can find further information and relevant maps.

https://www.parks.org.il/en/accessibility/

Yad Sarah for Tourists

Traveling abroad presents special challenges for people with special needs. Yad Sarah for Tourists offers assistance that will ensure an enjoyable and relaxing vacation for the individual with special needs and his family. Once plans are finalized with the Tourist Desk, the visitor can sit back and relax, knowing that all arrangements are in the capable hands of a Yad Sarah representative.

Some of the services available:

  • Lending of necessary medical equipment. Delivery to a hotel or residence can be arranged for a modest fee.
  • Equipping your hotel room to make your stay more comfortable, including special beds, chairs, etc.
  • Lending of oxygen cylinders/ concentrators.
  • Transportation in wheelchair-locking vans, including transfers to and from the airport and sightseeing.
  • Recommendation of tour guides specializing in guiding tourists with limited mobility and special needs including advice about tourist sites with easy access.

Yad Sarah’s personalized service is available, by prior arrangement with the Tourist Desk, for any tourist with special needs.

 

The service is available throughout Israel.

 

For further details, or to arrange transportation or a tour, please call the Tourist Desk at +972-2-6444382 or e-mail us: chaimvi@yadsarah.org.il

Access Israel

Access Israel is a non-profit organization that promotes accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities and the elderly in all spheres of life. Access Israel was established in 1999 by Yuval Wagner, a former helicopter pilot, who became wheelchair bound following a helicopter accident. Access Israel conducts various project to fulfill the goal of a fully accessible and inclusive society such awareness raising projects in schools, accessibility consulting for businesses, accessibility courses, sign language courses, conferences on various subjects and more. In addition, Access Israel works to promote accessibility in the Israeli law, runs an accessibility complaint center and organizes awareness raising events for the public. Access Israel promotes accessibility and inclusion in all spheres of life and in education, tourism, culture, emergency situations and more.

Accessible Tourism on Access Israel website

LOTEM is the largest organization in Israel for outdoor learning activities for children with special needs, providing outdoor educational activities as well as accessible hikes. Surin Hershko, a war hero who was severely injured in Operation Entebbe in 1976, is Founder and Chairman of LOTEM. His inspiration for LOTEM comes from the heart: “Giving children the basic right to experience life outdoors is the purpose of my life and it fills me with great joy.”

The main site, Emek HaShalom (Valley of Peace), is a 40-acre farm located in Northern Israel, near Yokneam. Situated in the middle of a beautiful valley, the farm is surrounded by blooming nature and the peaceful flow of water. It provides a hands-on learning experience with a teaching garden, wheelchair accessible olive and wine presses, bakery, and wheelchair accessible trails

LOTEM understands the vital role that the outdoors plays in Israelis’ lives, and the immeasurable impact making society accessible has, not just on the individual with a special need but on their family and the community as well. As part of its work to ensure that no member of society is left behind,  LOTEM provides the opportunity for children and adults with special needs to learn and participate in outdoor activities all across the country.

https://www.lotem.net/?page_id=386

Transportation

Israel Airport Authority

By law, the Israel Airport Authority is responsible for providing the physical infrastructure for the activity of the entities providing service to assisted passengers. However, according to transport regulations, the responsibility for handling assisted passengers and their baggage, from the moment of their entry into the terminal building, or their disembarkation from the aircraft, lies with the respective airline with which the passengers are flying. The actual service at Ben Gurion Airport is provided by ground handling companies. The service includes accompaniment and assistance to disabled passengers through the departure and arrival procedures.

https://www.iaa.gov.il/en-us/airports/bengurion/pages/accessibility.aspx

These are the ground handling companies:

Aero Handling

www.aerohandling.com

Laufer Aviation GHI

http://www.lauferghi.com/

QAS

http://www.qasisrael.co.il

Ministry of Transportation help line (local call) 5678*

 

Public transportation

Trains - should you require assistance, in boarding and alighting from the train, from a staff member at the train station, please coordinate your trip with 'Israel Railways' in advance, through the website or through the service hotline on *5770.

'Israel Railways' will do the best to provide you with the best possible service, even if you have not coordinated your trip in advance.

In any case, please coordinate trips that occur between 20:00 in the evening and 06:00 the next morning, as well as trips occurring on Saturday night, in advance.

Buses – all bus lines within the city are adapted to provide service to all. Intrastate buses are partially accessible.

Taxis – it is rare to catch an accessible taxi on the go. It is recommended to preorder from https://www.aisrael.org/?CategoryID=2657&ArticleID=64179

Accommodation

All types of accommodation in Israel, which have 7 or more rooms, is required by law to provide at least 1 accessible room. All service providers with a minimum of 25 employees are also required to have an Accessibility Supervisor. These laws can assure you that there is no corner in Israel in which the perfect accommodation solution cannot be found. A short pre-visit email coordination of expectation is always recommended.

Accessibility for those with special needs at the beaches:

Kineret Municipal Unio
Name of beach Parking Bathrooms and showers Access to shade Access to water Bathing chairs for the disabled
Tzinbari Yes Yes No No Yes
Berniki At the nearby Shikmim beach No No
Shikmim Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Hukok Yes Yes No No Yes
Amnon Yes Yes No No Yes
Kinar No No No No No
Doga Closed
Tze’elon Yes Yes No No No
Kursi At the nearby Levanon beach
Levanon Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Halukim At the nearby Levanon beach Yes Yes Yes At the nearby Levanon beach
Shizaf No No No No No
Dugit – Golan No Yes No No No
Gofra No Yes No No No
Municipality of Tiberias
Name of beach Parking Bathrooms and showers Access to shade Access to water Bathing chairs for the disabled
Guy No No Yes No Yes
Galei Kineret - Rimonim No No No No No
Leonardo Pacific Closed for renovations
Coco Hot / Holiday Inn No No No No No
Jordan Valley Regional Council
Name of beach Parking Bathrooms and showers Access to shade Access to water Bathing chairs for the disabled
Ein Gev Vacation No No Yes No No
Ginnosar No No Yes No No
Migdal Regional Council
Name of beach Parking Bathrooms and showers Access to shade Access to water Bathing chairs for the disabled
Restal Magdala Yes No No No
Mateh Asher Regional Council
Name of beach Parking Bathrooms and showers Access to shade Access to water Bathing chairs for the disabled
Banana Beach Achziv No No Yes No No
Municipality of Nahariya
Name of beach Parking Bathrooms and showers Access to shade Access to water Bathing chairs for the disabled
Sokolov No No Yes No No
Galil Central No No Yes No No
Municipality of Acco
Name of beach Parking Bathrooms and showers Access to shade Access to water Bathing chairs for the disabled
Argaman Central No No Yes No No
Hatmarim No No Yes No No
Municipality of Kiryat Yam
Name of beach Parking Bathrooms and showers Access to shade Access to water Bathing chairs for the disabled
Zevulun No No Yes No No
Municipality of Haifa
Name of beach Parking Bathrooms and showers Access to shade Access to water Bathing chairs for the disabled
Zamir 1 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Zamir 2 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Neot Kiryat Haim Central No No Yes No No
Bat Galim 1 No No Yes No No
Bat Galim 2 No No Yes No No
Hof Hacarmel Regional Council
Name of beach Parking Bathrooms and showers Access to shade Access to water Bathing chairs for the disabled
Dor Central 2 No No Yes No Yes
Neve Yam No No Yes No Yes
Aqueduct No No Yes No Yes
Jisr a-Zarka Regional Council
Name of beach Parking Bathrooms and showers Access to shade Access to water Bathing chairs for the disabled
Jisr No No No No No
Municipality of Hadera
Name of beach Parking Bathrooms and showers Access to shade Access to water Bathing chairs for the disabled
Kfar Yam No No Yes No No
Olga Central 2 No No Yes No No
Emek Hefer Regional Council
Name of beach Parking Bathrooms and showers Access to shade Access to water Bathing chairs for the disabled
Michmoret – Station number 1 Yes No No No Yes
Michmoret – Station number 2 Yes No No No Joint with number 1
Beit Yannai Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
NeUrim Beach No Yes No No No
Municipality of Netanya
Name of beach Parking Bathrooms and showers Access to shade Access to water Bathing chairs for the disabled
Kiryat Tzanz No No No No No
HaOnot Beach אין חניה בחוף עצמו No No No No
Ampi Beach Yes No No Yes Yes
Herzl Yes Yes No Yes Yes
Sironit Beach A Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Sironit Beach B Yes No No Yes Yes
Argaman Beach Yes Yes No No No
Poleg Beach Yes Bathrooms only Yes Yes Yes
Hof Hasharon Regional Council
Name of beach Parking Bathrooms and showers Access to shade Access to water Bathing chairs for the disabled
Shefayim (Ga’ash) No No No No No
Municipality of Rishon Le-Zion
Name of beach Parking Bathrooms and showers Access to shade Access to water Bathing chairs for the disabled
Beach number 1 – Hakachol (Blue) Beach Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Beach number 2 – Neve Hof Beach Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Beach number 3 – Hofit Beach Yes Yes No No No
Beach number 4 – Tel Yonah Beach No Yes No No No
Beach number 5 – Hayeladim (Children’s) Beach No No No No No
Beach number 6 – separate beach Yes Yes No No No
Gan Raveh Regional Council
Name of beach Parking Bathrooms and showers Access to shade Access to water Bathing chairs for the disabled
Palmahim Beach Yes Yes No No No
Municipality of Herzliya
Name of beach Parking Bathrooms and showers Access to shade Access to water Bathing chairs for the disabled
Nof Yam No No No No No
Hasharon Yes Yes No No Yes No
Zevulun No No No No No
Acadia North Beach Yes Yes No Yes No
Acadia South Beach Yes Yes No Yes Yes
Acadia South Beach – Disabled Yes Yes No Yes Yes
Separate beach No No No No No
Municipality of Tel Aviv - Jaffa
Name of beach Parking Bathrooms and showers Access to shade Access to water Bathing chairs for the disabled
HaTzuk Beach – Station number 1 Yes Yes No No Yes
Tel Baruch Beach – Station number 1 Yes Yes No No Yes
Nordau (Metzitzim) Beach Yes Yes Yes No Yes
Nordau separate beach Yes Bathrooms only Yes No Yes
Gordon No Bathrooms only No No Yes
Bograshov No Bathrooms only No No Yes
Allenby (Jerusalem) No Yes No No Yes
Charles Clore No No No No No
Jaffa – Givat HaAliyah Yes No No No Yes
Hilton North Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HaTzuk Beach – Station number 2 Yes Bathrooms only No No No
Frishman No Bathrooms only No No Yes
Aviv Beach No Bathrooms only No No Yes
Municipality of Bat Yam
Name of beach Parking Bathrooms and showers Access to shade Access to water Bathing chairs for the disabled
HaSela – Station number 1 No No No No No
HaSela – Station number 2 No No No No No
HaSela – Station number 3 No No No No No
Sample Beach No No No No No
Riviera No No No No No
Separate beach Yes Bathrooms only No No No
Tayo Yes Bathrooms only No No No
Municipality of Ashdod
Name of beach Parking Bathrooms and showers Access to shade Access to water Bathing chairs for the disabled
Mei Ami Beach Yes Bathrooms only Yes No No
Lido Yes Bathrooms only
Oranim Yes Bathrooms only No Yes Yes
Hakshatot Yes Bathrooms only No No No
Separate beach Yes Bathrooms only Yes No No
Rova K Yes Bathrooms only No No No
Riviera Yes Bathrooms only No No No
Hof Ashkelon Regional Council
Name of beach Parking Bathrooms and showers Access to shade Access to water Bathing chairs for the disabled
Nitzanim Yes Yes Yes No No
Zikim Yes Yes Yes No No
Municipality of Ashkelon
Name of beach Parking Bathrooms and showers Access to shade Access to water Bathing chairs for the disabled
Bar Kochva North Yes Yes No No No
Bar Kochva South Yes Yes No No No
Delila North Yes Yes No No No
Delila South Yes Yes No No No
Ashkelon National Park Beach Yes Bathrooms only No No Yes
Separate beach Yes Yes לא לא לא
Tamar Regional Council
Name of beach Parking Bathrooms and showers Access to shade Access to water Bathing chairs for the disabled
Mazor Springs Yes No No No No
Meridian Beach Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Hod Hotel Beach Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Tzel Harim Yes Under construction Yes Yes No
Crown Plaza Beach Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Lot Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Lot’s Wife Yes Under construction Under construction Under construction No
Ein Bokek South Yes Under construction Under construction Under construction No
Daniel Hotel Beach Yes Under construction Under construction Yes No
Solarium Beach Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Isrotel Beach Yes Yes Yes Yes No
International Beach Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Leonardo Plaza Beach Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Zohar Springs (North) Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Separate beach Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Leonardo Club Beach Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Municipality of Eilat
Name of beach Parking Bathrooms and showers Access to shade Access to water Bathing chairs for the disabled
Separate beach No No No No No
Herod’s beach Yes Bathrooms only No No Yes
Northwestern Beach Yes Bathrooms only No No Yes