As part of the special events to mark 'International Day of Persons with Disabilities', Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid, Energy Minister Karin Elharar, actress Gila Almagor, Chairman of the Center for Jewish Impact, Robert Singer and other distinguished guests inaugurated the "Upside-Down" photo exhibition at the Foreign Ministry in Jerusalem.
The "Upside Down" exhibition, produced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in partnership with Alumot Or and the Center for Jewish Impact, features images of young people with disabilities along with celebrities, diplomats and athletes standing on their hands.
The exhibition is curated by photographer Shlomi Amsalem, in partnership with Miki Hayat, CEO ‘Haredim for Rhythm,’ promoting healthy living and physical fitness in Ultra-Orthodox Jewish communities; and ‘Music4life,’ working to promote musical education amongst people within Israel's special needs community.
The ‘Upside Down’ exhibition will be displayed at Israeli embassies worldwide, starting December 3 on 'International Day of Persons with Disabilities,' and will remain for the remainder of the Month. Exhibitions are made possible through partnerships with various local municipalities hosting Israeli embassies. In addition, exhibits will highlight efforts by Israeli organizations that advocate for persons with disabilities.
Yair Lapid, Israeli Foreign Minister: "The photographs in this exhibition, and especially the people who created them, tell us that anything is possible. When we are united, anything is possible, no matter the difficulty or the challenge we face. I may not know how to stand on my hands, but I am proud to inaugurate this exhibition here at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and I am moved that you came here from Israel and around the world. Thanks to you, anything is possible."
Amb. Dan Oryan, the initiator of the exhibition: "If we can stand on our hands together, then we can probably do almost anything together, this is the motto of the exhibit, which puts young people with disabilities at the center of the picture."
Robert Singer, Chairman of the Center for Jewish Impact and Alumot Or: "The Upside-Down exhibition shows that nothing can truly prevent a person from being equal among equals. ‘Alumot Or’ works throughout the year advocating for the rights of people with disabilities and to help enable them to live as independent and equal members of society in society."
