Our Story

It began over 20 years ago when a successful psychologist living in France confronted a problem: many of the families with autistic children in his community wanted to live in Israel. At the time, accommodations for people with autism in Israel were not what they are today; receiving approval from the Ministry of Social Affairs and Social Services was difficult for Israelis and extremely daunting for new immigrants. 

 

This psychologist, Alex Aiss, shared the dream of living in Israel. Undeterred, he set about to create a framework to make it a reality. His vision: a home in Israel for people with autism. Emboldened by the enthusiasm of the families, but with little financial assistance and no government support, he succeeded. Just a few years later, he and his family – along with six families from France – moved to Beit Shemesh and established Eden Ohalei Yaakov. 

 

Attracted by the holistic individualized approach and unique educational program, Israelis began to join them. Today Eden Ohalei Yaakov is home to thirty adult men with autism. Eventually, a relationship with the Ministry of Social Affairs and Social Services developed and today, Eden is a fully registered and recognized organization.