01/07/2018
During July, more precisely from July 1 to 8, 2018, Ivona Jankova was in Israel. From the very arrival of the Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv, it was immediately apparent that nothing was left to chance and that the word of the law on architectural barriers was respected without exception. All public (state or private) surfaces and facilities are maximally adapted and accessible for persons with any kind of disability. Our friend Amir Goichman was the best guide through the holy city of Jerusalem, the modern Tel Aviv, the historical site of Masada and the tourist sites along the Dead Sea. Almost every step of these sites is already built or under construction to provide access routes to all major points, sightings, but also sanitary facilities, especially in Jerusalem, which although it is a city with a millennia-old history of the three largest religions - the Christian, Jewish and Muslim - and each pebble has its own story, it is still accessible to everyone. Particularly impresses the "drop by drop" system, which allows a true oasis to grow in this desert climate, refreshing the holy city with greenery, from which the olive is most protected, and it is legally forbidden to break even one twig. As in all major cities, the main choice of transport are the numerous bus lines and the main line of the tram that cuts the city in half. Apart from time precision and low prices that are unusual for this country, the tram is available to everyone. Doors open on both sides, and the level of each stop is gradually leveled so that a wheelchair can enter. Accessible for everyone is the historical fortress Masada, an archaeological site that is one of the best preserved since Roman times. You can reach it by foot through the "Snake trail", as well as with a huge cable car that can transport up to 80 passengers. Especially interesting is the inclusive playground in Jerusalem, "Shalva", which is accessible for people with all disabilities. Although there are still harder access places, especially in the old city of Jerusalem, from 2014 onwards, construction of access ramps and elevators to all sacred sites that attract pilgrims from all over the world is being worked on every day. All in all, Israel is a rising country, a leader in modern technologies, and despite political and religious discord, it strives for unity, inclusion and prosperity for all citizens and visitors in this sacred place. Useful links: https://www.curbfreewithcorylee.com/2016/08/27/wheelchair-accessible-old-city-jerusalem-israel/ https://www.curbfreewithcorylee.com/2016/10/24/wheelchair-accessible-masada-dead-sea-israel/
