Kalman Samuels
Founder and President of Shalva
The story of one family - a beacon of hope for all
Traveling to study in France for the summer, Canadian college student Kerry Samuels made a stop that would change his life. An unlikely chain of events landed him pursuing theological study in Israel, changing his name to Kalman, and marrying his wife Malki. In 1977 their infant son Yossi was injured and rendered blind, deaf, and acutely hyperactive.
Yossi’s early childhood years were difficult and isolating for his entire family. Friends and professionals – with the best of intentions – suggested that Kalman and Malki place Yossi in an institution outside the home to lighten the family’s burden. Malki protested. “We didn’t get Yossi in the corner store.” She made a pledge that if G-d would intervene and grant her a connection with Yossi, she would in turn devote herself to helping other families of children with disabilities.
And one miraculous day it finally happened. At the age of eight, Yossi achieved the ‘Helen Keller breakthrough.’ While working with Shoshana Weinstock, a therapist who is deaf herself, Yossi learned to understand Hebrew finger spelling simulated into the palm of his hand. Inspired by their son’s remarkable breakthrough, Kalman and Malki established Shalva, the Israel Association for the Care and Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities, in 1990.
Then and now
What began as an afternoon program for eight children in a local apartment has grown into a national center serving thousands of people with disabilities from infancy to adulthood from the entire spectrum of Israeli society. In recognition of Shalva’s accomplishments and an ongoing need to expand the availability of special needs services, the Jerusalem Municipality provided Samuels a seven acre plot in Jerusalem. The new campus was inaugurated by the Mayor of Jerusalem in September 2016.
Since the organization’s inception, Kalman has played a leading role in ensuring Shalva’s sustainability and growth. He serves as the President of Shalva and is closely involved in the organization’s ongoing operations. He has received many awards for his contribution to Israeli society, including an Honorary Doctorate from Bar-Ilan University and the Yakir Yerushalayim Worthy Citizen of Jerusalem award. Today, the organization has become a world leader in the field of disability care and serves as an official consultant to the United Nations Econimic and Social Council.
Dreams Never Dreamed
Kalman’s memoir, Dreams Never Dreamed, was released in Hebrew in September 2019. It has since been released in English and Japanese as well. The book tells a story of hope, courage, and leadership, it demonstrates that ordinary people can create extraordinary change and transform life’s challenges into opportunities.
A copy of the memoir could be purchased on Amazon.
All proceeds are directed to Shalva.
Prizes and acknowledgments
President of Israel Prize for Excellence
Shalem Foundation Award as “Israel’s Most Unique Program for the Mentally Challenged
The Jerusalem Foundation Teddy Kollek Prize
Jerusalem’s Award of Distinction for National Service Volunteers
The Ministry of Education Outstanding Volunteer Award
Lions International, Israel’s Man of the Year Award
Ruppin Academy Esteemed Fellowship Award
Yakir Yerushlayaim Honored Citizen of Jerusalem Award
Mayor of Jerusalem’s Award for Exceptional Service
Knesset Speaker’s Quality of Life Prize for Outstanding Humanitarian Service
Aminadav National Service Award for Excellence
SHALEM Foundation Award
Nefesh b’Nefesh Bonei Zion Prize
Bar Ilan University, Honorary Doctor of Philosophy
Jerusalem Prize for Dedication on Behalf of People with Disabilities
Lighting of Torch at Israel’s 74th Independence Day Torch-Lighting Ceremony
