Shalva receives prestigious honors from Bar Ilan University and Ruppin Academic College
Kalman Samuels, founder of Shalva recently received an honorary doctorate and esteemed fellowship awards from two Israeli academic institutions – the titles of Honorary Doctor of Philosophy from Bar-Ilan University and Esteemed Fellow from the Ruppin Academic Center. The award ceremonies took place at Bar-Ilan University on June 4, 2019 and at the Ruppin Academic Center on June 11, 2019. Kalman Samuels was selected by both institutions as this year’s recipient because of his monumental contributions to the field of disability care and inclusion through the Shalva organization which he founded with his wife Malki in 1990.
“The Shalva organization, headed by Kalman Samuels, is an organization that built a warm and welcoming home for people with disabilities. A home that strengthens and empowers. I think that empowerment is the most important description, conducted in such significant and meaningful ways,” said Arie Zaban, President of Bar-Ilan University as he addressed Samuels at the award ceremony amid an applauding audience. “We thank you Kalman.”
The Esteemed Fellowship honor was awarded by the Ruppin Academic Center to the Shalva organization as a whole, “For its longstanding work in progressing a social vision, based on aspirations for the full inclusion of people with disabilities in society… for advancing the concept that every person deserves an equal opportunity to thrive, develop, and succeed in the world.” The award was presented to Shalva Founders Kalman and Malki Samuels, CEO Yochanan Samuels and Chairman Avi Samuels.
