Nitzan and the Electric Company are pleased to invite you to "Nitzanei Atzmaut", an exhibition of artists from the Nitzan Onim Center for the Advancement of Adults with Learning and Adaptive Disabilities. The exhibition is the welcomed initiative of the members of "Galariat Hashmal 16" in the Electric Company who gave the opportunity to the artists of Nitzan Onim to present their works.

The Nitzan Onim Center was established in 1988 by Nitzan and the Institution of Bituach Leumi (National Insurance) in response to the urgent need of the population of adults with learning, functional, and adaptive disabilities. This population suffered mainly from social isolation and a lack of employment and was a heavy burden on their families. The Nitzan Onim Center set for itself a goal helping this population prepare itself for work life and find suitable employment in the free work market with a regular salary. In addition to this, the trainees receive training in all areas of life in regular society, including workplace conduct.

After two years of intensive training in dormitory conditions, the adults move to residence within the community with the help of the Ministry of Welfare. Within the residential setting they receive support and accompaniment from Nitzan Onim whose goal is to allow them an independent life as much as possible.

In a 20-year follow-up it was found that 90% of the adult graduates of Nitzan Onim maintain employment in the open market. They are spread out amongst many companies. Some of the employers include: the Teva company, Nes Technologies Co., the Electric Co., Schneider Children's Hospital, Tel-Aviv University, the Law Offices of Herzog-Fox Naman, Lipman Electronic Engineering, Super-Pharm, and more; a total of 70 companies in the open market!

The Electric Co. is one of the important and senior employers of Nitzan Onim. Currently, six of Nitzan Onim's trainees are employed in different departments and branches of the company. Nitzan Onim maintains a warm and continual relationship with the human resources department of the Electric Co. Two of the artists that are displaying their works in this exhibition are senior employees of the Electric Co.

Many people with learning disabilities have potential in the different arts and creative works. Nitzan Onim encourages development of talents in these areas such as writing, music, drama, and art. This creativity is very important in the lives of our trainees and provides an opportunity for personal expression and to reveal how special they really are.

The Official Opening Event Took Place on Thursday, 23/4/2009, 29th of Nisan 5769 with the following honorable participants:

• Mr. Motti Freedman, Head of the Board of Directors, the Electric Company
• Mr. Avi Entebi, Head of the Human Resources Department of the Electric Company
• Mr. Tzion Lugasi, Head of the Worker's Board of the Electric Company in the southern region
• Mr. Asher Dahan, Vice President of the Electric Company
• Mr. Haim Hoper, Manager of the Human Resources Department of the Electric Company in the southern region
• Mrs. Ophra Elul, President of Nitzan
• Mrs. Mali Danino, Executive Director of Nitzan
• Rachel Regev, Director of Nitzan Onim
• and Dan Sharon, Head of the Rehabilitation Department in Nitzan

The artists and their families, Nitzan Onim graduates, employees of the Electric Co. and Nitzan and others guests also arrived.

Members of the Nitzan Onim Choir performed and exciting set of songs.

Ophir Norial, a graduate of Nitzan Onim and an employee of the Electric Co. read at the exhibition a sample from his written poetry and performed an original stand-up comedy act.

Pictures from the Event

 

 

Nitzan Onim Choir

Ophir Norial in his stand-up act

Nitzan Onim Choir

 

From right to left: Maly Danino, Executive Director Nitzan, Rachel Regev, Director Nitzan Onim, Motti Freedman, CEO Electric Company

Avi Antebi, Director of Human Resources of the Electric Co., awards Ophra Elul, President of Nitzan, the book "History of the Electric Co."

 

From right to left: Mali Danin, Executive Director of Nitzan, Ophra Elul, President of Nitzan, Motti Freedman, CEO of the Electric Co.

From right to left: Ophra Elul, President of Nitzan, Motti Freedman, CEO of the Electric Co.

About the Artists:

Raanan Levavi, 32 years old, was accepted to the Nitzan Onim Center eleven years ago and lives today in the satellite housing of community housing project of Nitzan Onim. He has been working at "Beitan Wines" for the past five years. Since he was born he's been attracted to the arts and has revealed true persistence and creativity.

Tal Shilo, 40 years old, born in the United States, a senior trainee in the Nitzan Onim Center. She lives today in satellite housing in Kefar Saba. In recent years she has started sculpting as part of an art club at the Eli Cohen Center in town. Her artistic works have appeared in the past in a number of exhibitions and even in the yearly calendar of Nitzan. Tal has been working at the Kefar Saba city library for nearly 20 years. Her diligence and dedication earned her an Award of Excellence from the mayor of Kefar Saba.

Ophir Norial, 29 ½ years old, was accepted to Nitzan Onim almost 10 years ago and lives today in satellite housing in Kefar Saba. He has been working at the Electric Company for close to seven years. Ophir has been active many years in the fields of poetry and drama. He is an active and valued participant in the "HaLikon" writing workshops. In the past, he learned at Alma College under the guidance of the poet Agi Mishol, and even published some of his poetry in important magazines and journals.

Anat Kulka, 26 years old, from Hod HaSharon, was accepted to Nitzan Onim 5 years ago. She lives today in 50% independent satellite housing in Kefar Saba together with 3 partners. Anat works as a mail clerk in the Law Offices of Herzog, Fox, Naman and Associates. She enjoys drawing very much and takes classes on the subject as well. 

Inbal Atlas, was accepted to Nitzan Onim 10 years ago and lives today in satellite housing in Ra'anana in the community residence project of Nitzan Onim. She has been working for the Cellcom Co. for the past 8 years. Her field of interest is ceramic arts.

Ram Raben, 28 years old, was accepted to Nitzan Onim nearly 7 years ago and lives today in satellite housing in Kefar Saba within the framework of the community residence project of Nitzan Onim. He has been working for the Tenuva Company for approximately 6 years. In recent years he has begun to participate in a community arts club. His works are influenced by his own inner world.

Eilat Leniado, was accepted to Nitzan Onim 14 years ago and lives today in satellite housing in Ra'anana in the framework of the community residence project of Nitzan Onim. Eilat is very connected to the different areas of the arts and has created throughout the years works from different materials and in different styles. She sees artistic work as a way to express thoughts, emotions, and feelings that she experiences.

Avinoam Shilo, 32 years old, was accepted to Nitzan Onim 13 years ago and lives today in satellite housing in Kefar Saba in the community housing project of Nitzan Onim. He has been working in the Electric Company for 11 years. He has participated for several years in a community art club and he has produced a variety of works in the areas of painting and sculpting.

 

Elah Weitztam, 32 years old, was accepted to Nitzan Onim 11 years ago and lives today in satellite housing in Kefar Saba in the community housing project of Nitzan Onim. Elah works in the coffeehouse chain of "Aroma". She has learned dance and painting.

Yoni Moked, 30 years old, was accepted to Nitzan Onim 14 years ago and lives today in satellite housing in Kefar Saba as part of the community housing project of Nitzan Onim. Yoni works in the library of the School of Education at Tel-Aviv University. In addition, he regularly participates in art classes where he is able to express his impressive talent in plastic art.

Neta Shipar, 24 years old, was accepted to Nitzan Onim 3 years ago and lives today in satellite housing in Kefar Saba as part of the community residence project of Nitzan Onim. Neta is an experienced horse rider and loves animals. For the past year and a half she has worked as a clerk at Bank Discount. Neta's talent and creativity are mainly in the areas of ceramics and sculpture.

Tal Beirach, 32 years old, has lived in the Nitzan Onim residential center for 14 years together with his partner in a 50% independent satellite apartment. Tal participates regularly in art classes and loves to create, mainly ceramics.

The exhibition is presented in the "Galeriat HaHashmal 16", in the office buildings, 16 HaHashmal Street, Tel-Aviv.

We'd Love to See You.