The opening of this branch is part of the activities which Raanana promotes as an accessible city, and which includes programs for integrating people with special needs in the community and making public buildings and institutions accessible.

Krembo Wings is the first and only youth movement in Israel for youngsters with special needs. It was founded in 2002, and has eight branches around the country. The movement's slogan is proactive integration of young people with special needs in Israeli society.

The inauguration ceremony for the local branch was attended by Mayor Nahum Hofree, Deputy Mayor Ronit Weintraub, municipality Managing Director Avi Laufer, the directors of the departments of education and social services, members of the youth movement, mentoring students and the staff of Hayovel School.

The opening of the Raanana branch is the result of a collaboration between the departments of education, social services, and culture, youth and leisure.  The Raanana branch will have 30 members, aged 6 to 21, residents of the city, accompanied by a team of around 100 young mentors who are students at high schools in the city.  The heads of the mentoring team are students at Ostrowski High School. The branch will hold its meetings in the gymnasium of Hayovel Elementary School, every Thursday between 17:00 and 19:00.

Mayor Nahum Hofree: "I warmly welcome the establishment of this branch, which will provide a permanent home for people with disabilities and give these children and youngsters a hands-on social activity and the opportunity to be an integral part of the life of the community, the town and society as a whole."

In the photo: The Mayor cuts the ribbon at the inauguration ceremony. At right: Founder of the youth movement, Adi Altschuler. Photograph: Motti Ben-Aroya