Navigating life with decreased eyesight has led me to an incredible partner: my first guide dog, Izik. Where I once moved slowly with a cane, our pace now feels fast and confident. On a recent walk through Rehovot, Izik’s speed and precision were remarkable, likely due to his thorough training on this route.
My roots trace back to Kiryat Haim, near Haifa, where I’ve spent most of my adult life. Public transportation, namely trains and buses, has been essential for my daily commute and frequent walking. I grew up in Bat Shlomo, a moshav founded by Baroness Rothschild in the late 1800s and early 1900s, surrounded by nature but with limited public transport options—a challenge for someone who doesn’t drive.
Born with partial sight due to a childhood illness, I feel fortunate to have grown up in such a picturesque setting. My family is a small Ashkenazi secular one, with a brother who shares this journey with me. My National Service was spent in the north of Israel, working with bar mitzvah-aged teens at a village library, where I taught history. This experience, though challenging, was formative, and my vision impairment never held me back.
At twenty, I received a formal diagnosis of my visual impairment, which led to many years of relying on a white cane. Recently, I chose to enhance my mobility and independence with a guide dog. Izik has been a game-changer, offering both safety and a swifter pace.
Academically, I pursued my BA in Jewish People’s History and History of Israel at Haifa University. My fascination with English and British history finds its outlet in audiobooks about these topics, and I’m an avid fan of 80s music, especially Duran Duran. My love for British culture has even taken me to London, fulfilling a long-standing dream.
Professionally, I work at the Electric Company, managing bills, payments, and legal actions related to unpaid accounts. My role involves meticulous fact-checking and documentation, often handling around twenty cases a day. This detailed work, though challenging, is rewarding. I’ve been with the company for ten years, having settled in the northern Haifa area post-graduation, marriage, and job finding.
Navigating life with a disability here in Israel requires perseverance, particularly when advocating for my own rights and those of my wife, Nofar, who uses a wheelchair due to cerebral palsy. Our efforts are sometimes frustrating, but we ultimately secure the support we need.
Adapting to life with Izik has been transformative. He brings joy, though he has a cheeky side, occasionally indulging in my socks and Crocs. His playful nature shines in the dog park we frequent with Nofar, located just ten minutes from our home. With an adaptive car, we explore both local and national hiking spots.
Izik’s presence has profoundly impacted my life, connecting me with many curious individuals who are eager to learn about his role. Each interaction reinforces the positive change he has brought into my world.