Full Breakdown
Perach Israel Village Prepares Residents for the 2026 Knesset Election
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Initiative
More than 200 adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities living in a Perach Israel-operated rehabilitation village have set up a mock polling station to practice voting ahead of the scheduled Knesset election on October 27, 2026. The temporary station includes a voting booth, envelopes and ballot slips, allowing residents to familiarize themselves with the full voting process. Staff members guide participants through each step, explaining the right to vote, how to select a ballot and how to place it in an envelope, mirroring the experience they will have at official polling places.
Background and Context
Perach Israel, a nonprofit that runs rehabilitation villages across the country, emphasizes personal autonomy as a cornerstone of its programs. The current exercise aligns with the organization’s broader goal of teaching residents to make everyday choices—from clothing colors to leisure activities—thereby enhancing quality of life. By introducing a realistic voting simulation, the village aims to ensure that its residents are prepared to exercise one of Israel’s fundamental democratic rights when millions of citizens head to the polls on election day.
Official Statements & Responses
Moshe Stein, CEO of Perach Israel, highlighted that the right to choose is integral to daily life in the village.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The right to choose is part of everyday life in our village,” — Moshe Stein, CEO of Perach Israel
Why It Matters
The initiative demonstrates how targeted civic-education programs can bridge accessibility gaps for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. By providing a supportive environment to practice voting, the village seeks to promote inclusive participation in Israel’s democratic process and to model how community organizations can facilitate voter readiness among marginalized groups.