Grant to the Jerusalem Foundation will support new accessible facility providing high-quality activities and programming for people with disabilities.
NEW YORK, March 10, 2025 – The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust announced today a $1 million grant to the Jerusalem Foundation for the construction of a new center for Tsad Kadima, an organization in Jerusalem that works with youth and adults with disabilities.
The grant will help develop the $6.7 million new home for Tsad Kadima that will serve a multitude of purposes for people who have complex physical disabilities.
Located in Jerusalem’s Talpiot business district, the 15,000-square-foot (1,400-square- meter) Center for Active Living will house a training apartment to foster independent living, an entrepreneurship hub, a gym, a technology room, and arts and therapy rooms spread over four floors.
“This project marks a key expansion of Tsad Kadima that will enable the organization to better serve children and adults with complex disabilities,” said Sandor Frankel, a Trustee of the Helmsley Charitable Trust. “At Helmsley, we work closely with community organizations to improve health outcomes, and this grant will contribute to the resilience of communities in Israel.”
Increasing capacity to better serve people with disabilities
Tsad Kadima, an organization with 40 years of experience serving people with disabilities and their families, will be able to assist 60 people at a time in the new building, a 50 percent increase from its current capacity at a rented facility in the city. Tsad Kadima will own and operate the new center.
The building’s facilities will provide community activities and programs during the day and serve as a training center for independent living in the evenings, including overnight stays.
Thanks to the widespread recognition of Tsad Kadima’s contribution to the city of Jerusalem and the State of Israel, the capital project is being implemented in partnership with the Jerusalem Foundation and the Jerusalem Municipality.
The new center, expected to open in late 2026, will include fully accessible safe rooms and shelters on every floor.
“The new building will be located in the center of Jerusalem’s Talpiot business district next to the Makor Haim neighborhood, ” said Professor Jacob Yahav, Chair of Tsad Kadima’s Board of Directors. “It will be the showpiece and gem among the nine centers that Tsad Kadima operates throughout Israel.”
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About Tsad Kadima
Tsad Kadima is an award-winning Israeli not-for-profit organization founded in 1987 by parents of children with Cerebral Palsy and professionals who embarked on a life-changing journey to bring the Conductive Education approach (Petõ) to Israel. For more information on Tsad Kadima programs and this capital project, visit https://www.tsadkadima.org.il/en
About the Jerusalem Foundation
The Jerusalem Foundation was established in 1966 by the legendary mayor of Jerusalem, Teddy Kollek. Over the last six decades, and through more than 5000 initiatives, the Foundation has touched the lives of all of Jerusalem’s residents from all population groups. The Foundation identifies and responds to the needs of Jerusalem, improves the quality of life for all residents, and creates opportunities for the city’s diverse communities.
About the Helmsley Charitable Trust
The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust aspires to improve lives by supporting exceptional efforts in the U.S. and around the world in health and select place-based initiatives. Since beginning active grantmaking in 2008, Helmsley has committed more than $4.5 billion for a wide range of charitable purposes, including $700 million for grants in Israel. For more information on Helmsley and its programs, visit helmsleytrust.org.
Contact: Michelle Tsai, mtsai@helmsleytrust.org