Photo by Sasson Tiram
1990
Nestled in a quiet, green corner of Jerusalem stands a place devoted to patience, creativity, and possibility. Here, children with special needs are given the space and support to learn, grow, and develop the skills that will help them navigate the world with confidence. This place is the Simon Rothschild Ben-Yehuda School for Special Education, an institution that for decades has provided students and their families with both opportunity and care.
The school was founded to serve children and adolescents whose educational and developmental needs require an environment tailored specifically to them. Rather than adapting conventional classrooms to students who learn differently, the Ben-Yehuda School was designed from the outset to offer individualized attention, specialized instruction, and a supportive community in which every child can progress at their own pace. Today the school serves nearly one hundred students between the ages of seven and eighteen. Classes remain intentionally small, with roughly eight students in each classroom, allowing teachers and therapists to provide close personal attention.
While students study core subjects appropriate to their abilities and developmental stage, the curriculum also emphasizes life skills, communication, and social development. These areas are essential for helping students build independence and self-confidence. Practical learning is integrated into daily routines, encouraging students to develop the abilities they will need in adult life. Alongside these foundational skills, the school incorporates creative expression through art, music, and other therapeutic activities that allow students to communicate and connect in ways traditional classrooms do not always provide.
The Jerusalem Foundation has played an important role in strengthening the school and expanding the opportunities available to its students. Its support began in 1990 with the creation of a library and a dedicated music therapy room. Musical instruments purchased through the Foundation enabled students to form a small orchestra, opening a new avenue of expression and collaboration. Over time the Foundation continued to assist the school through additional initiatives that enriched daily life on campus. These included animal-assisted therapy programs and extracurricular activities in carpentry, theater, music, and photography. Each of these experiences allows students to discover new talents and build a sense of accomplishment.
One of the most significant contributions came in 2006, when the Jerusalem Foundation initiated a major renovation project to modernize the school’s aging facilities. The building required upgrades to better accommodate the physical and developmental needs of its population. Renovations improved accessibility and learning environments throughout the campus, including the installation of an elevator and redesigned classrooms and playground spaces. Following this transformation the school was rededicated as the Simon Rothschild Ben-Yehuda School for Special Education, with the S. & H. Rothschild Foundation continuing their support for the school to this day.
Today the school continues to function as both an educational institution and a nurturing community. Students participate in programs designed to foster independence, creativity, and social engagement. Therapeutic activities remain an integral part of the school day, alongside enrichment programs that expose students to crafts, performance, and hands-on learning. The small scale of the classrooms allows educators to understand each child’s unique abilities and challenges, ensuring that progress is measured by the individual growth of every student.
The Ben-Yehuda School reflects a deep commitment to recognizing the individuality of every student. Children with special needs possess their own strengths, sensitivities, and ways of understanding the world. In an environment designed around patience, encouragement, and creativity, those qualities are given the opportunity to develop. Through its support of the Simon Rothschild Ben-Yehuda School, the Jerusalem Foundation has helped ensure that these students have a place in Jerusalem where they can learn, grow, and discover their potential.
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