located in the lush pastoral setting of Kibbutz Ein Hanatziv in the Emek HaMayanot Valley,

Beit Achiya is a home for 10 young religiously observant men on the autism spectrum.

​

Beit Achiya was established in order to enable its members to lead independent lives, each according to their abilities, with full integration into the kibbutz community life, employment, study and leisure.

In addition, an extensive range of cultural and educational enrichment activities and classes are available to the men in the afternoon and evening.

​

Our vision is to create a community where people with special needs are fully integrated into the normative community's life. The reality of living together – people with special needs next to members of the normative community including children, youth and adults of all ages and occupations, creates

a tapestry of mutual acceptance and giving. The overall community accepts and embraces its special residents, integrating them into all fabrics of community life: events, festivals, daily gatherings, children and youth activities, and more.

​

Kibbutz Ein HaNatziv is a national religious kibbutz near Beit Shean, part of the Kibbutz HaDati movement, with approximately 140 families. Beit Achiya was the initiative of several Kibbutz members who harnessed the entire Kibbutz community to support their vision:
"To aspire to educate our children to a life of social activity. Living within a diverse community instills tolerance, love and consideration for others. We are aware of the simple truth that the two communities (Kibbutz members and Achiya members) enrich and contribute just the same to one another".

​

Life on the kibbutz allows members of Beit Achiya to choose how to fulfill themselves within the spirit of Torah and Avodah (Labor). They participate in the full social and religious life of the Kibbutz, attend classes and cultural activities and most importantly – select their place of work from within the Kibbutz framework or work nearby in the vicinity of the Kibbutz.

​

Beit Achiya residents live independently and are personally supported by the full range of professional staff to assist them in all aspects of their daily activity and development.

​

Beit Achiya joins House on the Gilboa in Kibbutz Merav for religious young women. Both operate under the full supervision of Kamah and provide a much-needed solution for rehabilitative programs catering to religiously observant adults with developmental disabilities. Beit Achiya and House on the Gilboa enjoy many joint programs and social activities, including trips, mutual visits, studies and more.