Yishai*, who lost his arm in an accident, continues to pursue his love of the guitar by playing notes with his remaining hand and strumming using a foot-operated device. Dani* lost all five fingers of his dominant hand in a snowstorm in Nepal. As an accountant, he spends a lot of time on the computer. A specially designed glove with a 3D-printed “finger” enables him to type just as quickly as someone without a disability.
Many people with disabilities, including seniors, face limitations in their daily activities. In 1981, Professor Rafi Rozin, head of the rehabilitation wing at Tel HaShomer Medical Center, and Danny Barak, an engineer and head of the Scientific Services Department at the Weizmann Institute, founded Milbat, the Israeli Center for Aids, Construction, and Transportation for the Disabled. This nonprofit organization creates customized devices that help people with disabilities live as independently as possible. At that time, devices were sold on the market, but this was the first time someone could consult a professional about their needs and have a device tailored to their individual situation.
I was introduced to Milbat when they gave a tour to some of my colleagues who work with me at Alei Siach, a nonprofit organization established to support people with disabilities in the chareidi-dati population. I had the opportunity to speak with Anat Carmeli, the director of Milbat.
Milbat addresses the unique needs of children and adults with disabilities, seniors, and disabled IDF veterans. Forty years after Milbat’s founding, many adaptive devices are now available.
When a client consults with Milbat, they determine whether a standard assistive device can meet their needs. If not, Milbat’s in-house industrial designers create tailored solutions. Every device is developed collaboratively with medical and technical experts to ensure that solving one challenge doesn’t unintentionally create another. Hundreds of volunteers from various fields, including engineers, electricians, carpenters, metalworkers, seamstresses, and 3D-printing specialists, assist in the design process.
Today, Milbat continues its mission by addressing modern challenges, especially helping wounded soldiers regain independence. When necessary, Milbat collaborates with the Restart Makers of Heroes Program, which also develops innovative technological solutions for injured soldiers. Restart calls its program a “factory for dreams,” noting that the solutions they provide “are not necessarily life-saving, but they are definitely life-changing.” The Ministry of Defense funds these devices.
Motivated and determined, many soldiers return to Milbat repeatedly in search of new devices. Each soldier’s story highlights the transformative impact of personalized technology. A young soldier who was shot in Khan Yunis in Gaza and left paralyzed on his right side can no longer catch or hold anything with that hand. He received an adaptive computer mouse. Others have benefited from adaptive versions of everyday tools: a vegetable peeler, soup spoon, pen, and electronic notebook.
Some soldiers face challenges due to head injuries. One was so restless in bed that he frequently bumped into the railing, causing concern for his safety. An industrial designer at the Restart Studio created a wipe-clean, padded rail cover to minimize injury. It was a simple yet impactful solution.
A specialized studio customizes devices to help wounded individuals put on tefillin. Each device is adapted based on the injury: Is one hand or both affected? Was the dominant hand lost? Was the amputation above or below the elbow? There is no one-size-fits-all solution.
One soldier who suffered spinal cord injuries from shrapnel was left paralyzed in both legs and one hand. Although he can briefly stand, he cannot grip a walker because his prosthetic “hand” uses a hook. Using 3D technology, Milbat created a prosthesis that holds his walker, restoring his stability and allowing him to move from a seated to a standing position.
Two wounded soldiers are musicians, one with a hand injury and the other with a shoulder injury. One guitarist could still strum downward but not upward. A strap with a spring, worn on his shoulder, now replaces the function of his paralyzed muscle. The other soldier, unable to curl his right fingers, now uses a device that separates them, enabling him to play. These adaptive devices support their physical recovery while also aiding emotional healing.
During my conversation with Anat, a siren sounded both in Tel Aviv, where she was, and in Beit Shemesh, where I was. When we reconnected, she explained that the nearest shelter wasn’t wheelchair accessible, so she quickly wheeled a person in a wheelchair to a senior care facility across the street.
Anat shared that one of the most difficult challenges Milbat faces is when a soldier hopes to return to a level of functioning that is no longer possible. When a person who is paralyzed hopes to walk again, it can be both emotionally daunting and heartbreaking to help them accept that this may no longer be possible.
Due to major improvements in emergency treatment in the field, Milbat now sees many more soldiers than in the past. Previously, many of these soldiers might not have survived. Now, baruch Hashem, many do survive, although often with severe injuries. These soldiers are strong and determined, and they benefit from the unwavering support of the Israeli public. This national involvement accelerates important processes and contributes to significant progress in rehabilitation and recovery.
We look forward to a time when soldiers will no longer need the support of such organizations. We eagerly await the day when the war ends and every soldier returns home whole. Please continue to daven for the recovery of the wounded, the release of the hostages, and the success and safe return of all chayalim and security personnel.
Suzie Steinberg, (nee Schapiro), CSW, is a native of Kew Gardens Hills and resident of Ramat Beit Shemesh who publishes articles regularly in various newspapers and magazines about life in general, and about life in Israel in particular. Her recently published children’s book titled Hashem is Always With Me can be purchased in local Judaica stores as well as online. Suzie can be reached at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and would love to hear from you.
