Deaf

Knesset advances bill to recognize Israeli Sign Language as first language of deaf people

The bill would formally recognize Israeli Sign Language while maintaining the status of other sign languages used in Israel. It would also require the state to preserve, develop, and promote ISL.

|ByAVIHAI CHIIM
Deaf actors using sign language communicate backstage prior to their performance "Luna Park" at the "Nalaga’at Theater" in the Tel Aviv-Jaffo port, March 18, 2012.
A DEAF PARTICIPANT in Kivunim's program serving in the IDF's Engineering and Construction Directorate.

'I wanted to serve fully': NGO support program enables young deaf adults to serve in the IDF

Kivunim's program is designed for young adults ages 16-26, and provides ongoing support from high school through enlistment, screening, and placement.

|ByTZVI JASPER
Passengers at the Ben Gurion International airport near Tel Aviv on September 18, 2025.

Beyond the Headlines: Moments at Ben-Gurion Airport, the Kotel - opinion

A weekly glimpse into the Israel you won’t read about in the news.

|BySIVAN RAHAV MEIR
RONI HAHN (left) and Prof. Karen Avraham.

TAU researchers develop groundbreaking gene therapy to treat hearing, balance disabilities

“These findings highlight the potential of self-complementary AAVs to reduce dose requirements, minimize toxicity, and broaden clinical use of inner-ear therapies," said the head researcher.

|ByJUDY SIEGEL-ITZKOVICH

‘Signing is cool’

Douglas Ridloff struggled through his bar mitzvah. Now the deaf performer is giving back to the community and helping kids like himself.

JUNE 13, 2019ByBEN BRESKY
HEADLINER DOUGLAS Ridloff of New York performs at the SignTalkers kickoff event.