A few days ago we learned that the residents of Neot Hadassah, who were required to evacuate the facility due to the war, were told that the institution will be shut down permanently, and that they are required to move elsewhere. This was done without an orderly process, hastily, and without offering most of the residents services that would enable them to actualize their basic right to live independently in the community, in contradiction to the law. This also contravenes the recommendations of the Dotan Committee in the matter of closing institutions for people with disabilities, which were adopted by the Minister of Welfare. Furthermore, from information received, pressure was applied to the residents to relocate to other institutions, letting them understand that failing to act quickly would result in their having to settle for a placement less suitable for them.
Thus, the Neot Hadassah residents’ evacuation was conducted in a deficient manner, lacking consideration and respect for the residents’ needs. 
In an urgent letter we sent to the Director of the Ministry of Welfare and to the head of the Disabilities Administration, we requested immediate cessation of the process of transferring Neot Hadassah residents to other residential arrangements as was carried out. Instead we asked for other actions to be taken, among them:
*To instruct all who are in charge of the process, to immediately stop all attempts to apply pressure on the residents to move to other institutions
*To conduct an assessment of the wants and needs of each individual resident and determine the best solution for each
*To offer each of the residents suitable options for living in the community while giving explanations for each option

Eight years ago this seemed a remote fantasy: after a long process led by B!zchut along with other organizations promoting the rights of people with disabilities, the Knesset approved in 2016 an amendment to the Law of Legal Capacity and Guardianship recognizing supported decision-making as an alternative to appointing a guardian. This was the start of a real revolution, although achieving the change appeared still distant. In Israel there are about 70,000 people under Guardianship. When a person has a guardian appointed, the former’s personal autonomy is seriously harmed: requiring the guardian’s approval for almost all actions – small as well as large. Many people with disabilities are strongly opposed to the institution of guardianship and the negation of freedoms it imposes. In the model of supported decision-making, by contrast, the idea is that if a person has difficulty making decisions about his or her life, they need assistance in the decision making process rather than someone deciding for them and negating their basic rights. A supporter in decision making will help in the process, beginning by amassing the required information, understanding the significance involved in making the decision, the consequences involved, and more. But in the end, the decision is made by the person himself/herself. Only recently, eight years after the law was amended, the first discussion on the regulation took place! The regulations are meant to establish who can become a supporter in decision-making, what the role involves, what training is required, and more. We will continue to take part in the discussions.