ILAN−The Israel Foundation for Handicapped Children – often referred to as the “March of Dimes” of Israel − was created in 1952 to assist children with polio and their families.  With the defeat of polio, ILAN’s mission has evolved, and ILAN now serves individuals afflicted with a variety of neuromuscular disorders, such as cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, and multiple sclerosis.  As the young people that ILAN has helped have grown up, ILAN has expanded its program to include both physically impaired children and adults.  With more than forty local branches and thirty facilities located throughout Israel, ILAN now extends its services to more than 15,000 handicapped persons, whom ILAN serves without discrimination: Jews, Arabs, and Druse − all benefit from ILAN’s compassionate care.

In 2010, ILAN, the oldest and largest voluntary organization in Israel, was awarded the Israel Prize for Lifetime Achievement for its “outstanding contribution to society and the nation.”  The prize committee declared ILAN “a role model,” carrying out its activities to improve the quality of life for those individuals in its care “with love, limitless dedication, and the utmost professionalism.”

The American Friends of ILAN was founded in 1985 to support ILAN in Israel.  Am-ILAN is an autonomous 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization with its own trustees, based in New York City.  Since 1985, Am-ILAN has contributed almost $5 million to support the activities of ILAN in Israel.

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