On 2 April 2010, the United Nations marked World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD). This special day was established by General Assembly resolution 62/139 in 2007. And this year - for the first time - the principal events of the 2010 World Autism Awareness Day were led by Israel and Qatar
Israel's involvement in WAAD is part of its ongoing effort to engage on a wide range of issues that transcend political issues, such as issues related to development, the environment, peacekeeping, social issues, as well as the education and treatment of people with special needs.
This year, the Israeli Mission to the UN - in cooperation with the United Nations Department of Public Information and ALUT - created a special evening devoted to the issue of autism. A feature film not yet released publicly - "The Flood", staring Ronit Alkabetz, Tsahi Grad, Michael Moshonov, Yoav Rottman - was screened. The film's director, Guy Nativ, offered his insights on this unique film that focuses on the challenges faced by a family with an autistic son after his release from a home for autistic children.
The evening also featured a panel discussion with leading experts in the field of autism, along with United Nations diplomats and representative from health-related NGOs. Israel's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Gabriela Shalev, addressed the evening along with the Chairman of ALUT, Israel Borovitch. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon also offered remarks via a video address.
As a token of gratitude for their presence, participants received ceramic heart magnets made by autistic children in Israel as well as other gifts made by the children.
This year's WAAD focused on families with autistic children. The Permanent Mission of Qatar to the United Nations organized a panel discussion with leading experts to shed light on how families cope with the challenges of special needs children. Areva Martin, a noted leader in this field, was among the panelists.
Amir Weissbrod, Minister Counselor at the Permanent Mission of Israel to the UN:
"I am proud to represent Israel which is leading these events at the UN. As someone who experiences this issue on a daily basis, I can testify that an autistic child changes life dramatically for any family. Such families need tremendous emotional strength that outsiders can never understand. But with such strength, along with support and recognition from the government, families with such special needs children can lead more normal lives. I am proud that Israel, along with many NGOs in this field, offer tremendous support and help in this regard.”
Einat Kassuto, Chairman of ALUT:
"It is very important that the issue of autism be addressed at the United Nations. Autism is a complex phenomenon that transcends political considerations and boundaries, and we are witnessing more and more diagnoses around the world. Given the global nature of this challenge, Israel - along with every member state of the UN - must contribute what it can towards autistic research, treatment, and support. Parents of autistic children are hopeful that science will better understand this phenomenon so that we can offer a bright future to all. But since we cannot yet fully understand the causes of autism, we must ensure that we offer the necessary care and services to those children and families in need so that they can cope with the challenges of autism."