Purple Vest Mission Saving People with Disabilities Since October 7

Jamie stands with members of the US Army’s 82nd Airborne Division stationed in Rzeszow Poland who played an integral role in assisting Purple Vest Mission at the Przemysl, Poland refugee center.

“Saving lives is priceless,” explained Jamie Lassner, Executive Director of Accessibility Accelerator, when he returned to Magen David Yeshivah (MDYES) to commemorate the first anniversary of the tragic events of October 7, 2023. Lassner previously served as Director of Student Life at the school.

At this visit he shared stories about community and resilience of those impacted and those supporting people in Israel touched by the ongoing crisis. He specifically shared details on Access Israel/Accessibility Accelerator Purple Vest Mission that has been bringing people with disabilities and the elderly to safer places since that fateful morning more than a year ago. Reflecting on this poignant occasion, he shared, “It was good to be back with the MDY Family to share about the vital work we are doing and receive heartfelt comments and chizuk from the students, teachers, and former colleagues.”

The Genesis of the Purple Vest
Mission in Israel

Just 43 minutes after the first alarm sounded on Black Saturday, October 7, 2023, Access Israel, the collaborative partner of Accessibility Accelerator, activated the Purple Vest Mission, launching an emergency call center specifically designed to assist individuals with disabilities and the elderly. This initiative leverages the organization’s extensive experience in emergency situations and continues to be used to evacuate many using customized accessible transportation vehicles. Since the launch, Access Israel has trained over 1,500 volunteers who form the backbone of the Purple Vest Mission.

The Purple Vest Mission is unique in its innovative approach to evacuation. They have helped people who are bedridden, who sit in a wheelchair, who are deaf and may not have heard the sirens, and those who may be blind or have difficulty getting to shelter quickly. Instead of transporting evacuees to crowded refugee centers lacking proper support for each person’s situation, volunteers relocate individuals to accessible hotels in safer cities while acknowledging the ongoing threat of air strikes.

The dedication of the Purple Vest Mission volunteers extends well beyond immediate evacuations as they maintain regular contact with evacuees to ensure their medical and everyday needs are met. As many evacuees express a desire to return home, Access Israel collaborates closely with local municipalities to guarantee safe returns and provide shelter for all. This long-term support is vital, fostering a sense of stability and security in a time of uncertainty.

A ‘Quiet Day’ in Akko in Late September 2024

Reflecting on a recent mission, Lassner shared, “I was humbled to have helped evacuate and to visit some of the individuals our Purple Vest Mission has helped.” These encounters reinforced his dedication to their mission and highlighted the bond shared between volunteers and the gratitude of those they assist. The personal stories of resilience and hope, such as that of a woman from Akko, illustrate the profound impact of their work.

Jamie had the opportunity to evacuate a woman from Akko on a relatively ‘quiet’ day alongside Chef Dani Portush, one of Israel’s premier caterers. Lassner describes him as “an angel with a remarkably caring heart.”

Since October 7, Dani quietly but emotionally shared, “I have driven over 3,300 miles across the roads of Israel in the Purple Vest Mission’s accessible vans, solely to evacuate and relocate individuals with disabilities to safer areas.” His unwavering dedication is palpable; it’s evident that he views this mission as a profound calling, one he believes Hashem chose him to fulfill.

Both Lassner and Portush firmly believe that G-d chose them to go into Akko on that specific ‘quiet day’ because the following day, 35 missiles from Lebanon were launched at Akko.

Addressing Critical Needs

As of October 7, 2024, the Purple Vest Mission has provided crucial support to 343 families, benefiting over 3,100 individuals with disabilities and the elderly. It still manages a multitude of daily inquiries for assistance. Michal Rimon, CEO of Access Israel and the visionary behind the Purple Vest Mission, passionately stated, “The names of those we have assisted are not just entries in an Excel spreadsheet; they are beloved individuals with unique needs. We address all types of disabilities—physical, cognitive, mental, invisible, and visible—ensuring comprehensive support.” The organizations’ holistic approach enables them to cater to a wide range of needs, fostering an environment where everyone can thrive.

Access Israel and their North American collaborative partner Accessibility Accelerator are dedicated to promoting accessibility and inclusion to enhance the quality of life for people with disabilities and the elderly and their Purple Vest Mission strives to ensure no one is left behind especially during emergent times. Purple was chosen as it is the global color for people with disabilities; worldwide, on December 3rd, the International Day of People with Disabilities, landmarks are lit up in purple.

Saving a Life is Priceless!

In his address to the MDY family, Lassner emphasized how essential the work of Purple Vest Mission is. He stated, “We have helped many, yet we have much work ahead of us in caring for those affected over the past year.” He highlighted a new program to help with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder as it has impacted a significant percentage of Israel’s population. The profound effects of trauma cannot be understated, and Lassner’s commitment to mental health awareness reflects a broader understanding of the challenges individuals face in times of crisis. He affirmed the mission’s impact: “Saying ‘yes’ to help can be costly, but saving a life is priceless!”

Shirly Pinto, former Member of the Knesset and current Ambassador of Hasbara for the Israel Foreign Ministry, praised the organizations’ work: “Access Israel and its partner, Accessibility Accelerator, are beacons of hope in the aftermath of October 7, 2023. Their implementation of the Purple Vest Mission is crucial in saving the lives of individuals with disabilities amidst the turmoil. I am proud to collaborate with the Access Israel/Accessibility Accelerator Family.” Her remarks highlight the critical role these organizations play in advocating for some of the most vulnerable members of society.

A Legacy of Service

Michal Rimon and Jamie Lassner share another unique bond – both of their commitments to support others is deeply rooted in the education they both received at the Ramaz Upper School. In honoring the promise to be there for their brothers and sisters, a lesson learned from Rabbi Haskel Lookstein, dear friend and Principal Emeritus at Ramaz, Rimon, Lassner, and their team were boots on the ground in refugee centers in Przemysl, Poland, just a few kilometers from the border with Ukraine, actively evacuating, triaging, settling, and providing humanitarian aid to thousands of Ukrainian people with disabilities. Since the outset of the war in Ukraine, the mission has assisted over 14,000 individuals with disabilities and their families, who otherwise would have been left behind.

Advocating for Accessibility

In addition to direct assistance, Access Israel actively advocates for legislation that ensures accessibility for individuals with disabilities globally. Rimon proudly stated, “Israel is the only country in the world where every service provider must undergo annual training on accessibility.” This pioneering approach underscores a commitment to creating an inclusive society where all individuals can participate fully. Access Israel also founded the Global Accessibility Inclusion Leaders’ Summit (GAILS), promoting collaboration among over 50 leaders in the field to drive global change. The organization aims to influence policy and create systemic change through these initiatives.

Recognition and Future Goals

The Purple Vest Mission’s efforts have garnered significant recognition, including the prestigious 2023 Genesis Prize and multiple awards from the United Nations and Anthem Awards. The Association for the Rights of Patients in Israel recently recognized the Purple Vest Mission as the top provider of extraordinary patient care since the Operation Iron Swords war began. These accolades reflect the dedication and hard work of the entire team and the lasting impact they have made in the community.

Looking to the future, Lassner remarked, “Our global team may be small, but it is mighty, and the impact of our work is immense.” He highlighted the urgent need for ongoing financial support, noting that approximately 21% of Israel’s population—over 2.3 million people—are individuals with disabilities. The challenge ahead is substantial, but the commitment to making a difference and saving lives remains unwavering.

Join Us in Making a Difference

Together, the Purple Vest Mission and its dedicated team embody the spirit of community, hesed, and compassion, ensuring that no one is left behind in times of crisis. As they continue this crucial work, they are deeply grateful to the community for supporting the Purple Vest Mission now and in the future. To view more details about the Purple Vest Mission visit https://accessibilityaccelerator.org/purple-vest-mission