Rotem Sela Joins Board of Shavim Association for Disability Rights
Israeli actress and TV host Rotem Sela has officially joined the board of the Shavim association on a fully voluntary basis to advance the integration of people with disabilities in Israeli society.
Prominent Israeli media personality and actress Rotem Sela is translating her prime-time influence into structured social action, officially joining the board of directors of the Shavim ("Equals") association. In this new role, which she will perform on a fully voluntary basis, Sela will work to promote the rights of people with disabilities and deepen their integration into Israeli society.
This move marks Sela's transition from a media supporter to an active decision-maker within one of Israel's most influential organizations in the field of human rights.
From Prime-Time to Active Advocacy
The professional and emotional connection between Sela and the association grew significantly following her work on the show "Special Interview" broadcast on Keshet 12. In this unique format, Sela guided a group of interviewers on the autism spectrum who conducted open, direct conversations with various celebrities.
Sela described the project as a turning point that demonstrated the immense power generated when people with disabilities are given the stage to speak in their own voices, without external filters. She now intends to leverage her extensive experience and media platforms to create further meaningful opportunities for the community.
The Shavim Model
Founded in 2019 by veteran journalist Idan Motola, the Shavim association operates Israel's largest news platform dedicated entirely to covering the lives of people with disabilities and their families. The website's model is unique: all employed writers are individuals with disabilities who undergo rigorous journalistic training and receive full salaries.
Motola and the association's CEO, Yuval Shani, welcomed the appointment, stating:
"Rotem's push to bring this program to the center of Israeli prime-time proves her deep commitment to the cause. Her presence on the board of directors will provide a tremendous boost to our activities."
In addition to journalistic exposures that have repeatedly led to legislative amendments, Shavim is behind the massive annual awareness project "Purple Night," produced in cooperation with Mifal HaPais, where hundreds of public buildings across Israel are illuminated in purple to call for employment equality.
This philanthropic step comes alongside Sela's business expansion. She recently entered the entrepreneurial world with the launch of Better, her new nutritional supplement brand developed over three years with an investment estimated at 8 million NIS.
