Today, together with Mikhail Kunitsyn, founder of the Rotary Club Tel Aviv “Elbrus,” we took part in a full day at the international ExtrAbility conference — a movement dedicated to unlocking human potential and building a truly inclusive society, where everyone can discover their strength and opportunities, regardless of limitations.
Our day began with a visit to an Arab-Jewish Waldorf school in Jaffa — a place of dialogue and mutual understanding, where children grow up in an atmosphere of respect and shared creativity. In a cozy room, we sat in a circle surrounded by the gentle aroma of fresh lavender branches. There was warmth, attentiveness, and a readiness for sincere conversation. It was in this space that the Russian delegation was invited to speak.
Oleg Kolpashchikov, President of the Ural Association of the Blind and Visually Impaired “White Cane,” shared his story. He spoke about losing his sight at the age of 20 and how he not only accepted it but built a vibrant, fulfilling life. The foundation for this transformation, he said, was something he calls the “Feeling of trust” — trust in the world, in people, and in the process itself. For Oleg, this sense of trust became a point of support and a source of growth.
As the meeting drew to a close and we were about to leave, the staff and participants of the school offered us a farewell gift — a song performed with guitar, full of sincerity and warmth. A simple gesture, yet deeply meaningful — a symbol of human connection that transcends all boundaries.
We then continued the conversation at a small café by the sea, joined by the Director of the Russian Cultural Center in Tel Aviv, as well as representatives from David Yellin Academic College of Education and the Wingate Institute. It was a vibrant and inspiring exchange: we shared impressions, explored new project ideas, and began outlining paths for future collaboration.
It was the kind of day that stays with you. A day that becomes part of your personal journey — and the beginning of many more to come.