“Gan HaOr,” a new park designed and fully accessible for children with special needs, was dedicated Sunday in Beitar Illit at the special child center of the ‘B’lev Echad’ organization.

The dedication ceremony drew Rishon L’Tzion Hagaon Harav David Yosef, MK Rabbi Yisrael Eichler, public figures, and the organization’s leadership. Also on hand were ‘B’lev Echad’ founder and CEO Rabbi Dovid Weitman, and the donor behind the project, businessman Tom John Or-Paz, who initiated and funded the park’s construction, together with his father, Dedi.

Joy was visible on the faces of everyone present as the children who will use the park took it in for the first time.

The park is exclusive to ‘B’lev Echad’ and was designed from scratch with special-needs children and wheelchair users in mind — not a single attraction retrofitted after the fact, but an entire park planned down to the last detail.

“Gan HaOr” adds to ‘B’lev Echad’s’ year-round work for families of sick and special-needs children, on weekdays, Shabbosos, Yamim Tovim, and vacations. The organization built its special child center on the understanding that afternoon hours, Erev Shabbos, and Yom Tov are often the hardest times for these families. The center offers music, fitness, art, and woodworking clubs, a painting program, a snoezelen room, a large playroom, and life-skills programs.

Rav Yosef told the crowd: “In the past, parents used to hide these special children away. Today, in places like this, they’re treated like royalty.” He blessed the organization’s leadership and the donor for making full accessibility possible.

‘B’lev Echad’ also runs a broad support network for families year-round: hundreds of volunteers visit the sick in hospitals nationwide, the organization hosts special events for children and families, and it runs respite stays, hospitality, and special Shabbosos for children nearly every week, plus Yamim Tovim and vacations.