Honorary Runners
Shachaf is a friendly and caring 19-year-old girl who has been attending Shalva's afternoon program since she was a little girl. She was born with moderate Jacobsen syndrome, a rare chromosomal disorder causing cognitive and developmental disabilities. These challenges haven't stopped Shachaf from running with Team Shalva in the Jerusalem Marathon year after year! In 2017's Community Run she had the incredible honor of leading the run hand-in-hand with Olympian Ori Sasson. And in 2018 and 2019 she could be seen dancing on the marathon start line stage moments before the race start gun went off. At Shalva she always looks out for her friends and loves helping out. We can barely wait to see what Shachaf will surprise us with in Team Shalva 2025!
Maor was born deaf, with cognitive disabilities and one leg longer than the other. Maor, who can only walk a few steps at a time, participates in the 800-meter Community Run every year with such determination, that he truly inspires everyone around him. He has now crossed the finish line nine years in a row! Maor loves running in the Jerusalem Marathon and looks forward to it all year. His energy and dedicated spirit make running with Maor a highlight of the community race. You're welcome to run alongside him in 2025 as he completes this challenging feat!
