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Acessible Israel...
Israel is working very hard to become a country that is accessible to everyone, and I was part of a group who visited as guests of the Israel Ministry of Tourism this past February. For many reasons, this would be a very special trip for me; informative, spiritual, and fun.
I flew from Philadelphia to Toronto, Canada on a small Air Canada Embraer jet. If you have bladder or skin issues, be sure to check layover times in Toronto. I had a five-hour layover, but you can easily spend some of that time at Pearson International Airport navigating the long Terminals and walkways from your arrival gate to the International Terminal. Plenty of accessible shops, restaurants, and kiosks lined the terminals. One thing to note for anyone with a mobility impairment, there are accessible dining spots located in the bars and restaurants but you have to move the heavy, steel chairs labeled with the international blue and white sign for disability. When it was time for our departure, the gate agents easily and efficiently accommodated anyone needing special assistance and early boarding. Business Class seating for a 10 ½ hour flight is the only way to fly, especially when you have a disability. You have room to elevate your legs which will help with circulation and swelling. You can recline your seat to a sleep position, and rest in a wider seat. Great food and very helpful flight attendant make for a pleasant journey.
Arrival in Tel Aviv the next morning was easy and friendly. The ground crew and staff at the Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv could not have been more helpful. Make sure to book accessible transportation ahead of time. About an hour after landing, I arrived at The Prima Royal
Hotel, located in a neighborhood setting in the heart of Jerusalem. My room on the 4th floor was a small, cozy space with some modern amenities. As a world-traveler with decades of experience, I can attest to the fact that one of the most important things to a traveler with a disability is the height of the bed, and although the bed-height in this hotel was a few inches lower than ideal, making transfer from bed to wheelchair challenging, and the bathroom was small with the commode situated next to a very small shower area, the staff was very friendly and accommodating.