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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 .