UN headquarters in New York. Photo: Wikimedia Commons.

Despite a very difficult environment for the Jewish state at the United Nations, Israel and 13 Israeli non-profits are helping even the country’s enemies via the UN’s Economic and Social Council, the UK’s Jewish News reported.

While many countries use the UN forum to blast Israel, and others have used it to formally renounce diplomatic relations with the Jewish state, 13 Israeli non-profits, leaders in their fields of educational and economic development, have been granted ‘Special Consulative Status’ to the Economic and Social Council, to assist the Israeli delegation in helping every country in need, no exceptions.

Even those countries without diplomatic relations with Israel are benefiting from Israeli know how.

A conference of the Israeli non-profits now working with ECOSOC was recently held at the Ra’anana headquarters of Beit Issie Shapiro, one of the non-profits, known internationally for developing programs for disability education and for having struck a deal with TV’s Sesame Street to create a handicapped muppet who uses a wheelchair. One of its landmark programs is Park Chaverim, Israel’s first inclusive and accessible playground for healthy and handicapped children that is now being replicated in 30 Israeli cities.

After the Beit Issie Shapiro presentation, an envoy from Lebanon stepped up to ask for more information, the Jewish News said.

See a video about Israel’s Park Chaverim below: