The late Professor Arnold Rosin was a pioneer in the field of geriatrics who dedicated his life to helping people with dementia and Alzheimer’s. He was among the first professionals in Israel to develop a unique method of treating people with dementia and Alzheimer’s in the community. Inspired by the late Professor Arnold Rosin Community, Melabev has continued to develop services for community care including: Day Centers, Melabev at Home, Melabev Assisted Living, and Melabev “Peima” for young people with dementia and Alzheimer’s.
The late Professor Rosin was distinguished as a man endless kindness and love for humankind. He specialized in geriatric medicine and devoted himself to the development of the field. He was regarded by all as a dedicated and professional physician. For many years he headed the Department of Geriatric Medicine at Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Jerusalem.
The late Professor Arnold Rosin served as President of Melabev from 1981 until 2018. His unique personality touched all who knew him. He served as a teacher to thousands of students who continue his legacy. Over the years he published books, research, and brochures in the field of geriatric medicine, which will serve for many years as a guidebook for professionals in the field of aging in general and in the field of dementia and Alzheimer’s in particular.
May His Memory Be a Blessing.
Leah Abramowitz, co-founded Melabev in 1981, initially as a volunteer-run “start-up” for dementia patients whose families wanted to keep their loved ones outside of an institution for as long as possible. It very quickly became a highly regarded and innovative service supported by the social services, the municipality, and Bituach Leumi.
With her background as a social worker, Leah is focused on innovations in dementia care and in guidance and support for their family members. She presents at conferences in Israel and abroad, and organizes recognized accredited courses in gerontology.
Leah is also a published writer. She writes articles for the press, authors books for the general public, as well as articles for professional journals in her field. She has written two books on Nehama Leibowitz in English and in Hebrew called, Tales of Nehama and recently published a book of short stories based on her experience in the field of gerontology called, Aging in Wellness and Adversity.
As a result of the many pioneering and successful ventures of Melabev in elderly care, the organization was honored with numerous awards from the city of Jerusalem, from JDC-Israel and the Gerontological Society of Israel among others. Leah Abramowitz was awarded The Yakir Yerushalayim Prize.
Leah continues with her multiple professional involvements, such as counseling individuals, organizing family support groups, running courses, training student social workers and serving on various public committees.