a non-profit organization, was established in 1993 by Amos Ziv following a moving encounter with a group of visually impaired teenagers hiking in the Israeli countryside. Amos realized that in order to provide these special-needs hikers with the maximum benefit of activities in a rural environment, suitable guidance and more defined trails were essential. Today, LOTEM is the leading organization in Israel offering field trips, extracurricular activities and creative workshops to people with special needs. By opening its doors to people of all ages and abilities, LOTEM presently allows more than 15,000 participants a year to enjoy nature activities in the beautiful Land of Israel.

LOTEM's facilities are located on an ecological farm in the heart of Emek HaShalom Nature Park near Yokneam. Carpets of blossoming flora, year round streams of water, mysterious caves and a wide variety of trees and flowers are only a small part of the stimuli the area has to offer.

LOTEM's leadership team includes both female soldiers in the IDF and young women carrying out their National Community Service requirements.

The State of Israel and the IDF, who recognize the great importance of LOTEM's activities, have allocated these young women to work within the organization's framework during their 2-year service. LOTEM's leadership team participates in an intensive training course that integrates a knowledge of nature with an understanding of special education and its various didactic techniques. The course is held in cooperation with Oranim Teachers' College and the Society for the Protection of Nature.

LOTEM's activities have been made possible through generous donations to the LOTEM non-profit association – registration number 58-022-816-1. LOTEM is a recognized organization for donations in accordance with Clause 46 of the Israel Income Tax Law. LOTEM operates under the supervision of the Israeli Ministry of Education.

Sorin Hershko, Chairperson of LOTEM,
is the director of a private software company. Sorin, who holds a B.A. in sociology from Tel Aviv University, is himself a quadriplegic who was wounded during the IDF rescue of hostages in Entebbe in 1976. As one who is well aware of the difficulty of accessing outdoor space, Sorin became involved with LOTEM in order to help people with special needs enjoy the beauty of nature.

Amos Ziv, Founder and Director of LOTEM,
serves as a major in the IDF reserves. Amos has a strong background in economics and business and has served as the farm manager of Yokneam Moshava. In addition to his work with LOTEM, Amos promotes the establishment and development of accessible nature trails for the disabled throughout Israel, and is a partner in the Committee for the Advancement of Accessibility in Open Rural Areas.

Paula Friedland, Director of Development,
holds a B.A. in English from Connecticut College and a M.A. in Jewish Studies and Education from New York University. She worked for many years in the field of education as a classroom teacher and as a teacher-trainer at Haifa University. Paula is the author of numerous textbooks in the field of English as a Foreign Language. She has also worked as a fundraiser for the Leo Baeck Education Center in Haifa. Paula is presently responsible for fundraising and donor relations at LOTEM.