On behalf of Joint-Eshel, the National School for the Promotion of Optimal Aging of Israel, and the Israeli Validation teachers and presenters, we wish to express our profound sorrow at the sudden passing of Yael Ben Movachar (z”l)—a woman of many gifts, a devoted wife and mother, an occupational therapist, and a dedicated teacher of homeopathy, and particularly the Validation Method .
Yael, we had the privilege of knowing you and working alongside you. Anyone who met you—even briefly—could immediately feel the deep calm and presence you carried with you. You radiated a sense of peace and grounding energy.
In every area you pursued, you brought depth, precision, and a generous spirit. You studied diligently, researched thoughtfully, and shared your knowledge with the world clearly and with care.
As an inspector of geriatric institutions at the Ministry of Health, you brought both professional expertise and compassion. You recognized the individual behind the illness and encouraged others to see them too, with empathy, dignity, and a broad, humane perspective.
At the Metav Day Center, you worked directly with people living with dementia and trained staff in the Validation Method—a method you believed in deeply. You taught both professionals and family members how to communicate with people with dementia, how to truly understand them, and how to be present with them in their most vulnerable moments.
Through your work with Joint-Eshel and the National School for the Promotion of Optimal Aging, you became an essential member of the Validation training team. You brought to this work your distinctive, honest, and touching voice, genuine and unfiltered.
Those who had the privilege of knowing you understand the truth of who you were. You were fully present. You listened without judgment. You comprehended even that which was left unsaid. You knew how to ask the right questions—and when to remain still and offer your presence.
You were authentic, sincere, and gave those around you a lasting sense of safety and trust. Yael, we miss you deeply. May your memory be a blessing.
Noga Avni, Manager, Israel AVO
Debi Pinto Cohen
Dina Shalif
Galit Samuel
Hadas Ravia
Inbal Leeom
Liat Zairi
Lina Mashkevich
Nancy Brown
Oran Aviv
