Lilian Gandelman, a Brazilian-born lawyer who moved to Israel in 2016, has turned her personal challenges into a mission to change public attitudes toward people with disabilities. After losing her leg to cancer as a teenager and undergoing more than 30 surgeries, she rebuilt her life through sports, education, and a legal career in Brazil before seeking a new chapter in Israel. Today, she advocates for greater awareness and sensitivity, urging businesses and public institutions to better train staff in how to assist people with disabilities.

Her journey to Israel was not simple. Having never visited before, she arrived determined but faced physical barriers, language difficulties, and social discomfort as strangers frequently questioned her about her amputation. The adjustment period was marked by frustration and depression, yet over time she developed confidence in responding to intrusive questions and navigating daily life with crutches and a motorized scooter.

Despite the challenges, Gandelman has built a fulfilling life in Tel Aviv, where she feels a strong sense of belonging. She studies Hebrew, works, enjoys the beach, and has formed close friendships and professional connections. Deeply attached to her adopted home, she describes Israel as hectic yet meaningful, embracing both its hardships and its sense of community as part of her identity.