Blind Day 2023: a game of chess with Boris Gelfand and identification with the visually impaired public in Israel

Boris Gelfand , one of the greatest artists in the world of chess in the last two decades, and the greatest Israeli chess player of all time, will open the "Blind Day 2023" events this Thursday. This is the Day of Identification with Disabilities and Visual Impairments in Israel, which is celebrated on June 6 (for the symbolism of visual acuity 6/6), will open with a chess game event in Rishon Lezion involving players with various disabilities.

Eight visually impaired players will participate among the players. The players will play against Boris Gelfand as against the mayor of Rishon LeZion and senior officials of the municipality. The event is jointly produced by the Center for the Blind in Israel, Marshal Rishon Lezion and the local chess association. Open games will be held at the event open to the entire public.

Attorney Zohar Halevi , CEO of the Center for the Blind in Israel says: "Blind Day is a day of identification with the visually impaired public in Israel. It is an opportunity for everyone to recognize the abilities, capabilities and world of those who cannot see clearly. Through a game of chess, everyone will be given an opportunity to challenge himself and play while wearing a blindfold and thus experience the world to some extent from the point of view of a visually impaired person. This activity conveys a message that visually impaired people can and should integrate into all areas of life and society, given equal opportunity and the necessary adjustments."

Attorney Zohar Halevy, CEO of the Center for the Blind in Israel (Photo: Amit Halevy)