JERUSALEM, Israel - The Israeli Knesset (parliament) hired 15 special needs workers, who will enjoy the same benefits as other employees.

Following a ceremony in which the trainees received their badges and certificates, the new employees will be integrated into positions tailored to their abilities.

Speaker of the Knesset Dalia Itzik, who knows each of the new workers personally, spoke at the induction ceremony.

"No one can fire you. You can sleep quietly and relax," Itzik told the trainees. "Do you know that I love you?" she asked them.

Shosh Tergeman, who works with Elwyn, an organization that helps integrated disabled workers into the Knesset, also addressed the gathering.

"They receive excellent treatment here. It's really all from the heart without any pity," she said. "They are good workers and are treated well and it's heartwarming."

"They work like any other Knesset employee, with the same duties and same rights," said Avi Balashnikov, the parliament's director general.

"The Knesset workers' committee represents them and takes care of them, and the Knesset management embraces them," he said. "I certainly hope, really hope, to see the rest of the government offices and public service in the State of Israel follow in the Knesset's footsteps," he said.

Source: YNet news