Leah Abramowitz, along with Professor Arnold Rosin, founded Melabev 33 years ago, initially as a volunteer-run “start-up” for dementia patients whose families wanted to keep their loved ones outside of an institution for as long as possible. It very quickly  became a highly regarded and innovative service supported by the social services, the municipality, and Bituach Leumi.

With her background as a social worker, Leah is focused on innovations in dementia care and in guidance and support for their family members. She presents at conferences in Israel and abroad, and organizes recognized accredited courses in gerontology.

Leah is also a published writer. She writes articles for the press, authors books for the general public, as well as articles for professional journals in her field. She has written two books on Nehama Leibowitz in English and in Hebrew called, Tales of Nehama and recently published a book of short stories based on her experience in the field of gerontology called, Aging in Wellness and Adversity.

As a result of the many pioneering and successful ventures of Melabev in elderly care, the organization was honored with numerous awards from the city of Jerusalem, from JDC-Israel and the Gerontological Society of Israel among others. Leah Abramowitz and Prof. Arnold Rosin were both awarded The Yakir Yerushalayim Prize on separate occasions.

Leah continues with her multiple professional involvements, such as counseling individuals, organizing family support groups, running courses, training student social workers and serving on various public committees.