(Communicated by the Knesset Spokesperson)

The Knesset was illuminated in blue on Tuesday (March 29) at sundown as part of the events marking World Autism Awareness Day, which was adopted by the United Nations in 2007in order to shine a bright light on autism as a growing global health priority.

This year, for the first time, the Knesset is taking part in the international "Light It Up Blue" campaign, in which thousands of iconic landmarks, skyscrapers, schools, businesses and homes across the globe unite by shining bright blue lights in honor of the millions of individuals and families affected by autism.

Earlier, Knesset Speaker Yuli-Yoel Edelstein hosted a group of autistic children from the Israeli Society for Autistic Children, who visited the Knesset together with members of the Tzofim - the Israeli Scouts Movement - as part of a project in which autistic children participate in various scouting activities throughout the year.

During Tuesday's plenary sitting, Speaker Edelstein discussed World Autism Awareness Day, and nine MKs from various factions addressed the issue in the framework of the "one-minute speeches." Later, Edelstein and the children released balloons of hope at the Knesset plaza as a symbol of acceptance of the other.

While addressing the plenum, Edelstein said, "I'm glad that the Knesset Members dedicated their speeches to this important topic. Promoting the rights of children, teenagers and adults on the autistic spectrum is a social mission of the highest priority. As part of the movement towards integrating people with disabilities, I am proud to mention that here in the Knesset we, too, integrate these dear people in various positions, which they fill in the best possible way according to their abilities."