During times of calm or conflict, terror is always a reality facing Israel. Beit Halochem, unfortunately, receives new members on a weekly basis through continuous incidents of rock throwing, stabbings, and car/truck rammings. During the recent Operation Guardian of the Walls, Israelis were killed and injured. Some will join Beit Halochem in the coming months. While each of our disabled veterans has their own story, we share those of three who have been injured under diverse circumstances.
In August 2011, Nati Hakshur was with a friend outside his Beer Sheva home. Suddenly, rockets were launched from Gaza. Having no time to reach the bomb shelter, they lay on the ground. Nati recalls hearing, “blasts over our heads. We looked up and saw the Iron Dome filling the sky with light.” It was then that a rocket exploded and Nati was thrown several metres. On the ground, he saw his right leg lying beside him. He was in critical condition when he arrived at the hospital; he had lost his right leg and much blood. The doctors fought to save his left leg. For months, Nati endured multiple surgeries, fevers, infections, and crushing anxiety over whether he would walk again. He and his family were devastated, but his outlook changed when he went to Beit Halochem.
“I was given the greatest support. I met so many people who were there for me. To see them with injuries like mine and getting on with their lives – they helped me nearly as much as the physical rehabilitation.” In the 10 years since the rocket changed his life, he says, “Beit Halochem gave me many tools. I’m doing things I never thought possible.” Being a happily married father of two children as well as a mentor to the newly injured are among his proudest accomplishments. (Watch as Nati tells more of his story below.)
Susana Semenduev made aliyah with her family from the former Soviet Union. In 2008, she was a 22-year-old commander in the Border Police, the unit that prevents terrorists from infiltrating Israel. When a gunman opened fire at a checkpoint on the outskirts of Jerusalem, a unit member was killed instantly and Susana was seriously wounded by four bullets – hitting her in the head and chest and crushing most of the bones in her left arm. Fearing her fallen friend’s body would be kidnapped, Susana, lying injured on the ground, shot at the terrorist and caused him to flee. She underwent several procedures, including cranial surgery. For a time, blindness seemed likely. Following a lengthy hospitalization, Susana continued rehabilitation at Beit Halochem Tel Aviv, including physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, and occupational therapy treatments. Today, her vision and range of movement in her arm remain diminished. A practicing attorney-at-law, Susana says her dreams are simply, “To succeed in my profession, have a family, and accept my injury.” (Watch as Susana tells more of her story below.)
Yoseph Haddad was an 18-year-old from Nazareth when he enlisted in the Golani Brigade. Though not required to as a Christian Arab, he volunteered to serve his country. Just four days before the Second Lebanon War (2006) ceasefire, his squad was hit by a Hezbollah missile. Several of his friends were killed and Yoseph suffered serious injuries over his entire body, including the severing of his leg. Following surgery that successfully reattached his limb, he faced intense rehabilitation for nearly a year. The experience of serving with and commanding his Jewish comrades, and being treated so skilfully at Beit Halochem, led him to dedicate his life to accurately represent Israel and the relationships between its Jews and Arabs. As an internationally renowned social activist and media personality, his observations and insightful comments were in constant demand during Operation Guardian of the Walls. Yoseph is still defending his beloved home – now travelling the world to fight antisemitism and anti-Israel lies. (Watch as Yoseph tells more of his story below.)
Leading-edge Beit Halochem Centres in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Haifa, Beer Sheva, and the future Ashdod provide a wide range of exceptional rehabilitative services, including physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, specialized sports equipment and training, creative and cultural activities, and family programming.
Beit Halochem is the only organization that takes care of Israel’s wounded veterans from the time they are injured and for the rest of their lives. Many of those afflicted with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) experienced significant relapses during the constant rocket barrages of Operation Guardian of the Walls. Beit Halochem’s dedicated staff and volunteers were there, reaching out to these vulnerable men and women to ensure their safety and well-being.
More than ever, Israel is a symbol of democracy, spirit, and security for Jews everywhere. However, the country’s extraordinary accomplishments come with a high price. Through unending acts of terror, border infiltrations, and conflicts, the number of disabled veterans continues to rise.
You can help these men and women reclaim their lives. Your donation to Beit Halochem Canada, Aid to Disabled Veterans of Israel acknowledges the great sacrifices our injured Heroes have made, and continue to make, on our behalf.
With your support, we can fulfil our commitment to rehabilitate, rebuild, and enhance the lives of over 58,000 Israelis, including Nati, Susana, and Yoseph, disabled in the line of duty or through acts of terror.
Please donate today. We cannot do what we do without you!