Originally published June 6, 2010 | ShalomLife
By Rena Godfrey
Beit Halochem Canada’s annual concert and fundraiser A Celebration of Champions, which took place June 3 at the Toronto Centre for the Arts, was an entertaining and riveting multi-media production intermingled with joy, pride and compassion.
Produced by acclaimed Israeli director Roni Aviram, Champions touched audience members both young and old, showcasing a talented troupe of singers, including Omri Segal-Rosenveig, Esther Rada, renowned virtuoso violinist SanYa Kroitor, wheelchair dancer Adam Greenfeld and dance partner Neta Dotan.
Toby Feldberg, National President of Beit Halochem Canada, addressed the nearly 1,000-strong crowd, leaving the audience with much to ponder. “Beit Halochem Canada is the only organization that does not want to increase their membership.” Beit Halochem Canada is devoted to helping the more than 51,000 disabled Israeli veterans and victims of terror. All funds raised at the concert will go towards ongoing programs, services and equipment needed at the four Centres in Israel.
Five Beit Halochem members shared their inspirational stories of heroism, strength of will and determination. Shimon Navon, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Zahal Disabled Veterans Organization, emphasized how lucky Israelis are to have the Jewish people in Canada and around the world supporting them. He was joined onstage by Professor Yekutiel Gershoni, internationally recognized scholar in African History, who lost both arms and became blind and hearing-impaired while on duty in the Engineering Corps during the Six Day War. Falach El- Hiyab, an Operations Officer of the Bedouin Tracking Regiment in Gaza, lost a leg in Operation Cast Lead in 2009 and Anat Yahalom, injured while serving in the Armored Corps in the 1973 Yom Kippur War, imparted eloquent words of wisdom: “Never stop dreaming and praying for peace.” The last to speak was Eitan Hermon, who, after losing his leg during the Second Lebanon War, became the first Israeli amputee to complete a marathon. He looks forward to participating in many more marathons.
The Champions concert coincided with Beit Halochem’s annual group visit to Toronto, where volunteers open their hearts and homes to these heroic individuals acting as hosts for 10 days.