The year is well underway and Beit Halochem Canada, Aid to Disabled Veterans of Israel looks forward to celebrating Israel’s 70th birthday throughout 2018. Mark your calendars to be part of these exciting happenings:

Our Amazing Journey to Israel mission is drawing closer and it’s evident that many want to be in Israel during this milestone year. From April 15 to 25, our trip is filled with highlight after highlight. Chief among them:  no one has more access to the exclusive Yom Ha’atzmaut celebrations on Mount Herzl than our mission participants.

Each year, our sold out Celebration of Life concerts are both moving and entertaining. Featuring Israeli heroes telling their remarkable stories of strength and determination, the event also showcases musical performances by dynamic Israeli entertainers who, this year, are joined by internationally renowned Cantor Alex Stein. Celebration of Life occurs in Calgary (June 10), Montreal (June 12), and Toronto (June 14). Ticket sales are now open!

FORE!!! Our annual Golf Tournament takes place in Toronto and returns to Kleinburg’s renowned Copper Creek on Wednesday, July 11. The day is filled with 18 holes of golf, BBQ lunch, gourmet dinner, an outstanding silent auction, and tons of prizes. Golfer registration is now open, as are sponsorship opportunities at many different levels. Take part in this enjoyable day on the links.

Courage in Motion is so much more than a bike ride. It’s a spectacular journey. This year’s event, with five fully supported routes to choose from, takes place from October 26 to 31. International riders cycle alongside our Israeli heroes, take in incredible views of southern Israel and Jerusalem, enjoy delicious food, and socialize with our disabled veterans. Year after year, cyclists and volunteers return to take part in this life-affirming journey. Registration is now open.

Each summer, Kids in Courage brings 45 Bar/Bat Mitzvah-aged children of severely disabled veterans to Ontario camps. For four weeks, these kids are simply kids as they attend Camps New Moon, Northland B’nai Brith, Wahanowin, and Walden. Season after season, Israeli and Canadian campers find their similarities outweigh the vast differences in their lives. Who doesn’t love a good s’more?!

Since 1978, hundreds of Toronto families have opened their homes and hearts to Israel’s disabled veterans. In early June, another group of our wounded heroes arrives in Toronto for two weeks as part of their ongoing rehabilitation. These men and women, who have given so much, are hosted in homes in our community. Lifetime friendships are made as we get to know them and they get to know us. These veterans are tourists in the city, enjoying the best of Toronto and nearby cities’ attractions. And, yes, Niagara Falls is on the group’s itinerary!

On Israel’s 70th birthday, and always, Beit Halochem Canada acknowledges the men and women who have given so much to defend our beloved country. Make 2018 your year to be involved!