A Young Veterans Club group outing
Our leading-edge Beit Halochem Centres have been deemed essential services by the Government of Israel even while the country is locked down by COVID-19. This designation signifies the central role of Beit Halochem in the rehabilitation of those who have given so much to Israel.
Even during this period of relative quiet, danger remains a reality for Israel’s protectors and, unfortunately, Beit Halochem receives new members on a weekly basis. While each of our 50,000 members has their own story, we share those of four young veterans, all recently injured in the line of duty.
Philadelphia-born AVIV BAR made Aliyah as a child with her family and joined the Jerusalem Border Police when she was 18. Aviv and her unit were deliberately rammed by a terrorist driving a truck. Four friends were killed and Aviv was critically injured. Intubated and on life support, surgeons undertook the difficult procedure to repair her broken spine and leg. Aviv has relearned basic skills including using her hands, sitting, walking, and standing. “I go to Beit Halochem for treatments. My goal is to get back full function. It takes time. You live with it and you learn to accept it and make the most of it. With the support of Beit Halochem, I know it’s possible.”
At 19 years old, SHOVAL SHARR was already an instructor of heavy armored fighting vehicles. On November 12, 2018, a Hamas anti-tank missile launched from the Gaza Strip targeted his unit’s bus. Shoval was standing next to the vehicle when the missile hit. Shrapnel pierced his entire body, including his eye. With Hamas continuing to fire rockets, rescue efforts were hindered and Shoval had to fend for himself. When finally evacuated, he was in critical condition. Suffering from multiple organ failure, he underwent numerous surgeries. Despite their best efforts, surgeons could not save his damaged eye. Shoval continues with extensive rehabilitation and treatments at Beit Halochem Tel Aviv.
Born to Ethiopian parents who arrived in Israel in 1997, MOSHE DAMKA served in the Combat Engineering Corps. In December 2018, when he was 20 years old, he sustained serious multiple injuries while uncovering and dismantling Hezbollah tunnels. Now mobile after enduring daily six-hour rehabilitative sessions for months, Moshe appreciates the significance of Beit Halochem in repairing his body and, especially, his mind. Even as Beit Halochem Tel Aviv remains open, it is difficult for Moshe to travel to the Centre from his Ashdod home. He looks forward to the future Beit Halochem Ashdod. On its opening, Moshe and 7,000 other injured veterans in southern Israel will benefit from their closer proximity to the Centre.
SHADI IBRAHIM, a member of the Armored Corps unit, grew up in a Druze village in northern Israel. He was severely injured in a car-ramming on May 14, 2020 when a terrorist accelerated and drove into a group in uniform. The 21-year-old was evacuated to the hospital in serious condition with injuries to his upper body. He later suffered multisystem trauma following several surgeries – eventually leading to the amputation of his left leg. While in hospital, Beit Halochem members with similar disabilities visited Shadi. As he embarks on his recovery, Shadi has a positive outlook, “I feel good, I know I lost my leg but nothing will break me. I thank Beit Halochem for being there.”
One of Beit Halochem’s priorities is to provide support and encouragement to our youngest members through a wide range of programs appealing to their particular needs and interests. Aviv, Shoval, Moshe, and Shadi participate in each of their Centres’ Young Veterans Clubs, enjoying activities that may include wall-climbing, scuba diving, paintball, Jeep outings, and extreme sports. As these young people adapt to their changed circumstances, creating bonds and forming relationships is highly beneficial to their rehabilitation.
Beit Halochem Centres in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Haifa, Beer Sheva, Nahariya, and the future Ashdod offer a wide range of unparalleled individualized therapies, specialized sports training, rehabilitative equipment, and creative/cultural activities for veterans and their families. Engaging programs dedicated to special needs and demographics are offered, including our essential PTSD support groups, Young Veterans Club, and Senior Citizens Club – whose participants include those injured in the War of Independence.
Beit Halochem is the only organization that takes care of Israel’s wounded veterans and their families from the time of injury and for the rest of their lives. With your help, Beit Halochem can fulfil its commitment to rehabilitate, rebuild, and enhance the lives of more than 50,000 Israelis who have become disabled in the line of duty or through acts of terror.
Your donation to Beit Halochem Canada, Aid to Disabled Veterans of Israel acknowledges the enormous sacrifices made by wounded Heroes like Aviv, Shoval, Moshe, and Shadi. Your support is much needed and appreciated. Please donate today as we cannot do what we do without you!
Wall-climbing is enjoyed by Young Veterans Club members