Although Hanoch Budin no longer swims competitively, he continues his rehabilitation with daily workouts at Beit Halochem.
While celebrating Israel’s 70 years of remarkable achievements, this year has also been a time to acknowledge the men and women whose lives have been devastated while defending the country. Unfortunately, through many wars and numerous, ongoing acts of terror the number of disabled Israelis continues to increase.
As we long for peace, the great need to defend and secure Israel never ends. Today, with the support of generous donors like you, Beit Halochem assists over 51,000 Israeli disabled veterans who have seen their lives forever changed while protecting the State of Israel.
Beit Halochem is the sole organization that assists Israel’s wounded veterans from the time they are injured and for the rest of their lives. We support them on the long, challenging journey to regain their health and independence. We empower them to be productive members of society. As demonstrated by Beit Halochem member Hanoch Budin, in his own words, “disability cannot be an issue while fighting for a second chance in life.”
Hanoch was born in Canada in 1962 to two Holocaust survivors who moved their family to Israel when he was three years old. During the First Lebanon War, he served in the Golani Brigade. He was young, strong, confident, and on track to be an officer.
Hanoch with his first medal in 1984.
Hanoch was 20 years old when his life changed forever on June 24, 1982. In Lebanon, his platoon had been ordered to evacuate troops who were surrounded by the Syrian army. As he and his men faced an enormous enemy force, he was hit by a mortar shell which inflicted serious burns to his face and instantly severed his right hand.
“Here I was, a young man in my prime, lying on the ground covered in dirt and blood. Even as I was crying, writhing in excruciating pain, I understood life, as I knew it, was over. I knew my world would never be the same.”
It took hours for Hanoch to be evacuated and he suffered massive blood loss. Near death on arrival at the hospital, doctors determined the need to amputate his right arm. During a long, painful hospital recuperation, Beit Halochem members visited Hanoch sharing their own stories, offering insights into new realities, and encouraging him to visit Beit Halochem.
After leaving the hospital, his exhausting therapy included swimming at Beit Halochem in Tel Aviv. From the moment he dove into the pool, his talent was recognized. Training hard, within 18 months of losing his arm, Hanoch earned his place in Israel’s 1984 Paralympics delegation to the USA.
“Winning my first Paralympic medal was incredible. I had been near death a year and a half ago and I thought, ‘look where I am now’. I did it for myself but mainly for my country.”
Hanoach winning Paralympic gold in 1988.
Hanoch competed in the 1988 Paralympics in Seoul where he won his first gold medal and broke a long-standing world record. Over two decades of competition, he won two gold, one silver, and five Paralympic bronze medals and triumphed in many World and European Championships. In 1989, representing all disabled veterans, Hanoch was honoured to light the flame at the 13th Maccabiah Games in Israel.
Following his swimming achievements, Hanoch is now a sought-after international motivational speaker and published author. While Hanoch admits to experiencing setbacks through his post-injury life, he believes that “Ultimately, while you may fall, how you pick yourself up is entirely up to you.” This outlook led to his well-received participation as the first disabled competitor on Israel’s edition of “Survivor”.
Although Hanoch last swam competitively at age 39, he continues his rehabilitation with rigorous, daily workouts at Beit Halochem. “Beit Halochem is my natural habitat. While my swimming is important to me, mostly, it’s the friends I’ve made there; they are like family. The best thing about Beit Halochem is that no one feels sorry for you. You are who you are. There are programs and activities suited just for you, a framework that fits your needs.”
Leading-edge Beit Halochem Centres in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Haifa, Beer Sheva, Nahariya, and the soon-to-be-built Ashdod, provide a wide range of exceptional rehabilitative services, including physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, specialized sports equipment and training, creative and cultural activities, and family programming. Academic scholarships are available as our wounded heroes strive to be productive members of Israeli society.
As we long for peace, the need to defend Israel and assist her injured citizens is ongoing. Beit Halochem Canada, Aid to Disabled Veterans of Israel is committed to rehabilitating, rebuilding, and enhancing the lives of over 51,000 Israelis who have become disabled in the line of duty or as victims of terror. Our succeeding in this commitment greatly depends on your support.
Israel stands strong as a symbol of democracy, spirit, culture, and safety for Jews around the world. Unfortunately, these achievements come at a steep price.
Hanoch is one of many who has sacrificed while serving Israel and her people. Please keep him and all of Israel’s wounded veterans in your heart and mind. Your support is much needed and highly appreciated.