050-683-9259
פרויקט העצמה בשילוב פצועי צה"ל
+972-50-683-9259
"Together for Them" project established by El Ami - El Atzmi non profit organization
togetherforthem@elami-elatzmi.co.il
POB 747, Hod Hasharon, ISRAEL
Bringing wounded IDF combat veterans to schools and Jewish communities, enabling them to tell their inspiring stories.
Menu in pictures - click on the hero's picture to get his full card
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Avigdor Kahalani
Avigdor, born in 1944, is married with 3 children and lives in Tel-Aviv.
Avigdor Kahalani served as a company commander in the Armored Corps. During the Six-Day War he was severely wounded, for which he was awarded a citation, which was later changed to a Medal of Honor.
Avigdor suffered from burns on 60 percent of his body, was hospitalized for a year though later returned to the armored corps.
During the Yom Kippur War, he commanded the 77th Battalion in the Golan Heights. The tank force under his command managed to recapture the occupied positions and destroyed hundreds of Syrian tanks (about 300 in number). For his part in these significant battles, he was awarded the Medal of Valor.
Avigdor has served as Knesset member, party leader and as the Minister of Internal Security.
Avigdor has published six books and 15 songs so far.
Avigdor's Life motto:
To be part of the community. To give what I can. To proudly raise the national flag high with both my hands until my strength fails me.
Doron B. Levinson, born in 1951, is married and has 3 children.
As an IDF officer, Doron was wounded 3 times and was cited twice for his conduct in the battlefield.
After an invasion against terrorists in Lebanon on Feb.1972, he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant by the Israeli Chief of stuff, for his conduct in the battlefield. After the operations and a long process of rehabilitation, as a result of the two injuries, he returned to command his unit in the Armored corps, despite his injuries.
He was seriously wounded (for the third time) during the 1973 Yom Kippur War and was promoted to the rank of Captain by the Commander of the Armored corps, for his conduct during the war.
Menachem Begin, the former Israel PM, wrote to him: "The pride of our people rests on boys like you".
After a long and complicated period of rehabilitation, he studied law at Tel Aviv University and graduated, Cum Laude, his legal studies. He then continued his LL.M studies at the University of Michigan and did his PHD studies at Toronto University.
In recent years Doron has dedicated his life to the pursuit of peace in the region and was a member in the negotiation's team with the Palestinians on trade and commerce issues.
Today Doron is a businessman and an expert in negotiations and conflict resolution.
Despite of his serious injuries, Doron served for 32 years in the I.D.F. reserved forces.
Doron B. Levinson
Doron's Life motto:
Happiness isn't getting what you want, it's wanting what you got in fulfillment, appreciation and gratitude.
Liran Baruch
Liran Baruch, born in 1979, married to Orly with 2 children, lives in Beit Dagan.
He enlisted to the Paratroopers Brigade in July 1999.
In 2002, during an operation against uprisings in the Qalandiya refugee camp, a large stone was thrown at him, that hit his left eye.
He managed to get to safety on his own, still holding his weapon and his blood-soaked eye.
After initial treatment, he was transferred to the Hadassah Mount Scopus Hospital in Jerusalem, where he underwent several eye operations.
Following the incident, Liran lost sight in his left eye and underwent a long rehabilitation period to adjust to his new condition.
Today he is very active in the fight against organizations that deny the existence of the State of Israel and heads the Wounded IDF Soldiers Forum for Israel's Security.
Liran's Life motto:
To make from the “lemons” and what was decreed, lemonade, because in the end you sacrificed something for your country.
Niv Keshet, born in 1985, lives in Ginot shomron
Niv served as an infantry soldier and joined the Nachshon Battalion in March, 2003.
The battalion was founded to fight terrorism in Judea and Samaria, while professionalizing in military operations in urban terrain.
After training and fighting as a combat soldier, he went to a Class Commanders’ course and then returned as a Squad Commander in one of the operational squads.
During clashes and other difficult events, three of his companions lost their lives for the sake of Israel.
In September 2004, while commanding a patrol mission in the city of Qalqiliya, he identified a suspicious figure riding a bicycle. During the arrest, the rider, who turned out to be a terrorist, detonated a bomb attached to his body, severely injuring Niv.
Through this, Niv and his team prevented a serious attack in one of the cities of Israel.
Niv was evacuated to Beilinson Hospital and underwent a long rehabilitation period.
Luck goes with the bold.
Niv's Life motto:
Niv Keshet
Oren Or Bittoun
Oren Or Bittoun, born in 1971, married with 4 children, lives in Kfar Saba.
Oren served as a combat soldier and commander in the founding team of the Border Police Undercover Unit, in Judea and Samaria.
He participated in daily activities - fighting terror, conducting arrests and eliminating terrorists with blood on their hands, as well as preventing terrorist acts,which were designed and carried out, against Israeli citizens and IDF soldiers. In August of 1992, Oren took part in a military operation to capture wanted terrorists In Jenin. At the very last minute decision, his commander Eli Avram took his place as the team leader of the breach force, and he unfortunately was killed right in front of Oren's eyes.
These traumatic and difficult experiences that Oren suffered during his service, resulted in him suffering from chronic PTSD, which was officially recognized only 16 years after his military service.
Today, Oren is treated as an IDF veteran suffering from PTSD and despite all that, he does not let this condition to disable him or limit his will and capability to help others, run a successful business, and live happily with his family.
On top of being a successful businessman and having a full family life, he gives Battle Heritage lectures and motivational talks in front of teens who are about to join the IDF.
Oren published a book titled “Powder Keg” - Which tells in detail his personal rattling story about dealing with PTSD and his way to defeat it.
He also is the founder and chairman of the ”Trauma 4 Good” association, which helped dozens of PTSD victims among army and resque teams veterans in Israel.
Oren's Life motto:
Help others to help yourself – if you save one soul, It's like saving the whole world.
Roee Granitza
Roee, born in 1985, is married to Sarit and is the father of three, and lives in Bruchin, in the Shomron.
He joined the Armored Corps in 2005.
Roee was severely wounded during the Second Lebanon War in the Battle of Wadi Saluki, by an anti-tank missile.
He suffered spinal, ribs and shoulder fractures.
He also incurred burns to his face, hands and feet, as well as lung damage.
Roee spent a month on a respirator, unconscious in the ICU. He went through respiratory rehabilitation and then neurological respiratory rehabilitation. Later Roee continued treatment as an out-patient.
Sarit, who was his girlfriend at the time of his injury, stayed by his side the entire time, and in the end they married.
Today, Roee is a successful lawyer, specializing in bodily injuries and contributes his time to the education of Israeli children.
Roee's Life motto:
Be happy with what you have, and don't forget, life is too short to be angry!
Shlomi Bicha
Shlomi, born in 1978, is married and lives in Kfar Vradim in northern Israel.
Shlomi served in the Nachal brigade. During the Second Lebanon War he served as a lieutenant colonel and led a combat force that entered a house in the village of Hula, which was full of ammunition. Terrorists ambushed them and he was seriously wounded in a shootout, finding himself alone until finally being evacuated.
After surgery to remove shrapnel and bullets from his leg and pelvis and year and a half long rehabilitation period, he began his return to full physical activity, including running.
After more than 17 years in the IDF, Shlomi works today as an inspector in a large construction company.
Shlomi's Life motto:
When the going gets tough, find someone to help.
Amit, born in 1984, lives in Tel Aviv and works at Apple.
Amit served in the armored corps and was severely wounded in the Second Lebanon War when the tank he commanded on was hit by a Kornet missile.
Amit suffered from a punctured lung, smoke inhalation, burns on his face, eyes, neck and hands, as well as from sharpnels on his left hand.
Amit returned to military service after 3 months of rehabilitation.
He went to Armored Corps Officer course, he served for a year in training positions and as a lieutenant in the reserves for 5 years. Amit is still doing reserve duty.
Amit's Life motto:
He who has a why to live for can bear almost any how (Nietzsche)
Amit Maoz
Ofir, born in 1985, is married and lives in Ra'anana.
Ofir served in a combat engineering unit which searched for terror tunnels.
During operation Tzuk Eitan, a missile was fired at his force and 11 reservists were wounded, including Ofir.
He was evacuated to Soroka Hospital and later hospitalized at Ichilov Hospital.
Ofir was injured in his right leg and left arm by shrapnel, as well as in his head and ears, and underwent rehabilitation at Tel Hashomer Hospital.
Today Ofir is a Vice President of tenants at one of the largest construction companies in Israel.
Ofir's Life motto:
Stop whining' get up and do something! Other people got it a lot harder than you do.
Ofir Anidgar
Noam Dadon
Noam, born in 1988, lives in Ramat Gan.
Noam served in the elite Duvdevan unit.
While Noam was in the Brigade Commander course, which includes an academic degree, Noam voluntarily joined the fighting during Operation Tzuk Eitan.
During a long and difficult battle which lasted several hours, while managing to prevent the operation of a terror tunnel, Noam was severely injured and underwent a long rehabilitation that included numerous surgeries.
Noam returned to service in 2017 and served in a non-combat position.
Noam's Life motto:
Water dissolves stone through perseverance, not through physical strength.
Daniel Friedmann
Daniel, born in 1988, is married and lives in Elkana.
During in operation in Sajaiya neighborhood of Gaza City, during Operation Tzuk Eitan, Daniel was wounded in his hand by an explosion.
Daniel underwent several months of rehabilitation at Tel Hashomer.
After the rehabilitation Daniel began studying Structural Engineering in the university.
Daniel is now in the process of returning to serve as a reserve duty with The National Search and Rescue unit.
Daniel's Lefe motto:
More deeds, less talk
Sivan Ron
Sivan, born in 1992, married and lives in NY/Even-Yehuda.
Sivan grew up on Kibbutz Lotem in the north of Israel with his three brothers. Sivan did a year of voluntary community service before the military with "Youth at Risk," after which he enlisted in the Magellan elite unit, and was part of the "Efron Team", which lost 3 men during the fighting in Operation Tzuk Eitan.
Sivan's team encountered fierce battles against terrorists. In one of these battles, Sivan was severely wounded by shrapnel from an explosive device detonated near the building where he and his friends were staying.
Sivan underwent many surgeries as part of his rehabilitation and during that time decided he wanted to engage in education and training.
After his strength and physical health were returning to him, he decided to travel for a while. He is currently studying communication and public relations in Queens and currently works for the Friends of Israeli Scouts and helps young Jews to make Aliya.
Sivan's Life motto:
If you're not the last one, there will always be someone behind you to help.
Reuven Magnagy
Reuven, born in 1972, born and raised in Bnei Brak.
He is married to Lilach and a father of five sons.
Reuven was wounded in 2002 during Operation Defensive shield in Jenin.
Of the 14 soldiers from his platoon who entered a body-trapped building in the Jenin refugee camp to purge him of terrorists, he was the only one who survived.
Two years after his injury, he rethought his path, chose to change direction in his career. He stopped working as an industrial and management engineer, and found himself engaged in a sport known as rowing.
He won first place in the Israeli championship. He went on to represent Israel in the Paralympic Games in London, Beijing and Rio. Reuven won a silver medal in the 2013 World Championship in England.
Reuven works as Metal sports coach and manager of Israel's paralympuic national rowing team.
Reuven's Life motto:
Work hard in silence, let your success be your noise
Itai Avraham
Itai, born in 1985, married to Daniella and a father of Carmel and Be’eri.
He lives in the Golan and loves the country and the land. Itai is the 8th generation in his family to be born in Jerusalem.
Itai served in an elite unit, specializing in reconnaissance and intelligence gathering for the armored corps, and was wounded in an ambush during the Second Lebanon war in 2006.
Today he works both as a Nurse and as a Paramedic, and continues serving in the IDF as a Paramedic with the Airborne Combat Search and Rescue unit, intent on saving lives and making lives better, Giving himself to others and continuing to pass on the message of love for Israel and its people.
Itai's Life motto:
Strive to bring change and make a difference through your actions
Shahaf, born in 1988, lives in Gan Yavne.
Served in the special anti-terror unit, Sayeret Golani, as a sharpshooter and a medic.
During operation “cast lead” (the Gaza war), the team’s Staff Sargent, Dvir Emanuelof, was shot and killed from a terror tunnel, Shahaf got injured while trying to save Dvir’s life.
Shahaf got evacuated to Soroka hospital for a major reconstructive surgery on his arm, which led to five years of surgeries and rehabilitation in Tel HaShomer hospital.
Today, sport is a major part of Shahaf’s life including MMA, climbing and snowboarding. Shahaf got his L.LB, M.B.A and his practicing certificate, currently Shahaf is chasing acceptance to American universities to have his second master’s.
Shahaf's Life motto:
What matters most is how well you walk through the fire
Shahaf Segal
Dror Zicherman
Dror born in 1985, lives in Tel Aviv. Dror served as an infantry soldier in the Nachson Battalion, as part of the Kfir Unit.
Dror served most of his army service in the area of the Arab city of Tul Karem.
Dror was wounded in 2005 during the Hanukkah holiday, after stopping a suicide bomber at a border checkpoint in South Tul Karem, who was on his way to kill as many Israelis possible during a concert.
The terrorist exploded himself at the checkpoint. His commanding officer, Uri Binamo z”l was killed and Dror was severely injured.
Today Dror lives in Tel Aviv and works as a gym instructor.
Dror's Life motto:
My injury is a gift for me
Yaron is a retired Lieutenant-Colonel, still serving in reserve duty.
During an operation to neutralize a terrorist who infiltrated a settlement in the Jordan Valley, Yaron snatched a bundle of shots that hit his foot. He was forced to evacuate to the hospital where he was informed that the terrorist had succeeded in his plot to murder a mother and her son. The physical injury dwarfed the immense mental pain he had following the incident.
Yaron served as Deputy Brigade Commander, Battalion Commander and Commander of the Southern Command infantry training base, responsible for preparing IDF fighters and commanders for general combat in the Gaza Strip as well as during Operation Protective Edge. Despite being wounded in combat, Yaron also served as a Special Operations Officer in Central Command, responsible for classified operations carried out by an elite IDF unit across Judea and Samaria.
During his service, Yaron assisted the IDF spokesman with critical Israel advocacy geared towards foreign government officials including members of the United States Congress, European Parliaments, prominent academics, and senior officers from allied militaries around the world.
The President of Israel awarded the unit under Yaron's command with a special merit certificate in recognition of its operational commitment and extraordinary achievements in the war against terrorism.
Yaron's Life motto:
In a fast-paced world looking for brakes all the time, happiness needs to be organized, but trouble comes naturally
Yaron Buskila
Lior Ophir
Lior, born in 1978, at Mount Scopus Hospital in Jerusalem and is happily married to Michal and they have 4 children, in whom he invests his whole being.
He grew up in the Ramat Eshkol neighborhood in a national religious house. He studied high school for 4 years at the Netiv Meir high school yeshiva.
After a short study at the Hesder Yeshiva in the "Shadmot Mehola" settlement in the Jordan Valley
Lior enlisted in a paratroops unit and became a sniper. His team, "Bardach" took an active role in the combat unit.
Lior took part operation "Reducing Range" deep inside Lebanon. The aim of the operation was to hit Hizbollah terrorists leaving their bases in the villages. On Thursday, February 23, 1999, Lior's life changed.
Lior's commanders were killed and Lior was wounded while trying to rescue the body of his commander.
Lior underwent several surgeries to try and save his injured hand and to restore as much function possible.
As part of the rehabilitation, Lior decided to return to Torah study at the Gush Etzion Hesder Yeshiva in Alon Shvut and at the same time volunteered at at the "Beit Aviv" hostel for children with autism.
Lior studied for a bachelor's degree in software engineering and began working for Cisco as a developer. Today, Lior leads development teams in the company.
Lior's Life motto:
Constantly in motion, with the face forward towards the summit
Elyosef Malkieli
Elyosef, born in 1991, married.
Elyosef was born and raised in Kibbutz Migdal Oz near Jerusalem. He served in Golani as a platoon commander. During Operation Tzuk Eitan, while he was commanding his soldiers Elyosef faced a moment that changed his and his soldiers life entirley.
A grenade that had rolled into their armored vehicle endangered the lives of numerous soldiers. Elyosef jumped on the grenade and thus saved his soldiers, but he was seriously injured and rushed to the hospital in critical condition.
Elyosef underwent a significant rehabilitation process.
Today Elyosef is a student studying for a bachelor's degree in law and government.
Elad Horowitz
Elad was born and raised in Rosh Ha'ayin. Elad was a squad leader in Givati and was wounded in July 2014 during Operation Tzuk Eitan in Gaza by a sniper's bullet to his head. He was rushed to the hospital in serious condition and underwent many challenges during the recovery period when a serious infection caused further complications.
Elad lost an eye but continues to live his life filled with joy.
Today he lives in Jerusalem and is a second-year student of psychology at the Hebrew University.
Elior Dor
Major Elior Dor "Dubchek", born in 1987, married to Vika and a father to a boy, lives in Kiryat Ata.
Elior enlisted into the Armored Corps and fought in the Second Lebanon War, Operation Cast Lead, Operation Hot Winter, Operation Protective Edge and more.
He served in the IDF for 11 years.
Elior was wounded several times during various combat operations but managed to rehabilitate and return to full combat service each time.
Elior received numerous commendations for his actions during these operations.
You just can’t beat the person who never gives up
Elior's Life motto:
Ohad Roisblat
Ohad, captain (Ret.), was born in 1992, in Kiryat Haim.
Ohad finished high school and majored in computer science and physics.
In 2010, Ohad enlisted with the Golani Brigade, Battalion 51. After basic training and advanced training he went on to Commander's course after which he returned to the 51st Battalion as a platoon commander. In 2012 Ohad joined Golani's 13th battalion and commanded the scouts unit.
During Operation Zuk Eitan, Ohad's role was to lead the Golani Brigade into the Sajayea neighborhood, taking over a building and leading the unit into battle. On 20.7.14, during one of the most difficult battles in Gaza, his APC was hit. 7 of Ohad's soldiers were killed in the incident, one of whom was Oron Shaul. Ohad was wounded and was evacuated to the hospital.
Ohad went through two major surgeries on his legs and spent several months in the hospital. After a year of intense rehabilitation, Ohad decided the best rehab for him is to go back to the army. He returned as an officer in the Military Command and Leadership boarding school in Haifa.
After a year Ohad decided to end his military career in order to continue to his next goal: to study law and international relations in order to be an Israeli ambassador in the future and serve the country and it’s citizens in the diplomatic realm.
Ohad's Life motto:
The more you give the more you get
Elad Mei Rav
Elad major (Res.), born in 1980, married with 5 children, lives in Kdumim.
Elad enlisted in 2000, to Sayeret (special unit) Golani and served as an officer in it.
Elad fought in Defensive shield and other operations in the West bank and Gaza.
In 2007, during reserve duty, as a company commander, Elad was injured in his right leg while atempting arrest of a terrorist who threw an explosive device at him the day prior.
After returning from duty, Elad went through surgery and prolonged rehabilitation, he continues to suffer from his injury to this day.
Today, Elad works in Entrepreneurship and real estate marketing in Israel, and serves as a regiment vice commander at the Golani reserves unit, 9th brigade.
Elad's Life motto:
The greatest thing in the world is to do good for another (Grand Rabbi of Piaseczno)
Amazia Fensterheim
Born in 1993, Amazia enlisted into the patrol regiment of paratroops brigade in 2013.
In 2014, as a part of operation Tzuk Eitan, Amazia was sent along with his team, team Paz, to a site in order to blow up terrorist tunnels, which were used to smuggle terrorists into Israel.
At the 23 of July 2014, while Amazia's team were working on locating a tunnel, a powerful explosive charge was set off which hit Amazia, along with about 17 other soldiers and killed Amazia's four squad members. Amazia was the only member of Paz team's head squad that survived.
After rehabilitation, Amazia started lecturing on subjects including bravery, excellence and leadership in the IDF and the civilian world, in Israel and the USA.
Todey, Amazia is a Krav Maga instructor, military lecturor on excellence and leadership, civilian lecturor on bravery, caretaker and NLP host, and is an owner of an institute which prepares youths physically and mentally for military service.
Amazia's Life motto:
Whether you believe you can or can't, you're right. Just do it!
Elchanan Shtiglitz
Born in 1984, married to Hava with 5 children, lives in Lod.
Elchanan enlisted in August 2003 to the Armored corps' 401st brigade.
In June 2004 during a stakeout a sniper fired a shot aimed directly into Elchanan's heart. Miraculously, the bullet hit Elchanan's rifle and bullet fragments entered his palm instead.
After first aid at the base, Elchanan was transfered to Soroka hospital for bullet fragment removal surgery and medical care which continued at Hadassah Ein Kerem hospital, after which a long recovery period insued.
As a resault of the encounter, Elchanan lost a part of his motor skills and feeling in his palm, as well as remaining bullet and rifle fragments which impare Elchanan's life each and every day.
Today Elchanan is a Rabbi and educator for Zionism, Shlikhut, love for Am Israel, Torath Israel, Eretz Israel and the state of Israel. Elchanan also continues his service in reserves as an infantry regiment Rabbi.
Elchanan's Life motto:
You have a pure heart, then do!
Yaron Porter
Yaron, born in 1984, lives in Tel-Aviv and Miami.
Up until 2012, Yaron did his service at an elite classified unit in the Israeli Special Forces (equivalent to the Navy Seals, Delta force), Unit 7707, also known as The Unit for Counterterrorism.
On August 12 2011, squad of 24 terrorists from ISIS Sinai (Ansar Beit al-Maqdis) wanted to enter the city of Eilat, they planned to carry out the greatest terror attack in the history of Israel.
Yaron's team were the first to encounter, eliminate, and stop the terrorists of ISIS Sinai which until this day was the first & only clash between ISIS and the IDF.
This event and the sights he seen left Yaron with post-trauma, PTSD. From being a successful businessman and an outstanding warrior, Yaron fell into a deep pit of hell for several years, an extremely difficult time in his life.
Today he is in a better place, Yaron is a public motivational speaker & volunteering in Tracking and rehabilitate veterans suffering from PTSD with a high risk of suicides in Israel and USA.
He is lecturing about his story and he is helping to stop those suicides among military veterans.
Yaron's Life motto:
"You can't really overcome PTSD. But hey... You can learn how to dance with the demons"
Amit was born in 1996 and lives in Tel Aviv.
Amit served in the Givati Brigade, in the elite units, in the Palchan (Sabotage and Engineering Company).
After 12 months of service, Amit was assigned to reinforce Kfir's forces. During one of the activities Amit fell off a cliff. Due to the complexity of the incident, Amit could not be evacuated for more than 16 hours, and Amit was forced to stay with the unit in hostile territory for more than 9 hours.
Amit was diagnosed with a severe nerve injury and began an exhausting mental and physical rehabilitation process.
Today, Amit and his older brothers run a number of businesses. His older brothers helped and supported him greatly.
In addition, Amit is a lecturer about personal development and growth.
Amit's Life motto:
Perseverance equals success!
Amit Shmuel
Roy Grilak
Born in 1985, married to Sabina and father of a girl, resident of Hod Hasharon.
Roy enlisted to the Nachal Brigade in November 2003. In August 2006, during the Second Lebanon War, Roy was severely wounded in a face-to-face combat with Hezbollah terrorists and was hit by five machine gun bullets in his body: two bullets shattered his right leg, a bullet shattered his lower jaw, another bullet penetrated his back and came out of the chest and one last bullet hit the left arm. In addition he was hit by many shrapnels in all parts of the body.
Roy's initial rehabilitation process lasted four years during which he underwent many surgeries and medical treatments. To this day, Roy faces many medical problems and issues that accompany him throughout his life.
Roy is currently a successful lawyer and accountant in the field of taxes.
Roy’s Life motto:
Always try to be the best version of yourself.
Ron Weinreich
Ron born in Israel in 1986 but raised in the US until the age of 15.
He served in the armored corps. as a Tank Commander and was injured during the Second Lebanon War while leading his men.
Ron suffered a spinal injury due to a building that collapsed on him.
His greatest loves are music and business - and he has excelled in both.
Ron had become a renowned musician as well as being the CEO of Israel’s most extraordinary business consulting firms, developing the leaders of some of the most influential organizations in the world.
Ron’s Life motto:
You get to say how your life goes and who you are in any circumstance
Gal Roitsztein
Born in 1980, married and a father to a girl. Gal lives in Petah-Tikvah.
Gal served in the Armored Corps and during the training course his leg was injured. He underwent several operations but insisted on continuing to serve as a soldier in the IDF. His desire to be a combat soldier overcame the pain of his injury.
After an incident with casualties inside Lebanon, Gal joined forces with a rescue mission to extract his friends, and there he saw several of his comrades killed and wounded. Gal had been suffering from PTSD since this incident and was just recently recognized as such by the IDF.
After his army service Gal lived on a farm in the Netherlands where they treated him and taught him about animal therapy. Gal stayed on the farm for 3 years, and after leaving he studied for almost 7 years to become a professional dog trainer with professional therapy and service dogs.
Gal has built his own non-profit organization that trains service dogs and assist army veterans and people with disabilities to use service dogs.
Gal’s Life motto:
Start again
Steven Wailand
Steven was born in Houston, TX in 1984. His family made Aliyah to Jerusalem when he was 10 years old, in 1995. Steven is married to Ruth, and a father to Amalia.
Steven enlisted into the Medical Corps and trained to become a paramedic. During his service, he was stationed in various locations. He joined the fight in the Second Lebanon War with Palsar 401 in the summer of 2006. Two of his friends from his training were killed in combat during the war. Steven continued to treat wounded soldiers and lost his operational partner, Itay Steinberger Z"L, when their unit was ambushed by terrorist fire. After this incident, Steven proceeded to save lives and was awarded a Medal of Honor for his courageous actions. Since the events, Steven has suffered from PTSD and manages his condition via communication and therapy.
Today, Steven is a high school teacher, specializing in English and Music. He lives in Zichron Ya'akov and plans to continue educating young people about his army experience.
Steven’s Life motto:
Plan your future and count your blessing. We never know which day will be our last.
Omer Mor
Born in 1996, lives in Tel-Aviv.
Omer enlisted to the Combat Collection Corps, in the special unit called “Yahmam” – the target intelligence unit. The unit participated in operations in which they gathered accurate information about the Hezbollah organization beyond enemy lines.
Due to the heavy weights, he curried Omer suffered from savere shoulder inflammation that after few months transfer into a predatory bacterium in his right shoulder that spread all over his right hand and right chest.
Omer went 6 surgeries and the rehabilitation process that took a year.
Today Omer is studying sustainability and governance, diplomacy, and strategy at Reichman University and he is working in EIT hub Israel, which is the branch of the Innovation and technology division of the European Union in Israel. Omer is also part of the Soccer team of the IDF Disabled Organization.
Omer’s Life motto:
"Every person you meet is fighting a battle you don't know about. Be nice, always."
Hilal Besan
Hilal Besan, a Druze from the village of Yanoch-Gat in the Galilee, born in 1981, married and father of 3 children.
Hilal is a member of a second-generation bereaved family, his uncle, his father's brother, was killed in the army, and his twin brother, the late Meishar Jalal Besan, was killed in the Carmel disaster.
In 2014, despite being shot twice in the chest, he continued to function and remained standing firmly on his feet. As a result of the injury, Hilal was left severely disabled, and he is using crutches.
For his performance in the event, for striving for contact and for saving the lives of his fellow members, Hilal received a commendation from the commander of the prisons service and the exemplary decoration with the presence of the Minister of Internal Security.
Today Hilal gives lectures on dealing with bereavement, injury, and his outlook on life. Hilal gives hope to people who face all kinds of difficult situations in life, and shows them that it is possible to overcome difficulties and thrive in any situation and at any time.
Hilal’s Life motto:
Nothing is impossible, sometimes something in us has to die in order for us to live in a new way.
As long as you haven't stopped dreaming, you prosper, fly as far as you can, you have everything you need in you.
Lahav Karni
Lahav Karni, born in 1975, is married to Oshrat and has four children. They live in Mitzpe Netupa.
In 1994, he enlisted to the Golani Brigade, the 13th Battalion, and served as a medic in the battalion.
In March 1996, while serving in the eastern sector in South Lebanon, he was severly injured in an encounter with a terrorist squad, and suffered from a crushed right thigh, partial paralysis of the right leg and a wound to the abdomen.
After a long and intensive rehabilitation, Lahav learned to walk again. At the same time, he also underwent treatments at a pain clinic and post-trauma treatments.
Lahav studied a bachelor's degree in non-formal education and a master's degree in education systems management.
For many years, Lahav worked with youth at risk, out of a desire to reduce the social gaps in Israel, and to help integrate the teenagers into Israeli society.
In recent years Lahav has been working with people with intellectual developmental disabilities.
Lahav’s Life motto:
Believe in yourself, everything is possible.
SFC B.
Sergent First Class B. was born in 1996 and lives in Petah Tikva.
B. was born in the Ukraine and made Aliya with his family at the age of 12. He studied at the military boarding school "Kztinei-Yam" in Acre, enlisted in the army and served in Dovedvan, a commando unit.
After required army service B. worked in the Ministry of Defense in the Personal Security Unit and traveled the world.
The Iron Swords War found him traveling in Japan, and B. immediately returned to Israel and enlisted in his commando brigade.
On November 10, B. was injured by a bomb that was set off at the entrance to a tunnel at a mosque in Beit Hanon. B. was seriously injured mostly in the pelvis area and intestines and lost one leg.
B. is recovering and learning to walk with a prosthesis, and insists on being independent and returning to “devour” all life has to offer.
B.'s Life motto:
Life is beautiful and we have no right to give up on it
Asif Avrahami
Captain Asif Avrahami was born in 1997, lives in the town of Achisamach in central Israel.
Asif served in the Egoz unit of the commando brigade, and was team commander of his fighters. He finished his required army service in 2022 and has since been working in security in African countries.
As soon as Asif heard of the events of October 7 he returned home immediately and enlisted together with his soldiers.
After two months of fighting in Gaza, during fierce combat in El Buriej, a hand grenade went off nearby and his arm was wounded from the shrapnel.
He is still in rehabilitation but expects to resume service soon and fight on the Lebanese front.
Asif is a skilled artist, specializing in beautiful pencil drawings and wood engravings.
Asif's Life motto:
talk less, do more
Amit Steinberg
Sergeant First Class Amit Steinberg, born in 2002, lives in Ramat Gan.
Amit was born in Ramat Gan and went to Blich High School, was an exceptional athlete and skilled soccer player. In 2021 Amit was drafted into the elite commando unit Duvdevan.
On October 7 he was the company commander’s personal radio operator and their unit was sent to fight in Kfar Gaza. Amidst a viscous encounter with terrorists Amit’s commander was killed, an additional friend was killed and still another was wounded (and has been on a ventilator ever since), and Amit was wounded. Amit and his seriously wounded friend crawled to safety and found a hidden spot and thus were saved and later evacuated.
Amit loves being around people and happy social circles , is dedicated to sports and travel around beautiful Israel.
Amit’s Life motto:
Keep trying until you succeed
Tamir Dudi
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Tamir was born in 2000, lives in Gitit, and is now in the process of moving to Jerusalem.
Tamir was raised in Holon till age 18, and at that age he went to a Pre-Military Academies (Mechinot) for two years in Aderet and Mechinat Hanegev. Afterwards, he was drafted into Nachal recon and finished his training, including commander course and sergeant uprank.
He was chosen to begin officers course and during this period he became more traditionally religious and moved to Givat Harel in the Shomron.
After his training he served as a team commander in the special forces in the Nachal Patrol. He later moved as a platoon commander in the 932nd Battalion in the Nachal.
On October 7, 2023 Tamir was fighting in Sderot, and also in the kibbutzim Miflasim and Re’im. When he started fighting Gaza it was as a platoon commander. During combat with a group of terrorists inside a house in Jeballiah, he was shot in both the leg and in arm including shrapnel injuries.
Tamir loves to travel and loves Eretz Israel.
Tamir's Life motto:
We must give our all to others, always , even at our own personal expense.
Nir Sabag
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Nir, born in 1996, was born and raised in Moshav Gan Hashomron, and currently lives in Tel Aviv.
He served as a fighter in the Dudvan unit and was released after full service.
Nir was injured along with 12 of his team members during the first week of the ground maneuver in the Beit Hanon area, as a result of a drone dropping a grenade on the protected area he was in.
He was taken to Sheba Hospital with multiple shrapnel injuries in the leg, arm and back, where he was hospitalized for about two months in the orthopedic and rehabilitation unit.
Nir is currently studying towards a degree in electrical engineering and physics and works in the hardware field.
Nir’s Life motto:
Believe that you can, and you are already more than half way there
Tom Harari
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First Sergeant Tom Harari, born in 2002, lives in Kibbutz Kfar Rupin in the Valley of the Springs area.
Tom served in the Golani Brigade, 13th Battalion and was a platoon commander and then a platoon sergeant.
Tom fought in the events of October 7, and the outpost that Tom commanded, thanks to his exemplary performance, did not fall into the hands of Hamas. Tom continued to fight inside the Gaza Strip until Jan 1st when he was shot in the leg by IDF fire during an operational activity in Al Burij.
Tom was evacuated to Ichilov Hospital and then transferred to Sheba Hospital for rehabilitation lasting about a month and a half.
Today Tom continues a rehabilitation process and tells his courageousstory throughout the country.
Tom's Life motto:
Still waters run deep
Ori Ascher
Ori Ascher, born in 1997, lives in Kedomim in Samaria.
Until the "Iron Swords" war, Ori was engaged in the field of AI and business optimization.
On Simchat Torah, October 7, Ori and his tank team were enlisted to the north, where they spent the rest of the week training for the entrance to Gaza. After eight days, an order was received to move with the tank to Kibbutz Hanita on the northern border to join the war effort in the area.
12 hours after they arrived at their position, the tank next to them was hit by a "Cornet" anti-tank missile. Ori's team went to search for the shooters and took a direct hit as well.
Ori lost his left leg. Thereafter he began a long rehabilitation process, and after almost seven months, he left the hospital walking on one healthy leg and one prosthesis.
Today Ori returns to his business career. He is also busy lecturing about his injury, the rehabilitation process and how he has grown from it.
Ori’s Life motto:
Incomplete on the outside, whole on the inside
Nitzan Levi
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Nitzan Levy, born in 1994, married to Sivan and father of two.
An officer in the armoured corps, during his mandatory army service Nitzan served in the 7th Brigade, and later in the position of squad commander. Nitzan enjoyed doing the training course very much, and also fought in many divisions (all except Lebanon). Nitzan was released from mandatory service in 2021 and was immediately called up to the reserves. In the reserves, Nitzan serves as a deputy company commander in the 4th Brigade on Merkava 4 tanks and is really enjoys his work there. He began fighting on October 7th alongside paratroopers and after 3 and a half months of battle Nitzan was seriously wounded by RPG fire on his tank. A good friend was killed and the others on his team were all seriously injured.
Thereafter Nitzan got to know the world of hospitals- he was the ICU of Soroka Hospital for 5 and a half months and then was moved to rehabilitation at Ichilov Hospital. His was a difficult and complex experience in all respects: personal, marital and family. He is very grateful that he has a superhero wife who holds everything together while he heals. Today he is learning to live with his injuries and trying to be positive and help those around him as much as possible.
Nitzan's Life motto:
Life is a journey, start with a small step and in the end you will climb mountains.
Almog Zadok
Almog was born in 2002, grew up and was educated in Herzliya.
Almog, as a child, loved being in Scouts and playing soccer.
At the age of 18, he enlisted, as he requested, to the engineering corps in battalion 601. In the battalion Almog held many positions and later went to officer’s course and returned to the battalion as a platoon commander.
During his army service, his family (due to his mother's work) moved to Tenafly, New Jersey. Almog remained alone in the country, but was surrounded by family and friends who took care of him like a son.
When the Iron Sword war started Almog was commanding a track department at the BAHL”Z (Military Engineering School, where the training base for combat engineering is located). The IDF, as a result of the war, had begun emergency training for soldiers, trying to teach as much content as possible in as little time as possible, and in December the soldiers finished the training and joined the battalion to fight in the Gaza Strip.
Almog moved up to the 603rd Battalion and was given a new platoon to command, in the battles in Khan Yunis Almog was hit by an R.P.G. in the leg and in the hand and lost half of the palm of his hand. He is currently in the process of rehabilitation and plans to return to the army when he is fit enough.
Almog’s Life motto:
"It is what it is and with that we will win”
Gabriel Timchenko
Gabriel was born in 2003 in Petah Tikva and at the age of 5 he moved to Beit Aryeh, where he still lives today.
Before the army, Gabriel loved to travel, engaged in community activities as a counselor and was a Scoutmaster. In addition, all his life until the army he was involved in a variety of different fields of sports.
In 2022, Gabriel enlisted in the Golani Brigade, Battalion 13, where he served as a fighter and commander.
On Saturday, October 7, 2023, Gabriel remained at the Yiftah outpost as the commander of the outpost's standby squad. During the fighting in the outpost Gabriel was shot in his leg. He continued to fight and helped treat the wounded and only after five hours was he taken to the hospital.
Today, Gabriel is mainly concerned with commemorating his friends and soldiers under his command who fell in combat.
Gabriel's Life motto:
Only in the darkest of nights can you see the stars.
Omri Rozenblit
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Lieutenant Omri Rozenblit was born in 2001, and lives in Ramat Hasharon.
Omri was in the elite paratroopers unit and was a fighter team commander.
In the Iron Swords War, after 91 days of fighting Omri was seriously injured as a result of an explosion in a house rigged with explosives in Khan Yunis.
While buried in the ruins, lost his leg and was seriously injured, Omri displayed great bravery and courage and was able to save himself and his soldiers.
Omri is currently completing a long rehabilitation process in Tel Hashomer hospital.
Omri’s Life motto:
Always starts off on the right foot
Matan Falach
First Sergeant Matan Falah, born in 2003, lives in Hod Hasharon.
Matan served in the Nachal Brigade, went through a commander’s course, fought as a coms specialist to the company commander. He then served as the commander of a medical squad in the 932 Battalion, which was one of the first infantry battalions to enter Gaza on foot in the Iron Swords War. His younger brother enlisted, while Matan was fighting in Gaza, to the same brigade, the same battalion, and the same company as Matan.
Matan fought for about a month in the north of the Gaza Strip, with a paramedic and three medics under his command, who were an integral part of every attack carried out by the force. While the company was staying in the Palestine Square area, Matan stayed with the paramedic and two other fighters protecting and guarding Gazan prisoners they had captured. Suddenly they spotted a terrorist who was headed to attack the rest of their company that were close by clearing a building. Matan went out with the paramedic to flank the terrorist before he attacked the company, encountered the terrorist, and was hit by a bullet. Matan was indeed injured, but thereby saved the lives of the other fighters who did not know about the terrorist who was on his way to attack them.
Matan is currently in daily rehabilitation, is being treated for trauma with horseback riding , and dreams of finishing his rehabilitation and fulfilling the dreams he had before the war.
Matan's Life motto:
Do good, it will be good!
Hanoch Gutovski
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Hanoch Gutovski, born in 2002, lives in Moshav Misgav Dov.
As a child he loved to tour around the country, play outside with friends and practice martial arts.
After high school he completed a year of service in Shomer Hachadash organization and worked in agriculture in the Gaza Envelope.
In 2021, he enlisted into the Nachal patrol ("Sayeret"). On the morning of the 7th of October, he was on duty over Shabbat at the Sufa outpost and was on alert as part of his platoon’s fighter task force.
Hanoch and his team were caught in an anti-tank ambush at the entrance to the outpost and the tank they were in was disabled, they had no choice but to exit the tank and fight.
After 3 hours of treacherous fighting Hanoch was injured in his left hand but continued to fight for another 4 hours until he was evacuated.
Today Hanoch continues his rehabilitation at Beit HaLochem in Tel Aviv, works in the construction field and travels a lot in Israel.
Hanoch’s Life motto:
Only good things happen to me
Shlomi Goldstein
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Dr. Shlomi Goldstein is a dentist, married to Naama, father of 5 children and lives in Jerusalem.
After his studies at the Noam Midrashia in Pardes Hana, he studied for many years at the Tefarat Zvi Yeshiva and Merkaz HaRav.
Between 2001-2003 he served in the Armored Corps and continued in the reserves until 2012.
Shlomi participated in the Second Lebanon War and in various operations.
In 2015, after completing his dental studies, he returned to military service and performed several positions within the Medical Corps.
On Simchat Torah, when Iron Swords War broke out , Dr. Shlomi was on medical duty at the Hatmar Binyamin base in Judea and Samaria and was involved in the recruitment and preparation of the reserve forces that were mobilized for that sector. That morning he joined the identification unit 6017 of the medical corps at the Shura camp, and together with rabbinical staff performed the holy task of identifying the martyrs and the many dead, soldiers and civilians alike. This crucial work enabled them to bring those killed to proper burial in Israel in a dignified and holy manner.
During the month of December, Shlomi and a team from the unit entered the outskirts of Jabalia as part of an operation to identify the bodies of abductees. Towards the end of the operation, a mortar shell was dropped on them from a drone and Shlomi was seriously injured in his legs and abdomen from a lot of shrapnel. He was hospitalized and rehabilitated at Tel Hashomer and Hadassah hospitals for about six months.
Today, although Shlomi is still in the process of rehabilitation from his injury, he had returned to service in the army, receiving patients and working in the identification unit.
Shlomi's Life motto:
We must learn to live together as brothers, only united will we win.
Laron Schwartzman
Laron Schwartzman, born in 1994, is married to Yonit and lives in Tel Aviv. Laron is a director, screenwriter and a young film and television producer.
He served in the canine Unit, called “Oketz”, became an officer in that unit and after his release from mandatory duty continued to volunteer for the special squadron as a reservist.
Laron served during Operation Protective Edge, was called in to Operation Guardian of the Walls ("Shomer Ha-homot") and fought as a reservist in the Iron Swords War as well.
Laron's role is to command the canine squad that fights with the regular servicemen brigades and leads the forces while protecting the fighters.
After nearly five months of fighting, during his third tour, Laron was wounded in Khan Yunis after his unit, together with a paratrooper unit took over the Victory Children’s Hospital in Southern Gaza, that had been barricaded and taken over as a stronghold my Hamas terrorists.
After being evacuated by helicopter to Sheba Hospital, Laron was hospitalized for three months and underwent rehabilitation at Ichilov Hospital. Although still undergoing outpatient rehab Laron is starting to get back to producing and creating and relaying his personal war story.
Laron’s Life motto:
Keep smiling, everything gets messed up for the good.
Ben Barel
Sergeant Major (Ret.) Ben Barel, born in 1995, is in a loving relationship and resides in Jerusalem.
Ben enlisted in the Haruv Battalion of the Kfir Brigade. In the reserves, he served in Battalion 9218 of the 4th Brigade (Kiryati) as a fighter.
Ben was on vacation in Thailand at the beginning of the Iron Swords War and immediately returned to fight. After 3 tours in Gaza, Ben was seriously injured by a wall collapse in Khan Younis in December 2023.
Ben was hospitalized at Soroka Hospital and Sheba Hospital for about 7 months and underwent several surgeries.
Currently, Ben has successfully completed his degree in economics, lives with Mia, his fiancée (whom he met in the reserves at the beginning of the war), runs 10 km twice a week, is looking for a job, and is planning his wedding. He is returning to life stronger with each passing day.
Ben's Life motto:
Two people can bear the burden of their existence if they support one another.
Eyal Cohen
Eyal Cohen, born in 1982, is married with 4 daughters, grew up in Netanya and currently lives in Rehovot.
Eyal owns a start-up project in the field of consumer shopping called FID.
Eyal was enlisted on October 7 to the “Orev” Paratroopers unit.
Eyal was seriously injured on December 16, 2023 in Khan Yunis from an explosive device that, among other things, caused great blood loss. Only the resourcefulness and the unconventional actions of a doctor in the field saved his life.
Today Eyal is rehabilitating in Sheba Hospital.
Eyal’s Life motto:
"Fewer words prevent conflict "
Leading values
Love of Israel – Faith – Gratitude – partnership
Ahavat Israel - the inner force that drives the program and the wounded of the IDF, who take part in it. Love that does not depend on the people of Israel and its state - "Kol Israel Arevim Ze La-Ze".
Faith - "Hope is an act of faith". - Belief in human life, in the life of the nation, in the long-standing Jewish tradition. Belief in the inner strengths of each one breeds optimism and a positive attitude towards life. "Faith is taking the first step even when you do not see the big picture".
Gratitude - Seeing the good as a key component in life. To give thanks for what is and strive to win all the time out of a desire to increase the good in the world. See constantly the half full glass and from it, strive to fill the other half. "Modde Ani" before "Ani Modde".
Partnership - A worldview in which a person sees himself as taking part in processes and not as standing aside.
A deep understanding that partnering with the talents and abilities which are scattered around the world can lead to greater perfection. "Two are better than one".