LI aids Israel’s disabled veterans

As the number of soldiers injured in the Gaza war mounts, the call to action was an urgent one. And Friends of Israeli Disabled Veterans (FIDV), which supports the Beit Halochem rehabilitation centers, has been answering the call.

Five-hundred people turned out on short notice to a fundraiser at The Space in Westbury to salute the IDF wounded.

“Before the war, we were taking care of 52,000 wounded soldiers from all the wars. With this war, every week it’s increasing, and as of now it’s over 8,000 physically wounded from the war and over 15,000 PTSD,” Beit Halochem USA National Development Director Tzvia Wexler told The Jewish Star on Dec. 12.

The event raised both awareness and money.

President Isaac Herzog address-ed the gathering from Israel on the hall’s giant screen.

Those serving in the Jewish state’s armed forces “never know the extent of sacrifice that may be demanded of them,” he said. For those injured, “their courage is not confined to the battlefield — because wounded veterans are asked to reach deep for courage every day of their lives.

“It is there in the decision to get out of bed for grueling rapid physiotherapy after another sleepless night, or a determination to boldly confront the scars of post-traumatic stress.”

Opening the event, Beit Halochem USA/FIDV Young Leader Kayla Lahijani said that “my love for Israel along with my allegiance to the soldiers is part of my soul.”

In the spirit of the lights of Chanukah, she referred to Beit Halochem as “a beacon of hope for Israel’s wounded soldiers.”

“These courageous individuals have played an instrumental role in defending the nation’s sovereignty, exhibiting bravery, resilience and an unbreakable spirit,” she said.

Speakers at the Westbury event included Amit Giant, a wounded solidier who’s benefited from services offered by FIDV/Beit Halochem, and retired IDF major general and Air Force commander Eitan Ben Eliyah.

To learn more or contribute, visit FIDV.org.