A helping hand for injured soldiers
TWO organisations supporting the rehabilitation of Israel’s 50,000 injured soldiers and victims of terror – the Zahal Disabled Veterans Organisation (ZDVO) NSW and Beit Halochem Victoria – are joining forces to form one national body.
TWO organisations supporting the rehabilitation of Israel’s 50,000 injured soldiers and victims of terror – the Zahal Disabled Veterans Organisation (ZDVO) NSW and Beit Halochem Victoria – are joining forces to form one national body.
Named ZDVO Beit Halochem Australia (ZDVO-BHA), it will have branches in both Sydney and Melbourne.
“I am thrilled this national initiative is happening as it will increase our communal profile and enable us to share resources and be cost effective,” said president Michael Balkin, formerly the president of ZDVO NSW.
Newly appointed executive director Evie Smith said: “The ZDVO’s four unique Beit Halochem rehabilitation centres in Israel are safe havens for the injured and their families and the unique companionship and bond between its members can simply not be replicated anywhere else. They celebrate success and achievement, never pity their circumstances and provide hope.”
During Operation Protective Edge, more than 500 Israeli soldiers were wounded, 100 of whom are still hospitalised and will soon join the Beit Halochem family.
Eran Porat, who was seriously injured in Gaza, said: “I am now beginning to digest a little of what happened, that surreal event that no one can comprehend, how a mortar suddenly hits without warning. It felt like a ton of metal landed on my head.
“I was immediately taken to the closest hospital and declared severely wounded. As I was being prepped for surgery, I received the devastating news that my four buddies had been killed. In shock, I didn’t want to believe it but had no choice. After my eight hour operation, I was surrounded by people I love which gave me strength to carry on”.
Older members of the ZDVO, who have experienced similar injuries and trauma, visit Eran and many other injured soldiers, inspiring them with hope and confidence.
Dr Jeff Lipshatz, who will be heading up the organisation’s Melbourne branch, said: “It is our collective responsibility to ensure these injured soldiers have the facilities and support they so richly deserve. It is our duty to help them recover, and re-integrate back into daily life as quickly as possible. Whilst the battle on the frontline has thankfully ceased, their private battle is only just beginning.”
As Rosh Hashanah approaches, the ZDVO-BHA is appealing to the community to help Eran and the hundreds of other newly injured soldiers in this next chapter of their lives.
To donate or purchase Rosh Hashanah cards, contact ZDVO-BHA on (02) 8332 2614 or email zdvo@zdvo.com.
AJN STAFF
Eran Porat (right) and Rotem Spitzer, injured in Operation Protective Edge, are on the road to recovery with the help of ZDVO and Beit Halochem.
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