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As the number of wounded soldiers from the Israel-Hamas war surpasses 17,000, Israel’s Beit Halochem centers are proving more vital than ever.
These specialized rehabilitation facilities, described as “the best rehabilitative homes in the world” by Adv. Edan Kleiman, chairman of the Zahal Disabled Veterans Organization, offer comprehensive care to IDF veterans and security personnel recovering from physical and psychological injuries.
“These homes helped rehabilitate the lives of tens of thousands of wounded IDF and security forces, as well as their families,” Kleiman said, noting that the need for their services has grown exponentially since the start of the war. “We are continuing this trend and expanding it.”
A National Network of Healing
Currently, four Beit Halochem centers operate across Israel — in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa, and Beersheba — with an additional site, Beit Kay, located in Nahariya. A fifth full-fledged facility is under construction in Ashdod and is expected to open within the next 18 months.
These centers serve not only the injured soldiers but also provide support to their families, offering services that range from physical therapy and psychological counseling to cultural activities and sports.
Kleiman, himself a disabled veteran injured in Gaza in 1992 while serving in the Givati Brigade, understands the life-saving impact of Beit Halochem.
“As a 19-and-a-half-year-old whose entire life had been shattered, it was there where I discovered life,” he said, recalling how the Tel Aviv center helped him regain his sense of purpose.
Stories of Resilience
The Beit Halochem centers offer over 453 tailored programs, from academic support to sports rehabilitation. One of the thousands of wounded who found a second chance through the organization is Capt. (Res.) Liam Spielman.
The 27-year-old Nahal Brigade veteran returned to service voluntarily at the start of the war, only to be gravely wounded by a UAV attack on November 10, 2023.
“I was in a coma for 10 days. When I woke up, I couldn’t do anything alone,” Spielman said. Three months later, he chose to move his rehabilitation to Beit Halochem in Tel Aviv. “It’s really a second home… You’re part of a community again.”
Since his recovery began, Spielman has traveled abroad to advocate for Israel and raise funds for Beit Halochem, shedding light on the urgent needs of veterans. “Only 30% of the organization’s budget comes from the government. That’s why people like me need to tell our story.”
Another wounded soldier, referred to only as Y, was critically injured during the October 7 Hamas attacks while rescuing hostages in southern Israel. Beit Halochem was with him from the start, even helping him organize his daughter’s bat mitzvah amid recovery.
“I’ve always loved basketball,” said Y. “After the injury, they connected me to a new basketball team for the war-wounded in Tel Aviv. I don’t just train — I study, swim, and rehabilitate there.”
He emphasized the importance of psychological care provided by Beit Halochem, including a new PTSD initiative in collaboration with Sheba Medical Center. “It’s not just about physical healing. My children, my wife, everyone is affected. This organization supports the whole family.”
Family at the Heart of Recovery
Beit Halochem’s model is unique in that it integrates family members into the rehabilitation process. From children’s programs to spousal support groups, the centers focus on “family rehabilitation” as much as individual healing.
St.-Sgt. Noa Cohen, a Border Police officer from Beersheba, suffered a gunshot wound to the leg during combat with terrorists on October 7. After two months in the hospital, she turned to Beit Halochem to rebuild her life. “Everyone genuinely cares. It feels like home,” said Cohen, who now visits the center twice a week to maintain physical and emotional strength.
‘We Don’t Give Up on Anyone’
Kleiman insists that the centers operate under a guiding principle: no one is left behind. “We connect the wounded to new teams, new goals. These homes play a significant role from the very early stages of recovery and continue to support them for life.”
With international attention growing, including visits from rehabilitation experts from 23 countries, Beit Halochem continues to stand as a beacon of hope for Israel’s war-wounded.
“We’re calling on all wounded IDF soldiers who haven’t yet joined us,” said Kleiman. “We’re waiting with open arms and hundreds of activities. This is a place where no one is alone.”