As the Chair of the Paralympics Committee, Moshe “Mutz” Matalon (a former Chair of ZDVO) noted, “For us, (these athletes) touched the hearts of a nation, … and brought great pride to the Paralympic sport, and … and the entire country of Israel… We are extending our heartfelt thanks to all our partners who helped make this moment possible. Without you, it is doubtful this would have happened.”

The 2024 Israeli team garnered 10 total medals (4 gold, 2 silver, 4 bronze) in a variety of sports (see a full list of Israeli participants and medalists). We congratulate all of the athletes from Beit Halochem and Israel for their determination to excel and live full lives.

They not only represent Israel, but they represent the restorative services, therapies, and community that is Beit Halochem. As we have often said, at Beit Halochem, the sky is the limit. From rowing, goalball, and wheelchair tennis, to swimming, riflery, badminton and taekwando, everything becomes possible at Beit Halochem.

Gold medalists at the 2024 Paralympics from Beit Halochem/Israel include Salah Shahin and Shachar Milfeder (Mixed Rowing), Moran Samuel (Rowing), Ami Dadaon (Swimming), and Assaf Tasur (Taekwando).

The Blind Goalball team, coached by Reuven Moses and Nina Gorodsky, and led by team captain Gal Hamrani, claimed a silver medal. Team members included Lihi Ben David, Elham Mahanid-Ruzin, Noa Malka, Or Mizrahi, and Roni Ohayon.

Shmulik Daniel (Rowing), Yulia Chernoy (Riflery), Amit Hasdai (Handbike), Iran Shafir (Rowing), and Amir Levy (Badminton) from Beit Halochem also competed.

Their example of courage and fortitude brings hope for peace and justice in the upcoming New year. Let us all thank them for their example of living fully, maximizing their capabilities. We proudly salute them and honor their will to win. A special thanks to each athlete, their coaches, and to Beit Halochem.

Good friends like you who care about the welfare – and future opportunities – of wounded and disabled warriors in Israel, make it possible for Beit Halochem to continue to bring a full range of therapies and individualized programs to the 60,000 men, women and family members we now are serving.

You are a foundation stone on which we can help our heroes rebuild their lives, train in new sports, and excel in living fully. Thank you!