5 Towns 5K Run/Walk Raises Much-Needed Funds to Help Disabled Israeli Veterans

“This year’s 5Towns Run/Walk was a terrific success,” notes Dr. Isaac Seinuk, founder and organizer of the annual fundraiser, and who is a longtime Board member of FIDV-Beit Halochem. “Thanks to everyone for coming out to support FIDV-Beit Halochem, and the brave disabled veterans of Israel.”

The May 15, 2016 event was the 7th Annual FIDV 5 Towns 5k Run/Walk, and it brought out more than 425 participants who braved a windy Sunday morning.  There was something for all ages: There was the 5K Run/Walk for older folks, and a well-attended fun run for younger children. Participants ranged in age from senior citizens to kindergarten students, from octogenarians to babes in arms.

“It is really empowering to see all these men women and children here to support Friends of Israel Disabled Veterans–Beit Halochem. I want to thank each and every one of you,” Dr. Seinuk said. “By joining with us here today, we are raising much-needed funds to help rehabilitate our heroes injured in war, military activities, or in terror attacks.”

Most important, also, is to thank our main sponsor Sholom Maidenbaum and Maidenbaum Property Tax Reduction, LLC. Sholom Maidenbaum has supported the 5 Towns 5K and FIDV-Beit Halochem for seven years. His steadfast involvement has brought FIDV-Beit Halochem to be a recognized cause in the 5 Towns.

The devoted volunteers who return each year to help ensure that the participants have a great experience are an indispensable key to the event’s success: from setting up the running course at 6AM or registering runners on the day of the event, the 5 Towns 5K would not happen without their help.

Together they spread the word about Beit Halochem: the rehabilitation centers in Jerusalem, Haifa, Tel Aviv and Beer Sheva, providing individualized therapies, classes and physical challenges, specialized team sports and training, academic scholarships, family-oriented activities, and a healing community.

Dr. Isaac Seinuk proudly announced that the 2016 5Towns 5K raised over $25,000. “You are showing the 51,000 disabled veterans and terror survivors served by Beit Halochem that they are not alone,” he said, “that we care, and that there is hope for a better future. Thank you for coming and helping!”

Crossing the finish line first was Dmitriy Krasney, 32, of Far Rockaway, with a time of 17:29.0. The first woman to finish was Lyndsey Pere, 21, of West Hempstead, 10th overall, with a time of 20:54.4.  Two of the oldest runners, 81-year-olds Carlos Morales (33.54.4) and Alan Stern (36:42.5), triumphed in the “Male 80-90 Age Division.” The oldest female participant, Irene Hizme, 78, from Oceanside, competing in a wheelchair pushed by her grandchild, finished in 28:09.5.

(click an image to view full size with caption)

The complete race results are available at www.5towns5k.org/results.html. You can view all the photographs of the 2016 5Towns 5K Run/Walk, at http://expressionscinema.pass.us/5t5k_2016/