Palestinians’ New Method Of Encroaching On Israeli Land: B&Bs
September 21, 2023
The Regavim watchdog reports a systematic expansion of these vacation accommodations.
Menu
Popular Articles
Read More »
Anti-Israel Activists Promote Israel’s Destruction And Antisemitism
September 21, 2023
Prominent Canadian Anti-Israel Activists Spread Hatred on Media Platforms
Nazism’s Legacy In The Arab World
September 21, 2023
A new book shows that Arab antisemitism is not a backlash but the cause of the conflict with Israel.
A Renewed Call For UNRWA Policy Change: From Incitement To Peace
September 21, 2023
As Yom Kippur approaches, we reflect on our efforts to expose and change UNRWA’s policies.
An Armenian Leader’s False Holocaust Analogy
September 21, 2023
The American Jewish community must condemn Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s comparison of the situation in Karabakh to Hitler’s ghettos.
Ben Ezra Synagogue In Cairo Reopens After Significant Restoration
September 21, 2023
The current building dates to the late 19th century, though the synagogue’s origins trace all the way back to Maimonides and the Middle Ages.
Israeli-American Council (IAC) Appoints Elan Carr As CEO
September 21, 2023
Former U.S. Special Envoy Takes the Helm of Prominent Israeli-American Organization
Making Investments, Collecting Dividends
September 21, 2023
Reflecting on Life’s Investments and Dividends
World’s Largest Sukkah Returns To Jerusalem
September 21, 2023
The structure outside city hall will have a capacity of 650 people.
JCC Chicago Honors Outstanding Early Childhood Educators With Spirit Of Sheva Awards
September 21, 2023
Eight dedicated educators recognized for their commitment to nurturing young learners and fostering excellence in early childhood education.
Injured IDF veterans, competing for the first time, embrace the spirit of resilience and unity in the international arena of the Invictus Games.
- 14 September 2023
- 3:05 am
Click an icon above to share, email, or save this article
- 14 September 2023
- 3:05 am
The Israeli team at Ben Gurion Airport on September 7, 2023 as they prepare to depart for the Invictus Games in Dusseldorf, Germany. (Photo: IDF Disabled Veterans Organisation)
Click an icon above to share, email, or save this article
For the very first time, a team of Israeli veterans has proudly joined the ranks of competitors at the prestigious Invictus Games, held in Dusseldorf, Germany. These resilient veterans, hailing from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), have embarked on a remarkable journey of physical and mental rehabilitation through sports.
The Invictus Games, founded in 2014 by UK military veteran Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, is an annual or biennial athletic competition that gathers wounded warriors and military veterans from across the globe. The event champions the significance of sports as a potent means of recovery and rejuvenation, addressing both physical and invisible injuries, including conditions like PTSD.
Israel’s representation at the Invictus Games comprises 20 determined competitors, ranging from ages 24 to 68, supported by four coaches and staff from the Zahal Disabled Veterans Organisation (ZDVO). Among the team members are three remarkable women. These athletes are set to showcase their mettle in a diverse range of sports, including swimming, cycling, archery, table tennis, and indoor rowing.
Founded by the Invictus Games Foundation, this international sporting event has previously graced the cities of London, Orlando, Toronto, Sydney, and The Hague. Following its Dusseldorf stint, the Invictus Games caravan is set to head to Whistler, Canada, in 2025.
The inclusion of Israel in the Invictus Games marks a significant milestone. Initially, the competition was exclusively open to countries that had supported the UK in Iraq and Afghanistan. However, recognizing Israel’s rich history in sports-as-rehabilitation, the nation has now become a valued participant in this global platform.
Ora Seidner, involved in project development for ZDVO’s Zahal Disabled Veterans Fund and administrator for the Israeli Invictus Games delegation, expressed their pride in representing Israel. Seidner emphasized the role of sports in the rehabilitation of wounded veterans, echoing the sentiment that every day is “invictus,” undefeated, for these remarkable individuals. She noted the competitive spirit that drives wounded IDF veteran athletes to strive for victory.
Get thej.ca a Pro Israel Voice by Email. Never miss a top story that effects you, your family & your community
While Israel’s inaugural participation in the Invictus Games is a significant achievement, it’s essential to highlight that disabled Israelis have a history of remarkable achievements in international championships. Since 1960, they have earned a remarkable total of 384 medals at the Summer Paralympic Games, a testament to their extraordinary commitment and resilience.
To select the 20 competitors for Israel’s debut in the Invictus Games, the ZDVO adopted a meticulous approach. The team aimed to ensure proportional geographic representation across the country and sought individuals who had been practicing their chosen sports for three to five years as part of their rehabilitation journey. These participants, though not elite athletes, have demonstrated unwavering perseverance and dedication to their chosen sports.
One notable member of the team is Liran Coriat, who has used swimming as a cornerstone of her ongoing rehabilitation journey following a tragic accident during her army service. Now a 51-year-old mother residing in Ramat Yishai, Coriat swims regularly and even works as a swimming teacher for the Education Ministry. Her passion for swimming has propelled her to compete in the 50-metre freestyle, 50-metre backstroke, and 50-metre breaststroke events at the Invictus Games.
Coriat’s story is one of incredible determination and resilience. Her life took an unexpected turn when, as a 20-year-old soldier in the IDF, she was involved in a severe accident that left her with multiple injuries. Despite enduring brain and neck injuries, broken legs, and lost teeth, Coriat’s spirit remained unbroken. Her dedication to swimming, a sport she had loved since her youth, became an integral part of her rehabilitation.
Liran Coriat (right) and Assa Ender (left) aim to excel in their respective sports while they emphasize the psychological and social benefits of sports participation. (Photo: IDF Disabled Veterans Organisation)
Another discipline where Israel shines is archery, and Assa Ender, one of the competitors, shared the team’s commitment to preparation. Ender, now a 51-year-old agronomist and father of four daughters in Tzur Yigal, had once been a young officer in the IDF Paratroopers Brigade. In 1993, he was severely injured during a Lebanon ambush when he was hit by a bullet that severed his femoral artery. Despite the odds, he survived and has since used a prosthesis.
Ender’s passion for archery goes beyond competition; he also crafts bows, specializing in takedown recurve bows, making him the sole bow-maker in Israel. Archery is gaining popularity in Israel, with British Olympian Richard Priestman coaching the national team, and Israeli archers earning recognition on the global stage.
While these competitors aim to excel in their respective sports, they emphasize the psychological and social benefits of sports participation. Being part of an organized activity provides them with a framework, fostering camaraderie and commitment within a team. It serves as a crucial element of their rehabilitation journey, enabling them to overcome adversity and emerge stronger.
In addition to the rigorous competitions, the Israeli team members will have the opportunity to interact and build connections with participants from 21 countries in the specially constructed Invictus Games village. The delegation will also attend a reception hosted by JNF Germany, graced by the presence of the German defense minister and key representatives of Boeing, the event’s primary sponsor.
Despite the games overlapping with Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, the Israeli team will be warmly hosted by Dusseldorf’s Jewish community for the holiday. As Israel continues to make its mark at the Invictus Games, these veterans exemplify the unwavering spirit of resilience, unity, and determination in the face of adversity.
Click an icon above to share, email, or save this article
Click an icon above to share, email, or save this article
Read More
Thank you for choosing TheJ.Ca as your source for Canadian Jewish News.
We do news differently!
Our positioning as a Zionist News Media platform sets us apart from the rest. While other Canadian Jewish media are advocating increasingly biased progressive political and social agendas, TheJ.Ca is providing more and more readers with a welcome alternative and an ideological home.
We revealed the incursion of anti-Israel progressive elements such as IfNotNow into our communities. We have exposed the distorted hateful agenda of the “progressive” left political radicals who brought Linda Sarsour to our cities, and we were first to report on many disturbing incidents of Nazi-based hate towards Jews across Canada.
But we can’t do it alone. We need your HELP!
Our ability to thrive and grow in 2020 and beyond depends on the generosity of committed readers and supporters like you.
Monthly support is a great way to help us sustain our operations. We greatly appreciate any contributions you can make to support Jewish Journalism.
We thank you for your ongoing support.
Happy reading!
Thank you for choosing TheJ.Ca as your source for Canadian Jewish News.
We do news differently!
Our positioning as a Zionist News Media platform sets us apart from the rest. While other Canadian Jewish media are advocating increasingly biased progressive political and social agendas, TheJ.Ca is providing more and more readers with a welcome alternative and an ideological home.
We revealed the incursion of anti-Israel progressive elements such as IfNotNow into our communities. We have exposed the distorted hateful agenda of the “progressive” left political radicals who brought Linda Sarsour to our cities, and we were first to report on many disturbing incidents of Nazi-based hate towards Jews across Canada.
But we can’t do it alone. We need your HELP!
Our ability to thrive and grow in 2020 and beyond depends on the generosity of committed readers and supporters like you.
Monthly support is a great way to help us sustain our operations. We greatly appreciate any contributions you can make to support Jewish Journalism.
We thank you for your ongoing support.
Happy reading!
Sponsored Content
cOMING SOON…….
Breaking News
Recent
Features
News
Current Events
Opinions
Politics
Religion
Culture
Memoriam and Obituaries
PodcastS
Subscribe Now
Receive the latest in community & international Jewish news direct to your inbox