Ten years ago, a young soldier’s life changed forever in Gaza. Itai* was serving in the special forces Golani brigade during Operation Protective Edge in 2014. When his unit entered Gaza, they were bombed by terrorists, leaving Itai severely wounded, his body riddled with shrapnel.
He spent the next few months in rehabilitation, unsure if he’d ever recover, with no idea where his life was headed. Those hospital days were dark and pain-filled, but against all odds, Itai preserved and prevailed.
On his journey toward recovery, Belev Echad was with him every step of the way. I met Itai when he came on one of our restorative trips to NYC soon after his injury, enjoying 10 incredible days with our community. Itai loved all the luxuries and experiences we provided and bonded with our community in a deep and meaningful way.
He subsequently became such an integral part of Belev Echad, that I even had the honor and privilege of officiating at his wedding. It was during one of the busiest weeks of my life, but I felt strongly that I wanted to be there. I flew in, officiated and attended his beautiful chuppah and reception, and flew back a short few hours later. I was so happy to be there.
This week, I received an emotional call from Itai, now an alumnus of our program. He shared that it's been exactly 10 years since his injury and he wants to give back. Thank G-d, at this point, he is in an amazing place with a stable job and a family. He generously donated $1,800 to pay it forward to help other wounded soldiers. I told him we would allocate his donation to our food program. Every month we provide wounded soldiers with food packages so that they will have food in their homes and their fridges.
I was deeply moved by his gesture. It was a full-circle moment. Here is a soldier, wounded in battle, who received so much from Belev Echad and now he is giving back!
Could Itai have ever imagined, during those grueling days of rehab 10 years ago, that he would one day become a philanthropist for the very same organization? Imagine if he could have seen the light at the end of the tunnel during his darkest days!
Right now, there are 14,000 newly injured soldiers from the current war. If we could give them a lesson of inspiration from Itai, it would be: Look! There is hope at the end of the tunnel. This can be you one day, as long as you don’t give up.
The rest of us can learn from Itai too. Not a single human in this world goes through life without challenges. We all face obstacles and trials and tribulations. But, like Itai, there is a light at the end of the tunnel for us too—just believe in it and you will get there!
In fact, right now as Jews we are in exile—the darkest moments of exile—but there is a light at the end of the tunnel. We know that Moshiach’s arrival and the Final Redemption is imminent. It will happen at any moment—as long as we stay focused on the goal and don’t give up hope.
A little bit of Itai’s perseverance will stand us all in good stead. Yashar Koach, Itai!
*Name changed to protect privacy