Every day, Israelis serving in the IDF, Mossad, Shin Beit, Israel Police, and Fire & Rescue Services put their lives on the line to protect and support their people. Take Shiran, an Israeli police superintendent who volunteered to help identify victims following October 7. There’s also Eytan, who suffered serious gunshot injuries fighting for Israel.
After her harrowing experience, Shiran received support from Beit Halochem, a network of rehabilitation centers in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa, Be’er Sheva, and Ashdod that supports individuals who dedicate their lives to serving Israel and the Jewish people. Shiran participated in the Now, Me! program for wounded women, finding women who understood her experience and a community she could move forward with.
Eytan went through the same organization for his rehabilitation. He is rebuilding his strength and independence, receiving care when he needs it the most.
Warriors of Israel, formerly Beit Halochem USA, helps these heroes from afar.
“The injury is one part of each person’s story. What matters is what comes next: the work of recovery, the milestones they reach, and the people alongside them,” said Iris Reff Ronen, CEO of Warriors of Israel. “Through Warriors of Israel, American supporters invest directly in the programs and lifelong community that make those next chapters possible.”
“The injury is one part of each person’s story. What matters is what comes next: the work of recovery, the milestones they reach, and the people alongside them.” – Iris Reff Ronen
Warriors of Israel, a U.S.-based organization founded in 1987, works with Zahal Disabled Veterans Organization (ZDVO) — the only organization officially recognized by and partnered with the Ministry of Defense — to help heroes in need. On October 29, Warriors of Israel held a gathering in Bel Air to show their support.
“Our California gatherings are about bringing the community face-to-face with the people behind our mission,” said West Coast Regional Director Kim Freund. “When you hear directly from a wounded warrior about what they’ve endured and what it takes to rebuild their life, the need for rehabilitation becomes deeply personal.”
The organization hosted a series of intimate get togethers throughout the San Francisco and Los Angeles area, giving more people an opportunity to meet the warriors and understand the lifelong support Beit Halochem provides.
Through Beit Halochem, wounded warriors have access to a comprehensive range of services that combine traditional rehabilitation with complementary approaches. These include adaptive sports, peer support, therapeutic recreation, arts-based activities, and specialized programs for psychological recovery. For instance, adaptive sports can help warriors regain physical strength while also rebuilding independence, confidence, and a sense of accomplishment. Programs like Now, Me!, the one Shiran was part of, create supportive environments where women going through trauma can connect with others who understand them.
“Our goal is to build a strong, engaged community of supporters here on the West Coast who will stand alongside Israel’s wounded warriors long after the headlines fade,” said Freund. “These events are just the beginning of the relationships we hope to build.”
The west coast regional director is encouraging Los Angeles’ pro-Israel community to get involved by attending or hosting Warriors of Israel events, as well as spreading awareness of their work.
“We’re looking to build lasting partnerships with individuals, families, and community organizations who want to make a tangible impact,” she said. “I would encourage everyone to remember that behind every headline and every statistic is a real person. A father who wants to play with his children again. A young warrior hoping to return to school. A mother working through trauma while trying to be present for her family. These are people with dreams, families, and futures worth fighting for.”
According to Ronen, the goal of the organization is simple: to ensure that no one faces recovery alone.
“We want every wounded warrior and their family to have access to the rehabilitation, mental health care, community, and opportunities they need to rebuild their lives,” she said. “That means thinking beyond the immediate crisis. It means supporting a warrior who needs physical therapy today, psychological care tomorrow, and community and family support for years to come. We also want to help Americans understand that supporting Israel’s wounded warriors is not just about honoring their sacrifice. It’s about taking responsibility for what happens next.”
She continued, “We cannot undo what these warriors have endured. But together, we can help shape what comes next.”
To get involved, email Kim Freund at kfreund@warriorsofisrael.org
