Beit Halochem literally means “House of the Warrior.” (The war we refer to is the war after the war – the daily battle to conquer life with a disability.) Beit Halochem is the name given to the sports, rehabilitation and social centers for Zahal disabled veterans and victims of terror and their families. Limited by their handicaps, many disabled find it difficult to re-establish the regular routine so necessary to their physical and mental well being. Giving them the help they need is Beit Halochem’s top priority.
Beit Halochem is a place where the disabled can participate in sports and related activities. Sports programs make a major contribution to successful rehabilitation by maintaining the members’ physical fitness and preventing deterioration of their health.
The Centers also offer a wide choice of social and creative activities for members. They promote pastimes and hobbies that enrich members’ lives. But, equally important – they encourage the disabled to renew social contacts, freeing them from the isolation that can come after being wounded and cut off from daily routine.
A very important feature at Beit Halochem is the meeting of “generations” of disabled, thus bringing together old-timers with newcomers who must learn to adjust to the difficult and complicated world of disability. The older veterans are living proof that the goal is achievable – that the disabled veterans can overcome severe handicaps, cope with seemingly insurmountable difficulties, and return to full and productive lives.
Special services, diverse programs and state-of-the-art facilities have made Beit Halochem unique, not only in Israel, but throughout the world. Emphasis is placed on a high quality of life. Well maintained buildings, tasteful decor, convenient and specially adapted facilities, lush lawns and colorful gardens, all contribute to make the Beit Halochem Centers hubs of bustling family activity.
There is a widely held view that the disabled should be cared for in an environment that is both congenial to them and to those around them. Along the same lines, Beit Halochem offers a variety of activities to occupy the family – grown-ups and children alike – while the disabled veteran is undergoing necessary treatments.
Each center ranges in size from 5,500 square meters to 10,000 square meters. Most centers house an auditorium, multipurpose gymnasium, classrooms, fitness rooms, swimming pool, occupational therapy unit, physical therapy unit, cafeteria, offices and a social wing.
