“it is our obligation to support Israel’s soldiers and its victims of terror in this second war, because we can’t forget that the first war, in securing Israel’s borders and her sovereignty, is in fact a war fought for us all” by Haim Hefer (translated from the Hebrew)
Israel’s 50,000 disabled war veterans are only part of the heavy price paid by our young country for its independence and survival. Unfortunately, through wars and acts of terror carried out against the State, their numbers have continued to grow. Today, as always, they are the heart and soul of our organization.
When the War of Independence was over, the Zahal Disabled Veterans Organization (“ZDVO”) was established to fill an urgent need: solutions had to be found for the very basic problems of 6,000 wounded and disabled veterans of that long and bloody war.
Since that time, five more wars have exacted a terrible toll. New members join the ranks of the ZDVO every day, having been wounded during active service or while defending the country against acts of sabotage and terror. With the horrific toll from the rise of terrorism, the ZDVO has expanded its membership to allow victims of terror to use its unique facilities. Unfortunately, in Israel’s relatively short history, the organization has continued to expand: today it numbers over 50,000 members. Founded in 1949, the ZDVO is the only officially recognised group representing disabled veterans. Its objectives are: to improve the quality of life of Zahal disabled, safeguard their legal rights and promote their interests through legislation or economic and social measures. By establishing sports and rehabilitation centers and offering a comprehensive range of services to its members, ZDVO fosters their full reintegration into society.
Five branches of the ZDVO – in Tel Aviv, Haifa, Jerusalem, Rehovot and Be’er Sheva – serve their members who live in all parts of Israel. Trained volunteers provide the services along with a professional staff that manages the day-to-day affairs of the organization.
The Zahal Disabled Veterans Organisation, Sydney
Zahal Disabled Veterans Organisation, Sydney is authorized to represent, raise and collect funds for the Zahal Disabled Veterans Organization in Israel(*). Established in the aftermath of the Six Day War in 1968, under the name “Keren Mishpachot Hagiborim”, the organisation has flourished in Sydney and Melbourne ever since.
In 2000, the ZDVO, Sydney was established incorporating the Keren Mishpachot Hagiborim ‘brand’, aligning now, both in name and function, with many of the other Friends Organisations around the world.
The ZDVO currently represents over 50,000 disabled Israeli veterans, all of whom are eligible to use the facilities of its Beit Halochem Centers. Unfortunately, through continued acts of terrorism and war the numbers grow daily.
Since September 2000, the Beit Halochem Centers in Jeruslaem, Tel Aviv, and and Haifa have been treating civilian victims of terror as well.
Funds raised by us are forwarded directly to Zahal Disabled Veterans Fund for the sole purpose of supporting projects that promote rehabilitative, social and sports activities for the thousands of members of the Beit Halochem Sports and Rehabilitation Centers, and their families.
* Please note that the ZDVO is a separate organization from the Israel Defense Forces in Israel and the Friends of the IDF. The IDF and the FIDF cater to the needs of soldiers in general, ZDVO deal only with disabled veterans and civilians.
The Zahal Disabled Veterans Fund
The State of Israel does more than any other country for the welfare of its war disabled. It provides disability pensions, superior medical care, professional and vocational training, university grants and housing assistance. Despite its important contribution, however, the State is unable to finance all the vast rehabilitation needs of the disabled veterans.
In an effort to deal with some of these problems, the Zahal Disabled Veterans Organization established its financial arm: The Zahal Disabled Veterans Fund. The Fund’s primary function is to raise money for projects that promote rehabilitative, social and sports activities for the disabled. It also must find ways and means to replace and update equipment, and to help maintain and operate the existing centers.
In the past, the Zahal Disabled Veterans Fund established the Beit Kay Rest and Recreation Center in Nahariya and the Beit Halochem centers in Tel Aviv, Haifa and Jerusalem, which serve thousands of Zahal disabled and their families. None of these undertakings would be possible without the generosity and support of the many friends in Israel and abroad. Friends organisations exist in Canada, the United States, Europe, South Africa and South America.
“For fifty years the doctors, nurses, the therapists have reached out to them, with the touch of love, wisdom and of understanding…”
by Haim Hefer (translated from the Hebrew)
