Throwing the Cane: Beit Halochem Calgary Gala September 17

by David Wallach

(AJNews) – Beit Halochem Canada’s Calgary Gala Dinner, Heroes Among Us, takes place on Thursday September 17. It features Captains Eytan Fassberg-Yaffe and Israel Ben Shitrit, two defenders injured in Gaza during Swords of Iron.

Dinner attendees will meet and hear from these young men just now embarking on their life-long rehabilitation with Beit Halochem.

Illustrating the organization’s significant role in the lives of Israel’s disabled veterans and the importance of our collective support in their rehabilitation, I introduce you to Amir Meir, a longtime Beit Halochem member.

Amir was 20 years old when he was injured on October 25, 1992 inside Lebanon. I recently spoke with him and our condensed conversation follows:

David: How and where were you injured?

Amir: We were in a convoy travelling from the Israeli border to our post inside Lebanon. A roadside bomb planted by Hezbollah detonated as we drove past. Five soldiers were killed and I was declared dead. I had suffered a critical head injury. Once they realized I had a pulse, I was first treated by our troop’s medic – a gynecologist! I was stabilized and airlifted, and, on the helicopter, Doctor Albertal saved my life by cutting a hole through my neck into my windpipe. I was transferred to Rambam hospital where I was rushed into surgery. I was in a coma for over a week and spent five months in hospital.

David: When did you join Beit Halochem?

Amir: When I was released from hospital I was living with Sharon, my girlfriend, now-wife, at her parent’s house near Beit Halochem Tel Aviv. I started going to the Centre even before I had wounded veteran’s status from the Ministry of Defence.

David: What was your experience as a new Beit Halochem member?

Amir: I was only 20 years old when I was injured. Soon after joining Beit Halochem, I met with an in-house doctor. I was using a cane, and he recommended that I join gym classes for those with amputated limbs. When I told him, “I’m not an amputee”, he explained this would be the best gym for my injury; not everyone in the class is an amputee. I have less feelings on my right side. I can’t do many of the things amputees can. The doctor was right. It was the best class for me. I also took jewellery classes and participated in many other activities.

Q: What is the social interaction between Beit Halochem members?

Amir: One of the most important places at Beit Halochem is the cafeteria! That is where you meet many people, including those who had been where I was. It is a safe place in which we exchange information about the opportunities we have thanks to Beit Halochem. You feel less vulnerable because everyone’s in the same situation. Your injury doesn’t matter. There is a willingness to help each other.

David: Based on your experience, how important is Beit Halochem’s role in Israel’s wounded veterans’ rehabilitation?

Amir: Aside from the physical rehabilitation, the most important thing is the social aspect. We see people the same as us, dealing with a sudden change in life. We share the same gym and swimming pool. Our families go through similar struggles. On the physical side, no one judges how you look. You know you are safe.

A big part of healing is having our families with us. At the swimming pool, our kids see every injury imaginable. It’s natural for them. Beit Halochem realizes families are dealing with injury no less than the wounded; this unexpected change in life has an impact on partners, kids, and parents.

David: How do you summarize Beith Halochem’s importance?

Amir: It is my family’s second home. In one word: AMAZING!

Amir has done much with his life since the day he was pronounced dead on a road in Lebanon. He and Sharon have three children, Rotem, Ophir, and Shaked. In May 2005, he led the Beit Halochem Canada group visit delegation to Calgary and Vancouver. In May 2026, he completed the Riga Marathon in less than three hours. He is a Personal trainer, starts each day with a run, and owns his business Kosher4Life, (kosher=shape). He is a motivational speaker. The title of Amir’s talk? “Throwing the Cane!”.

At Heroes Among Us, Eytan and Israel, two young, injured men in the early days of rehabilitation, will speak of their own hopes and dreams for the future. Beit Halochem will do all it can to help them achieve their goals.

Please use the QR code to purchase Gala tickets, sponsor the evening, or donate to Beit Halochem Canada. You can also contact me at davidw@baithalochem.ca for further information. Thank you for supporting our commitment to rehabilitate, rebuild, and enhance the lives of Israelis disabled in the line of duty. Am Israel Chai!