Belev Echad

Belev Echad

Belev Echad (“One Heart” in Hebrew) is an organization that brings wounded Israeli Defense Force soldiers together with victims from terrorist attacks in New York City to share comradery with one another and distract their minds from the struggles they share mentally, physically, and emotionally, Israel Unwired reported.

“Founded in 2009, Belev Echad brings wounded IDF soldiers and victims of terror to New York for ten days of fun-filled sightseeing, heart-warming and joyous events with the New York Jewish community,” the organization’s website says. “The activities provide a therapy for their bodies and minds, and the bonds built with our community members turn into lasting friendships, forever uniting our hearts with theirs.”

Some of the activities include helicopter rides, tours of the Statue of Liberty and also of Ellis Island, various sporting venues, and the opportunity to witness Broadway productions. However, instead of connecting in New York City, the reunions have been in Israel other years, connecting over salads and pastas at restaurants in Tel Aviv.


“The sacrifices that these men have suffered, the bullets they stomached, the shrapnel they absorbed, the loss of limb and mobility they endured – have all been borne on our behalf,” Belev Echad’s website continues in describing its mission.” “We are all citizens of Israel. Offering our brothers an experience such as this one is one of the most gratifying actions we as a community can take.”

“Everyone who joins in, they become brothers for life,” Rabbi Uriel Vigler, Director of the Chabad Israel Center of the Upper East Side said. “When they bond on a Belev Echad trip or activity, they become friends forever.”

“Years later, it still affects people,” Rabbi Vigler continued. “These soldiers still feel a strong bond with our community, a strong love.”

Picture originally found here

Related Articles

More From Prose

And They Lived Happily...

Author Richard Paul Evans has written many novels that carry the theme “and they lived happily…
And They Lived Happily...

Cyril Miller

Cyril Miller has seen God answer many prayers in his life. When Cyril was about 14 years old he…
Cyril Miller

Noah's Bubbe

Kathleen Moore is an RN, a mental health counselor, specializing in the field of grief and…
Noah's Bubbe

My Effort

There are some things that we do that don't make as much sense as we think they do. One of…
My Effort

Great Bad Timing

I was rushing to go to work since I started driving later than I would have liked, but I knew I…
Great Bad Timing
Photo: Alan Reinach

Alan Reinach

Outwardly Alan Reinach appeared to be an unlikely candidate for God's kingdom, but in his heart…
Alan Reinach

The Overcomer

During the time that I spent with the children at the orphanage in Mexicali Mexico I was…
The Overcomer

Tom Kapusta

Tom Kapusta loved his father. Tom was proud of his career in the military. After learning about…
Tom Kapusta

Doug Bachelor

Doug Batchelor might be the richest caveman to have ever lived. His mother was a Jewish actress…
Doug Bachelor

Silly and Sick

When I was a little girl I loved all sorts of pets. I had pet potato-bugs, pet spiders, pet…
Silly and Sick

The Request

In embarrassment and shame I slowly approached the throne of the Holy One. I keenly felt the…
The Request

Bubbe’s Zalts

Bubbe’s Zalts (Yiddish for the word salt) On a scale of one to ten, my mother was a ten. Mama…
Bubbe’s Zalts

Road Rage

I was on my way to meet someone in a place I had never been before. The home I was going to was…
Road Rage

When it isn't So Bad

I was trying to work out one day and accidently twisted my ankle.
When it isn't So Bad

Publish the Menu module to "offcanvas" position. Here you can publish other modules as well.
Learn More.


donation