Standing behind
our soldiers

Our Soldiers

• 
  Yahel Landau

  Age 24


Yahel Landau, 24
In 2017 Yahel enlisted in the Border Patrol unit. One night during a regular patrol, Yahel and her team were told to go to an Arab village with a mob of angry demonstrators. They arrived at the town and were met with violence. Firecrackers and large stones were thrown at them. Yahel, along with her unit, went out to arrest the rioters. They reached a dead end and needed to climb over a 3-meter wall to continue. When it was Yahel’s turn, she fell and couldn’t move. The soldier beside Yahel saw what had happened and started screaming in fear. The screams alerted others, and they were able to evacuate Yahel to the hospital, where they discovered she had crushed her knee and torn ligaments and cartilage—months followed with surgery and rehabilitation.  In one day, Yahel went from a fighter to a nurse, which affected her physical and mental state. What started with a physical injury continued with PTSD, which Yahel is still dealing with today, exploring various treatments. 
• 
  Raz Mizrahi

  Age 22


Raz Mizrahi, 22
Unit: Supervisor
During Operation Guardian of the Walls, Raz was sent with her units to keep the calm in East Jerusalem, where tensions were very high due to the conflict in Gaza. Stationed in the Sheik Jarrah neighborhood, she was on high alert. After dispersing a demonstration, they set up a checkpoint. Suddenly, a vehicle sped towards them and rammed into the police. Raz was trapped under the wheels of the car. While lying there trapped, bleeding and in terrible pain, drifting in and out of consciousness, Raz heard gunshots fired at the vehicle and the driver trying to open the door to escape. Raz raised her leg, prevented the car door from opening, and ensured that her fellow police could neutralize the terrorist.  Raz went through four months of difficult rehab. Her whole body suffered from injuries, and she needed to learn to walk again. Additionally, following the attack, Raz suffered from severe anxiety. She suffered from nightmares and was afraid of cars. Even crossing the street caused anxiety. She thought her life and all her plans were over. Although the terrorist hadn’t killed her, he had killed all her dreams and crushed her ambitions.  But Raz was a fighter, and although she did not have to return to service, she worked on herself physically and psychologically until she could return. Not only did Raz return, but she also trained to become an officer, ensuring that the terrorist did not destroy her dreams.
• 
  Ron Avdan


Ron Avdan
In 2015, Ron served as a combat soldier in Bethlehem. During one of his guard duties, he heard a sudden loud noise and instinctively pulled his head out of the post to investigate. Tragically, a second loud explosion occurred at that moment, causing him injuries from the shrapnel. Despite being wounded, Ron displayed immense courage and dedication, ensuring that there would be no infiltration of terrorists into the base. Following the incident, Ron was rushed to a hospital for urgent surgery to address the shrapnel injuries. Unfortunately, the damage was severe, and he ultimately had to undergo the removal of his left eye, resulting in permanent loss of sight in that eye. After enduring several months of rehabilitation, Ron now uses a prosthetic.
• 
  Idan Levi


Idan Levi
After 10 months of service in the personnel planning array in the adjutant corps, Idan continued to officers course. Towards the end of the course, there is a week that includes a series of educational activities in Jerusalem. One of the key components was a guided tour along the promenade of the governor’s palace. The company Idan was in was gathered in the same location waiting for it to start but unfortunately, this part never took place. Minutes before the beginning of the tour a ramming attack, carried out by a terrorist, took place, resulting in numerous casualties with four soldiers losing their lives. Idan suffered orthopedic and neurological damage, as well as mental trauma. After only three months Idan managed to get back to the military and to finish the course and his service.
• 
  Gil Benedek

  Age 31


Gil Benedek, 31
Unit: Golani Patrol Officer
Gil joined the army and rose through the ranks, ultimately being stationed as an officer in the esteemed Golani patrol. However, tragedy struck during Operation Tzuk Eitan when Gil fell victim to a Hamas ambush in the Sagaye neighborhood of Gaza. The incident resulted in the loss of two commanders and a fellow soldier, while 17 other members of the team sustained injuries. Gil himself was wounded in the shoulder and head. Following the attack, he embarked on a three-month rehabilitation program, displaying immense resilience and determination. After completing his medical treatment, Gil traveled to Vietnam. However, during his time there, he encountered stories of the Vietnam War that triggered post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Recognizing the severity of his condition, Gil committed himself to a rigorous three-year rehabilitation process to address and overcome his PTSD. Today, with extensive support from Belev Echad, Gil has successfully completed his studies in accounting. He currently works at Deloitte and assists Belev Echad.
• 
  Or Shany

  Age 31


Or Shany, 31
Unit: Engineering Sergeant
Or began his service in 2011 in an engineering unit specializing in special missions.  After training and deployment, Or participated in the significant “Shuvu Banim” operation. Subsequently, he bravely fought in the intense “Tzuk Eitan” operation in the Gaza Strip. During this time, Or encountered numerous challenging situations, tragically losing some of his comrades. He confronted sabotage incidents, navigated through booby-trapped houses, skillfully handled tunnels, and engaged in relentless combat for an extended period of almost 90 consecutive days. Upon the conclusion of Tzuk Eitan, Or underwent a medical evaluation that revealed a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder. Additionally, he continues to endure physical pain from his experiences.
• 
  Yotam David

  Age 22


Yotam David, 22
Unit: Staff Sergeant
Yotam was protecting the Samarian region when he sustained a horrific injury in October 2022. Yotam and his team of 4 were patrolling the area in an armored vehicle.  At approximately 5AM, as their patrol neared its end, Yotam decided to briefly halt the vehicle in a Jewish settlement, to rest for a few minutes. Unbeknownst to Yotam, the driver impulsively drove off without informing or waking him. Regrettably, in the process, they navigated a treacherous intersection without curbs, unintentionally surpassing the road limit. As a result, the vehicle plummeted down a slope, hurtling approximately one hundred meters into a Wadi ravine. During the tumultuous roll, one of the soldiers was flung from the back door, his head colliding forcefully with a rock. In the final rotation, Yotam was ejected from the vehicle with his legs still partially trapped inside. Two rocks on either side of his head prevented him from fully extricating himself. Approximately fifteen minutes later, the driver and the remaining soldier were able to get up and call for help.  After three grueling hours, the rescue team successfully extricated Yotam from the precarious position and promptly airlifted him to Tel Hashomer for urgent medical attention. Upon arrival, Yotam was diagnosed with crushing injuries and nerve damage in his feet, rendering them temporarily paralyzed. He underwent a month of bed rest followed by two months of intensive rehabilitation. Thankfully, he is now able to walk with the help of crutches. 
• 
  Tal Alkalay

  Age 26


Tal Alkalay, 26
Unit: Border Guard
Tal joined the Border Guard as part of a prestigious undercover unit. During a critical operation, Tal found himself amidst a tumultuous disturbance in Sheikh Jarrah along with his team. Unfortunately, Tal’s face was hit during the chaos, resulting in a severe collapse of his eye socket. He received titanium plates meticulously implanted in his face as part of his recovery. Following an arduous three-month rehabilitation process, Tal resumed his army service.