Lester Christie
Lester & Linda's page
Fundraising for British Friends of Israel War Disabled
Story
A 500 KM BIKE RIDE -
LESTER AND LINDA'S MISSION FROM LATRUN TO EILAT
We had a wonderful time riding and getting to know the courageous disabled soldiers on the bike ride. Visiting Beit Halochem was an eye opening experience and listening to a few of the individual accounts of the veterans reflected the history of the birth of modern Israel and its continual fight for survival.
We heard several speeches, one of which was from the Chief Security Advisor of Ariel Sharon, who stressed the importance of a cohesive Israeli society and that the organisation and wellbeing of Beit Halochem was a fundamental component of this.
He talked of our present greatest enemies including a would-be nuclear Iran but that the only way Israel could fight her enemies was if her society was united - he talked of crime, poverty and corruption which is breaking up Israeli society but that the work that we are doing with the veterans is very significant in helping to build a cohesive society in Israel.
By your contributions, encouragement and help, you have played a meaningful role in helping Israel in all respects and, of course, ensuring our own safety as Jews.
The Mayor of Eilat welcomed us all at the end of the bike ride and there was singing and dancing, and of course eating in plenty.
Groups of veterans visit the UK anually thanks to BFIWD. The veterans hosted are all members of the Israeli organisation, Zahal Disabled Veterans Organisation ( ZDVO) which assists Israel's wounded soldiers in many aspects of their rehabilitation including the running of three Beit Halochem centres in Israel. They are currently constructing their fourth centre in Be'er Sheva which we visited.
I was apprehensive about the task of cycling so far, but it was a 'mechiah' to be involved in such a wonderful project.
ZDVO and the BEIT HALOCHEM centres
ZDVO was established in 1949 to provide rehabilitation and assistance to the 6,000 veterans who were injured in Israel’s War of Independence. Unfortunately, the membership in this organization has grown today to over 51,000 disabled heroes wounded during their active or reserve services or as civilian victims of terror.
The centres are also open to the families of the disabled providing the entire family unit with a place where they are able to participate in activities together.
Further information can be found on: www.ZDVO.org; www.advi.ca/cim
On behalf of our injured veterans in Israel we thank you for your support. All donations go to buy custom made cycles for the disabled, as well as encouraging and training the riders.
Lester Christie and Linda Eckhardt
Thanks for taking the time to visit our JustGiving page.
Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.
However, if you would prefer to send a cheque or charity voucher payable to BFIWD, please send to Frank Weinberg, Premier House, 45 Ealing Road, Wembley, Middx, HA0 4BA writing Lester Christie on the back of the cheque.
Thank you again.
L&L