I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to participate in "Courage in Motion 2025," a remarkable cycling event that supports Beit Halochem Canada, Aid to Disabled Veterans of Israel. This organization is dedicated to rehabilitating, rebuilding, and enhancing the lives of over 64,000 Israelis who have become disabled due to their service or as victims of terror.

From October 19-23, 2025, I will ride alongside Israel’s courageous disabled veterans, covering between 80-120 kilometres each day through the beautiful landscapes of southern Israel. Cycling has become a beacon of hope at Beit Halochem Centres across the country, providing those with disabilities the chance to experience the joy of the outdoors and engage in a sport that fosters community and resilience.

State-of-the-art Beit Halochem Centres in Tel Aviv, Haifa, Jerusalem, Be’er Sheva, and soon-to-be opened Ashdod offer outstanding rehabilitative services including therapeutic devices, specialized equipment, physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, sports coaching, and cultural activities.

These Centres are where members work to reclaim their lives. Caring for Israel’s disabled veterans and providing the assistance they need to be active and engaged participants in Israeli society are among Beit Halochem’s highest priorities.

Having visited the Tel Aviv Centre in June of this year, I was blown away by the facilities offered and how many people it supports. Before October 7th, 2023, there were 52,000 taking advantage of these facilities. After the events of that day and thereafter, that number has grown to approximately 70,000.

The funds raised through this event are crucial; they will primarily go towards purchasing specialized cycling equipment such as customized hand-bikes and tandem bicycles while also supporting ongoing programs at these Centres. I respectfully ask for your support in reaching my target of $5,000 CAD. Your contribution will make a significant difference in enhancing the lives of those who have sacrificed so much for the safety and freedom of so many other people around the world.

When I think about the risks of participating in this event at the current time with all that is going on in the region, what grounds me is the realization and acknowledgment of the sacrifices so many others have made to enable me to live the privileged life I do. If I ever am in doubt, I remind myself of how fortunate I am to be able to do this and ask myself: "How could I not ride?"