Beit Halochem raises £2.25 million for rehabilitating wounded Israeli soldiers

A British charity which helps injured Israeli soldiers raised £2.25 million in a weekend match funding campaign.

Beit Halochem, meaning ‘House of Warriors’, was supported by 2,507 donors to provide crucial financial aid for the daily operations at its four state-of-the-art facilities across Israel.

In the wake of the terror attacks in Israel on 7 October, the need for the crucial services provided by the organisation has reached unprecedented levels. The demand for support has surged in response to the heightened challenges faced by injured soldiers and victims of terror.

Over the last 8 weeks alone, more than 2000 individuals, both soldiers and victims of terror, have been admitted into the Beit Halochem family.

Spencer Gelding, CEO said: “We are overwhelmed and humbled by the tremendous support we received during this campaign. The generosity of our community has surpassed all expectations, allowing us to significantly surpass our initial fundraising goals. The Chief Rabbi’s presence added a special touch to the event, underscoring the importance of our mission in supporting disabled veterans and their families.”

Speaking at a gathering of donors during the last minutes of the 36-hour campaign, Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis said he was delighted to “share this moment of pride and satisfaction” and the generous donations were “a reflection of what an amazing community we have got.”

He added: “The spirit in which you are leading this vitally important organisation is the reflection of the kind of community we all come from. That sense of generosity we have experienced ever since the 7th October, our pride in being Jewish, our support for the state of Israel and Jewish unity, when it comes to the crunch, we are there for our people and we all want to be doing something, not just providing moral support. And we’ve seen that translated into the most incredible action during this particular campaign. British Jewry is reflecting its finest values at this particular time. We’re resilient, strong, generous. We believe in Israel and we’re with Israel when it counts.”

Noting that he has a cousin who was injured in Gaza, the Chief Rabbi added: “I’m sure he’ll be utlilising Beit Halochem. We all know somebody who will, in some way or other, because we’re part of one global, international Jewish mishpocha and we feel the pain of the people of Israel. Thank God for Beit Halochem. It’s just the most incredible, wonderful organisation.”

Andrew Wolfson, Chair of Trustees tells Jewish News: “Tonight as a charity it shows we have garnered unbelievable support from the youngest members of our society through to the more senior members. We have a broad appeal to everyone in the community who wants to help people who are there protecting a country that we love. I certainly feel I have a debt of gratitude to the people who protect a country that I want to go and visit with my children and hopefully, one day, my grandchildren. For me to go and visit, Israel needs to be safe, and in order for Israel to be safe it must have brave men and women in the IDF. And in order for people to be brave and put their bodies in the firing line, we must have best in class rehabilitation. I think Beit Halochem provides just that.”

To support Beit Halochem, click here.