Israeli envoy meets British ex-soldiers ahead of landmark Veteran Games
Mark Regev chats with former service personnel and their families ahead of action-packed five day programme in Israel
Israel’s Ambassador met injured British military veterans as they set off from Heathrow on Sunday morning to compete against their Israeli counterparts in the first ever Veteran Games.
Mark Regev spent time chatting to the former service personnel and their families who will take part in a packed five-day programme design to build friendships and learn from each other. The event will also feature a high-level conference on PTSD and mental health among the military.
He said: “Ultimately the sort of issues you’ve had to deal with many Israeli families have had to deal with as well. We can learn from each other’s experiences. It’s a win-win. I wish you all a good and fun week in Israel.”
The 300-strong group were then welcomed on to an El Al flight with a special on board announcement.
On the first day, they enjoyed lunch on the beach before an opening ceremony at Beit Halochem, whose UK branch developed the Games with the Israeli Embassy.
They heard how Beit Halochem puts the whole family “front and centre” in the rehabilitation process and enables those who have been rehabilitated to help those now in need of support.
The competition element kicks off tomorrow, while children of the veterans will enjoy training with coaches from Chelsea FC, whose Foundation is among key supporters of the project.
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