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I am partnering with an organization called ETGARIM, founded 30 years ago in Israel by a badly wounded soldier who found new meaning in his life through the challenge of sport. It is an inspiring organization that works with people suffering from war-inflicted or natural born disabilities and those suffering with PTSD.

 

The organization works by showing these people that they can rise to an athletic challenge. ETGARIM, in fact, means “challenges,” in Hebrew. Today ETGARIM is run by Nir HaCohen, a former commander of the 119 squadron of the Israeli Air Force, known as the Bats, the elite squadron my family proudly supports, and whose emblem is on your kippot.

 

ETGARIM provides a space where individuals with disabilities can engage in activities that bring joy, confidence, and promote inclusivity, making it feel like maybe what they have isn’t a disability but a superpower. One that shows their strength, power, and resilience.

 

Many of these people had gotten to a point in their lives where they found it hard to get out of bed and face the day. I have learned that so many of them are helped by ETGARIM programs that they literally can’t wait for their next adventure taking on new challenges and socializing with staff and other participants. Imagine the feeling of freedom for a blind person who learns to sail or water ski, or a paraplegic who surfs sitting on a specialized board. This project is particularly special because it is focused on supporting people who have been affected in various ways by the tragic events of October 7th. As we all know, that day changed the lives of so many, and I wanted to find a way to meaningfully help those who have been most impacted.

 

With ETGARIM, and your help, I am organizing water skiing for these individuals – days filled with fun, empowerment, and the healing power of community. I love water skiing, and this is a program I felt I could connect to. I look forward to being a part of a team, and to experiencing firsthand how this amazing program gets someone who is blind or even confined to wheelchair to water ski. Water skiing is an experience that many might not think is possible for people with disabilities, but ETGARIM makes it happen.

 
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