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First Time In Florida
IDF Wounded Soldiers To Compete In Historic Wheelchair Basketball Game

Jewish Connection News

Apr 1, 2025

For The First Time In Florida, Wounded Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Soldiers Will Take To The Basketball Court In A Historic Wheelchair Basketball Game Against The Miami Sharks, A Local Team Of Dedicated Wheelchair Athletes. This Powerful Event Will Unite Heroes From Two Nations, Israel And The United States, Coming Together Through Resilience, Sportsmanship, And The Unbreakable Spirit Of Those Who Have Sacrificed For Their Countries.

The Beit Halochem team will feature 16 players, some of whom are newly wounded warriors from the recent Iron Swords War and others who are veteran athletes that have trained rigorously at Beit Halochem’s rehabilitation centers in Israel. These men have overcome life-altering injuries to continue pursuing excellence in sports, and now, they will face off against the highly skilled Miami Sharks, a team that has been competing for years. The game will be a testament to the strength, resilience, and unity of those who refuse to be defined by their wounds.


At the helm of this historic delegation is Edan Kleiman, a wounded veteran himself and the Chairman of Beit Halochem. Kleiman has dedicated his life to supporting Israel’s 73,000 injured soldiers, including the 13,000 soldiers wounded in the current war. For these athletes, this game represents more than just a competition. It is a powerful symbol of their courage and determination to rebuild their lives after making the ultimate living sacrifice for Israel.


For these soldiers, basketball is more than just a sport; it is a path to healing, independence, and renewed purpose. With world-class coaching and the support of Beit Halochem’s rehabilitation programs, these athletes use adaptive sports to help them reclaim their strength and independence. Their participation in this game will send a powerful message to the world: despite their injuries, they continue to fight, not just for Israel, but for themselves, for each other, and for a future without limits.


Beit Halochem has been at the forefront of supporting Israel’s wounded soldiers, providing comprehensive rehabilitation programs, adaptive sports opportunities, career training, and emotional support to help them regain their independence and dignity. With the rise in wounded soldiers from the current war, Beit Halochem’s mission has never been more critical. This event offers a chance to witness firsthand the courage and resilience of those who have given so much for Israel.


Join Us for This Historic Moment

This exclusive event will be held on April 6th, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. at Barry University’s Health & Sports Center, located at 11300 Northeast 2nd Avenue, Miami, Florida 33161. It will be an unforgettable moment of strength and unity, as we cheer on these incredible soldiers who continue to inspire us all.


This is an event you cannot miss. Join us in honoring the heroes who have given almost everything for Israel. Stand with them, cheer for them, and show them that they are not alone.


For more information, please contact Tzvia Wexler National Development Director, Beit Halochem at: (215) 783-4718.


About Beit Halochem USA

Beit Halochem USA is committed to the rehabilitation and reintegration of Israel’s wounded soldiers. Working closely with the Israeli Ministry of Defense, Beit Halochem provides comprehensive rehabilitation services, adaptive sports programs, career training, and educational opportunities to help these warriors rebuild their lives. Together, we honor, support, and empower those who have sacrificed so much for Israel.

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