The Jerusalem Municipality has launched "Rebound for Life - Jerusalem," a unique resilience program for wounded veterans of the IDF and security forces who suffered physical and psychological injuries. The initiative is a collaboration between the municipality's Sports Department, the Hapoel Jerusalem Basketball Club, and the Win Assist ("Mesira Menatzachat") organization, led by former basketball player Afik Nissim.
The program will provide participants with a broad support system that includes professional basketball training, social gatherings, team-building and recreational activities, lectures, and additional content aimed at strengthening their sense of belonging, resilience, and community.
As part of the initiative, regular basketball practice sessions will take place under the guidance of coach Rahamim Yona, along with former players who will arrive to conduct training sessions and play together with the participants. The practices will be held on Fridays at 09:30 AM at the Pisgat Ze'ev Sports Arena in Jerusalem.
Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion said: "Precisely on this day, October 7, we choose to look forward and act on behalf of those who were wounded in body and soul to protect us all. 'Rebound for Life' is far beyond basketball. It is a community of strength, friendship, belonging, and resilience. Jerusalem embraces the wounded of the IDF and the security forces, and we will continue to do everything to stand by their side and assist them on their way back to a full life."
Hapoel Jerusalem CEO Oren Arielly added: "We at the club are proud to lead this important and meaningful project, which gives those wounded in body and soul from the IDF and security forces an additional space to strengthen themselves, connect, and walk together on the path of rehabilitation. Hapoel is first and foremost a community - a united community that strengthens, wraps, and embraces."
Joining the program is designated for members of the security forces recognized as disabled IDF veterans by the Defense Ministry.