The Manchester Community raised £150,000 over two meaningful events, in collaboration with Dov and Elaine Hamburger, David & Jo Scorah and Ian Keller – respected figures of the Manchester Community who have, for over 40 years, facilitated countless trips for Beit Halochem members to Manchester for rest and recovery.
A highlight of the most recent event in March 2025 was the powerful testimony of Israel Ben Shitrit (on right side of photo). Before October 7, this 39-year-old father of five from Yerucham worked as a business developer in the bio-agritech startup sector. However, when Hamas’s Nukhba terrorists launched their attack near Sderot, he acted, stepping up to the frontline. That morning, he played a critical role in securing his community, and in the months that followed, he led his platoon in operations to clear weapons, search tunnels, and combat terrorists alongside the IDF’s Special Forces.
In April 2024, during intense fighting in Khan Yunis, Israel sustained severe injuries in a Hamas attack (Hamasitak). He was rushed to Soroka Medical Centre in critical condition, suffering from extensive lower limb injuries and nerve damage to his head. After three months of hospitalisation, he was discharged and became a member of Beit Halochem, where he continues his rehabilitation. Like so many injured veterans, Israel has found a second home at Beit Halochem, where he remains committed to advocating for the recovery and well-being of those who have sacrificed for Israel.