Yuval and Ofir’s lives changed on October 7, 2023

While we long for peace, the recent terror attacks against Israel’s civilians made clear that the need to defend our homeland is always present. Israel is engaging in a war unlike any it has known.

Beit Halochem UK remains steadfast in its commitment to assist in the rehabilitation of Israel’s Heroes. Our efforts now include the thousands of newly injured soon to join the organisation.

Yuval Cohen, Director of Beit Halochem Beer Sheva, is leading his dedicated staff in preparation for an unprecedented number of new members. Yuval is an injured veteran and survivor of the Hamas attack on his home.

Yuval was serving in the Givati Brigade in 1999 when he was seriously injured while taking the officer training course. He underwent many surgeries, multiple hospitalisations, and a life-changing rehabilitation at Beit Halochem. After he was diagnosed with PTSD, Yuval came to realise that he was part of a unified and caring community due to the support he found at Beit Halochem.

This knowledge has guided Yuval in his role. He understands the needs and struggles of those whose lives have suddenly changed; their shared experiences create a strong and solid bond.

On October 7th, Yuval, his wife, and three young children were at home on Kibbutz Erez along the Gaza border when the terrorist attack began. The sounds of non-stop shooting, massive explosions, and the nearby voices of the infiltrating terrorists dramatically triggered his PTSD. Yuval stayed with his family in their shelter. Ten hours later, after the fighting had stopped, Yuval learned that Hamas terrorists had murdered and kidnapped dozens of his friends and neighbours.

Since that horrifying day, Yuval and his colleagues have worked tirelessly responding to the needs of the injured and their families. When discharged from hospital and introduced to a Beit Halochem Centre across Israel, these men and women will soon call it their “second home”.

Among those Yuval will welcome to Beit Halochem Beer Sheva is Ofir Dahari, a 50-year-old Border Police Officer.

The married father of five lives in a small community near Ashkelon. He and his family were woken by sirens and rocket explosions at 6:30 a.m. on October 7th. It was a frightening, non-stop barrage. After his wife and children were secure in the family’s safe room, Ofir met his unit and headed to Sderot. While entering the city, Ofir recalls, “We heard of terrorists entering Sderot and killing men, women, and children on its streets. We learned the police station was overrun and seriously damaged.” With this information, Ofir and his men got out of their vehicles and immediately neutralised approaching terrorists.

Ordered on to nearby Kibbutz Nir Am, Ofir’s team saw terrorists concentrated in one location, the kibbutz’s hen house. The goal was to prevent them from entering the kibbutz, in addition to rescuing a Golani team under heavy fire. During the battle, Ofir was shot by a sniper; his friend was also hit while pulling him to safety. The two fighters were shot multiple times and praying Shema Yisrael when additional forces arrived and rescued them. All terrorists were killed, none breached the kibbutz, and no soldiers were captured. However, tragically, Ofir lost one of his fighters.

Ofir was hospitalised for three weeks, during which time he underwent five surgeries. His most serious injuries affect his dominant hand, including broken bones and torn nerves. Additional surgeries are almost certain. However, he has already started his rehabilitation. Ofir says, “I’m optimistic, but realistic, about my long journey ahead. Beit Halochem volunteers visited the whole time I was in hospital and said they had been in the same shape as me. That meant a lot.”

When Ofir arrives at Beit Halochem Beer Sheva, he will be welcomed by Yuval Cohen and a dedicated, skilled staff.