Healing Through Sport

Maccabiah 2026 highlights the powerful connection between sport, recovery, and resilience through a meaningful partnership with the Zahal Disabled Veterans Organization ahead of the Games - honoring the courage of Israel’s disabled veterans and supporting their inspiring journeys to rehabilitation.

Zahal Disabled Veterans Organization supports tens of thousands of disabled veterans and security personnel, operating five regional districts and four Beit Halochem centers that offer hundreds of sports and rehabilitation programs.

 Prior to October 7, 2023, the organization assisted over 53,000 individuals. Since the outbreak of the war, more than 25,000 additional wounded have joined - many coping with complex physical and emotional challenges, including PTSD - underscoring the growing need for long-term support.

As part of the collaboration, disabled veterans and members of the Zahal Disabled Veterans Organization will take part in the Games as athletes and volunteers. The Opening Ceremony in Jerusalem will also include a special wheelchair show, symbolizing the unbreakable spirit of these courageous heroes. 

One of them is Evyatar Zytuni, a former Paratroopers Brigade officer who was critically injured on October 7 while defending Kibbutz Kisufim. Today, he trains at Beit Halochem in Tel Aviv, where sport plays a central role in his daily life and recovery.

His rehabilitation journey has been long and demanding. From hand cycling, he has progressed to riding standard bicycles, but the challenges remain. “My right leg is no longer functional,” he shares. "I can’t walk the way I used to, and long distances are still difficult. Every step is something I have to relearn - but each step is also a victory.”

 Alongside his recovery, Evyatar studies Government at Reichman University, pursuing passions such as horseback riding and sailing, and builds a life with his wife Shir, following their marriage last year.  

Beyond the physical injury, Evyatar continues to cope with the emotional impact of October 7. “I lost six comrades from my unit in that battle and close friends who also fell in the war. It’s something you carry with you every day. Talking about it, sharing, even when it’s hard - that's what helps me keep moving forward.”

Sport has always been part of Evyatar’s life - before and after his injury. “I’ve always loved sports, from martial arts to running. Today, through the Zahal Disabled Veterans Organization, I focus on cycling. Sport is part of my rehabilitation - it helps me grow.”

A longtime member of Maccabi Tzair Gedera, Evyatar was active in the movement throughout his youth and volunteered at the 2015 Maccabiah. Last year, he had the honor of lighting the Maccabiah torch.

 Photo credit: Ronen Topelberg

“My injury was a turning point in my life", he says. "It taught me to appreciate every moment. Sport helped me rise again, stronger than ever. I hope my story inspires others to believe in themselves and chase their dreams.” 

“Evyatar embodies the power of sport in recovery and resilience,” said Roy Hessing, CEO of Maccabi World Union and the Maccabiah. “Our collaboration with Zahal Disabled Veterans Organization is a tribute to the heroes whose courage makes these Games possible.”

"This partnership is not only meaningful - it is essential", added Adv. Edan Kleiman, Chairman of the Zahal Disabled Veterans Organization. "It serves as a powerful reminder, in Israel and across the Jewish world, of our shared responsibility to honor and support those who have sacrificed so much".