Wounded But Not Defeated: Honoring the Courage of Israel’s Healing Soldiers
In quiet corners of Israel’s hospitals, courageous soldiers are writing new stories of strength, perseverance, and hope.
These soldiers have faced the worst of war. Some arrive in wheelchairs, others with visible injuries and invisible scars—but each one embodies a spirit that refuses to be broken.
MADFIDF Members visiting wounded soldiers at a Rehabilitation Center in Tel Aviv
A Warrior Who Teaches Chess—With Half a Skull
During a recent visit to a rehabilitation center, our co-founder Aaron Shuster met a young soldier who had received support from Make A Difference Foundation.
In his own words:
He was in a wheelchair, being pushed by a fellow soldier, and I immediately noticed the extent of his injuries—he was missing half of his skull. Even after everything I’ve witnessed in my service, this stopped me in my tracks.
Despite his condition, he looked up and, slowly but clearly, thanked me. He said, “Aaron, thank you very much for helping fund the iPad. It helps me a lot.”
I was stunned—not just that he could speak, but by the strength behind his words. I asked him, “What do you do with the iPad?”
He smiled and said something that shook me to my core: “I use it to teach the doctors and nurses how to play chess.”
I was speechless. I told him, “I have trouble playing checkers—and here you are, teaching chess… without half your head.”
He chuckled softly and explained that the iPad helps him stay engaged with the world. It gives him joy to be able to teach, to connect, to contribute—even now.
Then he told me he was especially happy that day. When I asked why, he said, “The hospital sent part of my skull to America. They’re making a titanium replacement, and it will be back in two days. Soon, they’ll implant it so my head will look normal again.”
He said it so matter-of-factly—this man who had lost half his brain—yet here he was, full of gratitude, optimism, and the desire to keep giving.
Meeting him was one of the most inspiring moments of my life.
From the Battlefield to Bone Marrow Donation
A., a 21-year-old soldier from the elite Golani Reconnaissance Unit, was pulled from active duty in Gaza—not because of an injury, but to save another life.
While packing up after a mission, A. received an unexpected call: he was a match for a critical bone marrow transplant. Days later, he underwent the procedure at Hadassah Hospital, donating to a five-year-old girl fighting a deadly illness.
“I still have a smile on my face,” he said. “I hope the transplant was successful. That’s what matters most.”
We Need Your Help
As the number of wounded increases, so do the needs. From covering costs of rehabilitation equipment to supporting post-hospital transition, your donation makes a tangible difference in the lives of these warriors.
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Visiting wounded soldiers at the Rehabilitation Hospital in Tel Aviv
Thanks to your continued generosity, MADF is able to fund vital recovery tools—like communication devices, adaptive technology, and personal care equipment—for soldiers in rehabilitation. We also provide emotional support through visits, meals, and a message that says: You are not forgotten.
With gratitude,