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5 Towns 5K Race Supports Israel’s Disabled Veterans

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These young women clearly reveled in the joy of running for a good cause during the race to support Israels disabled war veterans.(photo credit: Josh Justic)
These young women clearly reveled in the joy of running for a good cause during the race to support Israels disabled war veterans.(photo credit: Josh Justic)
Close to 800 people gathered at the starting line in North Woodmere Park in the 5 Towns section of Long Island on Sunday morning, April 21, to participate in the 4th annual 5 Towns 5K Run/Walk. Proceeds of this charitable event are earmarked for programs focused on assisting the over 50,000 disabled Israeli war heroes who were wounded during their active or reserve services or through acts of terror.

Wearing their red race tee shirts with the names of the corporate sponsors etched on the back, the exuberant racers of all ages made their way through the 5K route around Woodmere and the surrounding areas. Braving the very chilly temperatures, the myriad of racers and walkers were cheered on by the throngs of spectators along with family, friends and community members.

Evidence of heightened security could be seen in a heavy police presence in an apparent response to the recent tragic bombings at the Boston marathon. “Despite the fear that people still feel about what transpired in Boston, it is very heartening to see a record number of people participating in this most worthwhile and honorable event,” said a Woodmere police officer who did not offer his name.

Organized by the Friends of Israel Disabled Veterans, the monies raised by the litany of corporate sponsors as well as the registration fees of race participants support the Beit Halochem (Warrior House) centers throughout Israel. These fully equipped centers located in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Haifa, and Be’er Sheva provide rehabilitation, social, sports, and recreational facilities to disabled Israeli veterans. They have been described as places where the disabled can regain the dignity and quality of life, as caring for the disabled veteran and giving them the help they need is Beit Halochem’s top priority.

Founded in the wake of the modern state of Israel’s creation in 1949, Beit Halochem was established to provide rehabilitation and assistance to the 6,000 veterans who were injured in Israel’s War of Independence. Today Beit Halochem is a place of sanctuary for both the injured and their families, which in turns has a vital impact on the recovery process. Each center offers an auditorium, family counselors, multipurpose gymnasium, classrooms, fitness rooms, swimming pool, occupational therapy unit, physical therapy unit, cafeteria, offices and a social wing which assists members to maintain physical fitness and emotional well being.

Funds raised are also used to support special projects such as a Scholarship Program offering Higher Education Scholarships and Sports Scholarships (for achievement oriented sports), enabling those disabled veterans with potential to integrate into the framework of the international competitions circuit. Many of Israel’s elite paralympic athletes train and play at the Beit Halochem centers.

“We even have some of our athletes at Beit Halochem participating in the London paraplegic race,” declared Ella Levine, the national executive director of the FIDV with great pride. Ms. Levine also added that a fifth Beit Halochem center is now being built in Ashdod, Israel.

Busying himself with the needs of the racers at the 5K event in Woodmere was local organizer Isaac Seinuk. “This year we’ve seen a visible increase in race participants and we are extremely pleased,” he said. “What is most amazing is that this is our 4th year organizing this race and all people, both Jewish and non-Jewish attend; both young and old, men and women and even babies in strollers. We feel a strong sense of unity and purpose and we know that we’re helping to make a real difference in the quality of life for those courageous Israelis who served their country with such valor and distinction,” he added.

“This race means so much to so many people,” said Jerry Stulberger, 56, of Woodmere, a race participant. “I have been racing for several years now and as much as we do to help positively impact the lives of Israel’s disabled veterans, these people do so very much for us by allowing us to have a really exciting and fun day and to afford us the opportunity to give of ourselves to others in need.”

As the racers crossed the finished line, they partook of bottled water, a variety of juices sponsored by Squeez’r, bananas and bagels sponsored by “Gotta Getta Bagel” Cafe. Other corporate sponsors included Abraham Roofing who distributed free company tee shirts, Web Scope, Brach’s Supermarket of the 5 Towns, Karako’s Mens and Boys Suits, Camp Seneca Lake, Life Fitness Clubs, Distinctive Window Fashions, Courage in Motion, Pa-Kua Long Island, Expressions Cinema, 5 Towns Patch, Schwartz and Company, LLP (certified public accountants), New York Foot and Ankle Institute, Chevra Hatzolah of the Rockaways and Nassau County, Lynn, Gartner and Dunne, LLP, Run with the Judge, InterSoft Associates, and Glennys.

Distinguished looking trophies were presented to both the man and woman who crossed the finish line first and a multitude of medals were proudly distributed to other racers who scored impressive times.

“At the end of the day, everyone here is a winner and everyone deserves a medal for just coming out and being a part of this,” said Sondra Gluckman, a volunteer and grandmother.

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