Hero to hero: JNF-USA initiative helps wounded soldiers recover
The Gibor L’Gibor (Hero to Hero) program pairs wounded combat soldiers with soldiers with special needs for horse or dog therapy sessions.
The Gibor L’Gibor (Hero to Hero) program pairs wounded combat soldiers and soldiers with special needs for horse or dog therapy sessions. (photo credit: Courtesy)ByELI MANDELBAUM
In the fierce conflict against terror organization Hamas known as Operation Swords of Iron, Israel has seen 2,156 soldiers wounded since the onset of ground maneuvers, with 406 sustaining severe injuries. The total number of wounded since the beginning of the hostilities stands at 12,900, with 248 still hospitalized. Among these brave souls is Capt. Avitar Zituni, a 26-year-old officer whose harrowing experience and subsequent recovery have become a symbol of resilience and hope.
On October 7, as Zituni lay on the ground in Kibbutz Kissufim, his leg shattered and blood gushing from his wounds, survival seemed uncertain. That fateful day, Zituni had returned home to Ramat Gan for a brief respite, looking forward to his week-long military leave. However, the unexpected chaos in the Gaza envelope abruptly changed his plans. “When I woke up on Saturday, my phone was flooded with messages about the turmoil in the area and orders for my unit to mobilize,” he recalls.
Taking his girlfriend’s car, Zituni rushed to join his platoon, navigating through the volatile terrain. “I realized Hamas was on Route 232, so I rerouted through Beersheba to Tze’elim,” he says. His unit’s mission was to reach Kibbutz Kissufim, where militants had entrenched themselves. “En route, I picked up a radio from a neutralized terrorist and handed it to one of my soldiers fluent in Arabic for intelligence,” he explains. “We started our scans with the Golani Brigade and it was eerily quiet, but I had a gut feeling we were walking into an ambush.”
As they moved through the kibbutz, gunfire erupted. Zituni and his radio operator sought cover and returned fire, aware that the terrorists were hiding among civilians. “We had to be precise,” he emphasizes. Amid the chaos, Zituni was shot in the right leg. “My leg just went out from under me. Blood was spurting out, and I knew I’d been hit badly,” he recounts. Hours passed under heavy fire before evacuation was possible, and Zituni lost consciousness in the ambulance.
Ten days in an induced coma and a series of surgeries followed. “My family arrived just in time to prevent amputation,” Zituni says. “My mother insisted they try everything to save my leg.” His girlfriend, Shir, was at his side when he woke up disoriented and grappling with the reality of his situation. The news of six fallen comrades from his unit – Omri Peretz, Matan Malka, Lavi Buchnik, Regev Amar, Adam Agmon, and Bar Yankelov – hit him hard. “It was devastating. As a commander, I had never lost anyone before,” he says, reflecting on their sacrifice and the lives they saved at Kibbutz Kissufim.
A view shows the remains of a burnt home with its bullet-riddled exterior, following a deadly infiltration by Hamas gunmen from the Gaza Strip, in Kibbutz Kissufim in southern Israel October 21, 2023. (credit: REUTERS/AMIR COHEN)
Zituni’s journey is far from over. Although no longer hospitalized, he faces a complex recovery both physically and mentally. “My unit is in Gaza, and I’m here at Tel Hashomer Hospital for rehabilitation every day,” he says. “I’ve had nine surgeries, and each one is mentally taxing because the outcome is uncertain. My life has changed completely.”
Before the war, Zituni was a respected officer in the Paratroopers Brigade, known for his dedication and leadership. His soldiers admired him not only for his strategic acumen but also for his unwavering commitment to their well-being. Now, as he navigates his recovery, Zituni’s strength and determination continue to inspire those around him.
Jewish National Fund-USA and Special in Uniform initiative brings hope to wounded soldiers
Amid his struggles, a new initiative by Special in Uniform and Jewish National Fund-USA has become a beacon of hope. The Gibor L’Gibor (Hero to Hero) program pairs wounded combat soldiers with soldiers with special needs for horse or dog therapy sessions. This initiative fosters mutual support and healing, creating a unique and impactful experience for both groups.
Zituni, through equine therapy, supports Guy Lubovsky, a young man with developmental disabilities. “Being paired with someone like Guy gives me strength,” says Zituni. “Seeing him engage in horse therapy reminds me of the inner strength we all possess.” Guy echoes this sentiment: “Being alongside a hero like Avitar, who has endured so much and still finds strength, empowers me.”
Avivit Malka Ben Gaon, a volunteer therapist with Gibor L’Gibor, expresses her perspective on the program’s impact. “The bond that forms between the soldiers is incredible. It’s not just about physical healing but emotional and mental recovery as well. Working with individuals like Avitar, who have shown immense resilience, is truly inspiring.”
Lt.-Col. (Res.) Tiran Atia adds: “Our Gibor L’Gibor program embodies the spirit of resilience and camaraderie that defines our nation. By bringing together wounded combat soldiers and special needs soldiers for therapeutic sessions, we create a powerful bond that fosters mutual healing and growth. This initiative, supported by the Jewish National Fund-USA, not only aids in the physical recovery of our heroes but also strengthens their emotional and mental well-being. It is a testament to the enduring strength and unity of our people.”■
