EL AL is building the Israel Spirit Team: a cheerleading squad for disabled Israeli athletes.

The company will fly American and Israeli fans to cheer and support Israel’s disabled athletes, turning Paris into Israel’s own home court and making its athletes feel right at home.

(Courtesy of EL AL) To give disabled Israeli athletes the warmest and most supportive experience at their games in Paris, EL AL is forming The Spirit Team—Israel’s cheerleading squad to encourage the athletes and make them feel at home.

The Spirit Team will include Israeli and American fans, flown to Paris as guests of EL AL, as well as injured “Iron Swords” veterans—expected to become future athletes. Volunteers who work with disabled IDF veterans, influencers, and members of the general public are to be selected through EL AL’s social media campaign.

This initiative is being led by EL AL’s brand representative and international musical sensation Hanan Ben Ari. Members of the public can apply to join The Spirit Team on the EL AL website, https://www.elal.com/heb/about-elal/fly-the-flag/paralympic-fans.

The ad campaign features Ben Ari’s song “Homeland,” which illustrates the importance of Israeli support and encouragement during this troubled time, with both Ben Ari and EL AL highlighting The Spirit Team and ensuring that no Israeli athlete feels alone.

As part of the marketing initiative, EL AL will donate over $50,000 to the IDF Handicapped Veterans Organization, including flights for dedicated delegations. The donation will support injured IDF and security forces personnel who have sacrificed their bodies and minds for the State of Israel and its citizens. The IDF Handicapped Veterans Organization assists over 52,000 injured IDF and security forces personnel and operates four rehabilitation centers in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa, and Be’er Sheva. Here, injured veterans undergo rehabilitation through various sports activities. According to the Ministry of Defense, 9,254 IDF and security forces personnel were injured during the Iron Swords Operation and have to date been recognized as disabled veterans.

“Our support of Israel extends well beyond transporting passengers to and from the country. EL AL is proud to support our disabled athletes at their games in Paris and ensure there is always a hometown feeling for them on the court,” said Simon Newton Smith, EL AL’s VP for the Americas.

To join the team, applicants must apply online and submit a 30-second video in which the candidate introduces themselves through song, dance, special talent, or a personal story. Additionally, one can also upload a story or REEL to Instagram and tag EL AL using @elalisrael and @elalusa. Applications should be submitted by Tuesday, July 23.

Nadav Hanin, VP of marketing, digital, and communications at EL AL commented: “We are excited to establish Israel’s only cheerleading team to support and encourage our disabled athletes in Paris. The complex atmosphere and attitude towards Israeli representatives worldwide does not enable us to remain indifferent, so we have launched an initiative to emphasize to the athletes, and to the entire world, that the people of Israel are united behind them and that they are never alone. We wish all Israeli athletes great success in the various competitions; your participation is a source of great pride for us and the entire country.”

The selection process will be conducted by a special committee who will announce their results at the beginning of August.