On Monday, November 27, Yavneh Academy middle school student were granted an opportunity to be inspired, through a program called “Together for Them,” by two IDF soldiers who were wounded in battle.

Reuven shared his story first. The students listened respectfully as he shared how he was called into battle, leaving his family, and how he was the only survivor of his 14-man squadron. He was rescued, but was left with a severe leg injury, causing him to have a permanent limp. He has since changed his life, going from an engineer to a para-Olympic rower. He shared his story as inspiration to others to never let a challenge knock you down.

The next moving story the students heard was from Elad, the leader of a squadron going into Gaza. As the chayalim silently crept through the night, they were fired upon. As Elad went to check on a soldier screaming for help, he was shot in the head. Elad lost his hearing in his left ear and his right eye. Today, as he studies psychology in Hebrew University, Elad wants people to, not only be inspired, but to also show support and love for Israel.