Israelis Raise 2.5 Million Shekels in 48 Hours for Wounded Golani Soldier
Within 48 hours, 2.5 million shekels were raised for Aviahu, a severely wounded Golani soldier who fought in the October 7 attacks. The funds will support his ongoing rehabilitation and home adaptations.
Three years have passed since that morning when Aviahu left his home to help his comrades, and today, thousands of Israelis are mobilizing to assist him. Within just 48 hours, 2.5 million shekels were raised through the Charidy platform to support the ongoing treatment and rehabilitation of a Golani soldier severely wounded during the October 7 attacks.
On the morning of October 7, 2023, Aviahu, a soldier in the 51st Battalion of the Golani Brigade, was at home on holiday leave, just days before he was scheduled to be discharged. Upon learning of the terrorist infiltration into the border communities and numerous casualties, he set out alongside his platoon comrade, Ido Belkin, toward the outpost to aid their fellow soldiers in combat.
The Ambush and Severe Injury
Following a complex and dangerous journey, the two encountered a terrorist ambush and came under fire. Aviahu was shot in the chest and remained in the field for long hours without medical treatment or evacuation, suffering from severe hemorrhaging and acute respiratory distress.
Due to the delay in medical care, Aviahu's heart stopped beating, and he underwent prolonged resuscitation lasting over 20 minutes. He was subsequently classified as critically wounded, placed in a medically induced coma on a ventilator, and fought for his life.
Ongoing Rehabilitation and Public Response
The injury left him with severe and extensive brain damage as well as significant cognitive impairment. Today, Aviahu does not speak, communicates through eye blinking and head movements, is fed directly through a tube, is quadriplegic, and is entirely dependent on his family and caregivers.
"We continue to witness the tremendous mobilization of the Israeli public to assist with every need. It is moving to see that even today, the public has not forgotten the wounded of this war." — Rabbi Shay Cherbinsky, CEO of Charidy
Following more than two years of hospitalization and intensive rehabilitation, Aviahu returned home. The family purchased a house and completed extensive adaptations required for his complex needs. The family launched a fundraising campaign to cover these costs and build a rehabilitation pool, surpassing 2.5 million shekels within 48 hours.
