Hapoel Jerusalem Launches Rebound for Life Initiative for Wounded IDF
Hapoel Jerusalem and the municipality launched 'Rebound for Life', a basketball rehabilitation program for wounded IDF soldiers and security personnel.
Hapoel Jerusalem, the Jerusalem Municipality, and the "Masira Menatzeahat" association have launched "Rebound for Life," a resilience and rehabilitation program designed for IDF wounded soldiers and security forces dealing with physical and mental injuries. The team's inaugural training session took place on Friday, featuring 17 participants under the guidance of coach Rahamim Yona.
The joint initiative aims to provide participants with a supportive sports and social framework to assist in the rehabilitation process and return to routine. The program includes weekly professional basketball training sessions, social gatherings, team-building activities, and additional content aimed at strengthening the sense of belonging and community, giving participants a place to progress at their own pace.
The "Masira Menatzeahat" association, founded and led by former player Afik Nissim, is a partner in leading the venture alongside the basketball club and the Jerusalem Municipality's Sports Department. Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion welcomed the launch of the project: "IDF wounded soldiers and security forces have gone through and are going through a difficult path, and the rehabilitation process requires strength and a supportive environment. Through basketball, a group, a community, and a place of belonging, friendship, and support are created here. It is important for us that you know you are not alone."
Hapoel Jerusalem CEO Oren Amial added: "As a club based on its community, we are proud and happy to lead this special program, which places physical and mental casualties from the IDF and security forces at its center. 'Rebound for Life' expresses our belief in the power of basketball to connect people, strengthen and empower, and in the unique power of the Hapoel Jerusalem community to be there for each other."
Nissim himself invited additional wounded individuals to join the venture: "At Masira Menatzeahat, we embarked on a journey - to help in the rehabilitation of IDF wounded soldiers, security and rescue forces, in body and soul. Anyone injured during service, at any stage of rehabilitation and recognition, is invited to join the new group. Here they will find a community that understands them and friends for life."
