Two Women Injured in Service Find Strength and Support in Peer Group
Translated & summarized from Israel Hayom by baba
Two Israeli women, Einat Malka and Vered Perjon, who sustained severe physical and psychological injuries during their military and police service respectively, have found a vital support system and deep friendship through the "Achshav Ani" association for female veterans. Their shared experiences and mutual support are helping them navigate ongoing challenges and reclaim their lives.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Two Israeli women veterans found support and friendship in the "Achshav Ani" association.
- Einat Malka lost a leg due to service-related injuries and subsequent complications.
- Vered Perjon suffers from psychological trauma stemming from her police service.
- The association provides a unique community for women injured during service.
- They recently traveled to Sri Lanka together, supported by the organization.
Einat Malka and Vered Perjon, both injured during their military service in the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), are finding solace and support through the "Achshav Ani" (Now I Am) association, which aids women physically and mentally wounded during their service. The two met through the association and have become inseparable, even accompanying each other on a recent trip to Sri Lanka organized by the group. Malka, who lost a leg due to complications from a karate injury sustained during her service as a combat fitness instructor, described how she initially refused to seek special status as an athlete, wanting a meaningful military experience. Her injury in 1997 led to a decade-long saga of treatments and surgeries before her leg was amputated. She later received advanced prosthetics, enabling her to resume activities like running and triathlon, though she faced new challenges when a prosthetic malfunction caused further injury, leading to temporary paralysis and a reliance on a wheelchair. Perjon, a former police officer, suffered psychological trauma from her years of service during periods of intense terrorist attacks and crime. She described the heavy emotional toll of witnessing violent incidents and the difficulty of maintaining a professional demeanor while pregnant and dealing with the constant stress of the job. Both women found that their experiences, though different in nature, left them isolated and struggling with their mental health. They found a profound connection and understanding within the "Achshav Ani" program, which offers a unique support system for female veterans. The program facilitated their trip to Sri Lanka, where they navigated challenging situations, like Malka's phobia of wet floors stemming from her injury, demonstrating their resilience and the deep bond they share. The association provides a crucial community for women who often feel their struggles are misunderstood, offering a space for shared healing and empowerment.