Israeli Security Forces Veterans with PTSD Visit National Basketball Team Training

The Israeli national basketball team hosted wounded Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) veterans and security personnel suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) during a training session on August 17, 2026. This event was part of a project led by the Basketball Association's Friendship Fund, aiming to support these veterans through sports. The initiative, spearheaded by former national player Raviv Limond, established basketball teams across Israel for security forces veterans coping with PTSD, who train weekly in various locations including Ashdod, Netanya, the Upper Galilee, and the Shomron, with a new team soon to open in the Gaza envelope area.

The project is a collaboration between the Basketball Association, the Jewish Impact Center, and the Disabled IDF Veterans Organization, which supports the rehabilitation of these heroes through five Warrior Houses nationwide. During the visit, the veterans watched the national team practice and engaged in an emotional meeting with the players, who expressed gratitude for their service. National team coach Ariel Beit Halachmi emphasized the importance of supporting soldiers, especially amid the increased PTSD cases since October 7, stating, "If basketball can heal them, we are the first to stand by and assist."

Player Itay Segev described the encounter as deeply moving and honored to contribute to helping those who sacrificed for the country. Yossi Matityahu, CEO of the Disabled IDF Veterans Organization, highlighted the project's role in rehabilitation through sport, calling on more veterans to participate. Sonia Gomes de Mascita, CEO of the Jewish Impact Center, noted that basketball provides a framework for restoring belonging, capability, and trust for veterans with PTSD. Raviv Limond reflected on the growing need for such programs due to the expanding circle of wounded veterans and the project's ongoing expansion to meet this demand.