Hapoel Jerusalem Launches Basketball Program for IDF Wounded

Hapoel Jerusalem Basketball Club, in collaboration with the Jerusalem Municipality and the "Mesira Magenet" association, has launched "Rebound for Life," a unique resilience program for wounded IDF soldiers and security forces personnel dealing with physical and mental trauma. The program's inaugural training session took place on Friday, featuring 17 participants under the guidance of coach Rahamim Yona.

The initiative is a joint effort by Hapoel Jerusalem, the Jerusalem Municipality's Sports Department, and "Mesira Magenet," founded by former player Afik Nissim. It aims to provide participants with comprehensive sports and social support, including weekly professional basketball training, social gatherings, team-building activities, and other content designed to foster a sense of belonging, empower participants, aid their rehabilitation and return to routine, and create a supportive community framework.

Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion expressed pride in the initiative, stating, "The Jerusalem Municipality and I are proud and excited to take part in this important project. IDF soldiers and security forces have gone and are going through a difficult journey, 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 being created here, where everyone can progress at their own pace. It is important for us that you know you are not alone. Jerusalem is a city of mutual responsibility, and we will continue to stand by you, embrace you, and act for your benefit."

Oren Arieli, CEO of Hapoel Jerusalem, added, "As a club based on its community, we are proud and happy to lead this special program, which centers on those injured physically and mentally from the IDF and security forces. 'Rebound for Life' expresses our belief in the power of basketball to connect people, to strengthen, to empower, and in the unique power of the Hapoel Jerusalem community to be there for each other. This project is another expression of our commitment to the community."

Afik Nissim, founder of "Mesira Magenet," concluded, "With 'Mesira Magenet,' we embarked on a journey to help rehabilitate IDF, security, and rescue forces, physically and mentally. I am proud that a prestigious club like Hapoel Jerusalem has chosen to join us on this journey, and I especially thank Gal Mekel, Oren Arieli, and Pepi Turgeman, who have taken the project forward. Anyone injured in service, at any stage of rehabilitation and recognition, is invited to join the new team. Here they will find a community that understands them and friends for life."