Over £2 million pounds was raised in support of Israel’s disabled and wounded veterans on Wednesday night during a fundraising dinner in central London.

More than 400 people, including prominent community and religious leaders, attended the dinner, which took place at The Dorchester on Park Lane, to support Beit Halochem, Israel’s preeminent veterans support charity.

The charity now oversees the care and rehabilitation of around 60,000 veterans in Israel, an increase of close to 10,000 since October 7, with the charity’s donor database growing from about 4,200 before October to some 7,900 now.

Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis, beginning the evening’s proceedings and, leading the room in prayer, called Beit Halochem “one of Israel’s most crucial and inspirational charities”.

He said he was “immensely proud of the role that British Jewry takes, through supporting the outstanding endeavours of Beit Halochem, in sharing the important responsibility to provide for the wellbeing of so many who put their lives on the line for the protection of the Jewish State and the Jewish people.”

Three Israeli veterans and Beit Halcohem beneficiaries, Itay Sagy, Liam Spilman and Yitzhack Schwartz, spoke eloquently about their experiences both in combat fighting for the IDF and about the subsequent care and support they received at Beit Halochem facilities.

Sagy, 26, whom the JC interviewed back in January, said he “can’t be nervous” speaking in front of the large crowd, despite never having done it before, because he felt “the amount of love from each and every one of you in this room, and the many who have come to talk privately with me. It’s truly amazing,”

He shared that he was initially “scared” to visit a Beit Halcohem facility after being introduced to the charity while recovering in hospital, but it turned out to be “the best decision [of] my life to go there”.

He credits Beit Halochem with not only assisting his physical health but improving his mental health as well in the weeks immediately following his injury.

“It is an amazing organisation, and it is because of Beit Halochem I am here tonight. Thanks to Beit Halochem and its supporters like you, I know my rehabilitation is [in good hands], and my mental health. It’s all doing great now because of you. Thank you for all your support. I love you,” he said.

Israeli veterans supported by Beit Halochem: (left to right) Liam Spilman, Yitzhack Schwartz, Itay Sagy (Credit: Chiko photography)

Schwartz, who at first found it difficult to transition to a life bound in a wheelchair, said his first visit to Beit Halochem was “a milestone” in his rehabilitation process and a “turning point” on the road to regaining his life back.

He felt “immediately welcomed” by Beit Halcohem members, who quickly made him feel “part of the team, a new brother in the family”.

“They took me under their wing and showed me that not only does life go on, but it can be a full one and one [well lived],” he said, adding: “Some here tonight may see me as a hero. But let’s say here tonight that Beit Halochem’s supporters are the heroes, as without your help, the more than 60,000 members may not have been given the chance to build a new life.”

Chairs Katie Cutler and Michaela Meyohas speak on stage during Beit Halochem's fundraising dinner, September 18, 2024 (Credit: Chiko photography)

Spilman’s wife, who joined him on stage to speak, recalled that it was only after coming home from his first visit to Beit Halochem that she saw him smile for the first time since being injured.

The evening was chaired by charity supporters Katie Cutler and Michaela Meyohas.

Spencer Gelding, CEO of Beit Halochem UK, commented: "Last night’s fundraising dinner was a truly unforgettable evening, filled with inspiration and hope. We were all deeply moved by the stories of three of our courageous veterans who were injured during the horrific attacks on Israel on October 7th.

“Hearing how their lives have been transformed through the exceptional care and support provided at the Beit Halochem rehabilitation facilities in Israel was a powerful reminder of the importance of our work. It was heartening to witness how everyone in the room came together in solidarity to support these remarkable heroes and their families. Together, we are making a real difference in their lives."

Beit Halochem UK is committed to raising awareness and funds for the four Beit Halochem veteran rehabilitation centres. located in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Haifa, and Beer Sheva, with a fifth facility focusing on PTSD to be opened in Ashdod next year.

Beit Halochem suffered heavily in the wake of October 7. Sixteen of its members were killed; one member was taken hostage and four relatives of members were abducted by Hamas.