The People Behind The Mission
Real Stories.
Real Recovery.
These are not statistics. They are soldiers who gave everything — and are rebuilding their lives, one step at a time.
Every wounded Israeli soldier's path looks different — but the arc is the same: injury, treatment, rehabilitation, and the long work of rebuilding a life with purpose and independence. The stories below reflect the surgeries, prosthetics, and rehabilitation support made possible by Care4Heroes and its donors. To see how these journeys are funded, visit our recovery programs, or share your own story with us.
In Their Words
From the Soldiers Themselves
Featured Story
Jonathan Ben Hamou
IDF Combat Soldier · Founder, Care4Heroes
Jonathan Ben Hamou
Born in Ashkelon to a Zionist family with Moroccan and Dutch roots, Jonathan is the eldest of five siblings. He served as D9 Company Commander of the 603rd Battalion — leading tanks and troops, clearing corridors through some of the most intense combat zones of the Gaza ground offensive.
"I know what it feels like to lose everything in an instant — and what it means to have it given back."
The Injury
During combat operations in Gaza, an RPG struck his armored D9 — hitting his leg before the fuel tank exploded. He escaped through the window moments before the vehicle was engulfed in flames.
The Surgery
His leg was amputated. The surgery that saved his life was the beginning of a long, painful journey that few outside the military fully understand.
Rehabilitation
With a custom prosthetic and specialist care in the United States, Jonathan rebuilt his mobility — relearning to walk, move, and live independently.
The Mission
He saw how many wounded soldiers were navigating that journey alone. He founded Care4Heroes so that would never happen again.
Co-Founder's Story
Ilan Lapkovski
Co-Founder & Operations Manager
The Soldier
Born in Ariel, Israel, Ilan is a twin brother to Alon. He served as a combat engineer and heavy-duty machine operator in the IDF — putting his body on the line in some of the most demanding conditions of the war.
The Injury & Cost
Severely injured in November 2024, Ilan lost his business while on extended reserve service. The war took his livelihood alongside his health.
The Mission
He met Jonathan during rehabilitation at Shiba Hospital and joined the mission immediately. Today, he manages all technical operations, networking, and soldier connections for Care4Heroes.
Ilan Lapkovski
Combat Engineer · Co-Founder & Operations
Co-Founder's Story
Yarin Izhaki
Reserve Combat Soldier · Chief of Connections
Yarin Izhaki
Co-Founder & Chief of Connections
The Service
A reserve combat soldier from a moshav near the Lebanese border, Yarin completed approximately 490 days of reserve service — including nearly four months of intensive combat in Gaza as a combat engineering soldier.
Under Fire
He served in an area under continuous rocket fire while civilian populations were evacuated — one of the most prolonged and grueling combat assignments of the war.
Finding Purpose
After experiencing combat-related PTSD, Yarin found that his path to recovery was helping others navigate theirs. He now maintains direct contact with injured soldiers and coordinates volunteers across the US.
Soldier's Story
Oriya
Sayeret Givati · Combat Soldier
The Injury
In May 2024, Oriya was injured by an explosive device during combat operations in Rafah. Most of his rehabilitation took place in the orthopedic rehabilitation department at Sheba Medical Center, where he went through a long and challenging recovery process.
Care4Heroes Impact
Care4Heroes flew Oriya to the United States to be fitted with a specialized prosthetic for free diving — giving him the opportunity to return to doing what he loves most.
"An amazing group of people doing professional work at the highest level, while always making sure you feel supported throughout the entire journey."
Oriya
Sayeret Givati · Wounded in Rafah, 2024
Soldier's Story
Benjamin Frenkel
205th Armored Brigade · Wounded in Khan Younis, 2024
Benjamin Frenkel
Armored Infantry · 205th Armored Brigade
The Injury
In August 2024, during house-clearing operations near Khan Younis, Benjamin was severely injured by an explosive device. Hospitalized at Soroka Medical Center for a month, doctors fought to save his leg — but ultimately, his left leg was amputated. He then began a long orthopedic rehabilitation at Sheba Medical Center, remaining there until April 2025.
Care4Heroes Impact
Through Care4Heroes, Benjamin was fitted with a more flexible socket and a specialized prosthetic foot that provides much greater stability — especially on slopes and uneven terrain. Today, he has returned to work as an urban planner and can once again take his children outdoors and enjoy nature together.
"My dream was simply to stand up and be able to change diapers for my children. Thank God, I can do that today. But with this prosthetic, even hiking up and down the hills of the Yatir region no longer scares me."
Soldier's Story
Noam Harush
IDF Combat Soldier · Gaza, November 2023
The Injury
In November 2023, Noam was injured in Gaza and his right leg was amputated below the knee. For months afterward, he searched for someone who could build him the prosthetic he truly needed — the right one, done right.
Care4Heroes Impact
Care4Heroes brought Noam to the United States, handled everything professionally, and within a few weeks he had his prosthetic done — exactly the way it should be. They gave him back the track his life was on.
"I can't explain how much they've done for me and the way that they actually made me go back on track with my life. I wouldn't be where I am without them."
Noam Harush
IDF Combat Soldier · Wounded in Gaza, 2023
Soldier's Story
Netanel Takele
Golani Brigade · October 7th Survivor
Netanel Takele
Golani Brigade · Nahal Oz, October 7th
The Injury
On October 7th, Netanel was stationed at the Nahal Oz outpost when the attack began. After hours of intense fighting, he was shot twice — once in his hand and once in his pelvis. It took nearly five hours before he could be rescued and evacuated. He went on to undergo 10 surgeries, many of which were unsuccessful, and was losing hope of ever fully recovering.
Care4Heroes Impact
Care4Heroes arranged for Netanel to travel to the United States for a specialized surgery with a leading nerve specialist — and supported him through every single step. From preparations before the surgery, to accompanying him throughout his stay, to making sure he never felt alone. They gave him not only medical assistance, but hope, strength, and the feeling that someone truly cared about his future.
"I was losing hope that I would ever fully recover. Then Care4Heroes stepped into my life. What they gave me was not only medical assistance — they gave me hope, strength, and the feeling that someone truly cared about my future."
Soldier's Story
Elias Geta
Golani Brigade · Lebanon Border, April 2025
The Injury
On April 12th, during Passover eve, Elias stepped on a landmine during a cross-border mission near the Lebanon border. His right leg was amputated below the knee, and shrapnel fragments in his left leg required a very long additional recovery. He was evacuated to Nahariya Hospital, then transferred to Sheba Medical Center, where he spent 8.5 months in intensive rehabilitation — including three more surgeries.
Care4Heroes Impact
Care4Heroes supported Elias throughout his entire rehabilitation, offering guidance when the system fell short. They then brought him to the United States for a prosthetic — where he received world-class care, warmth, and a prosthetic a hundred times better than what was available at home. Even after returning to Israel, they continue to support him 24/7.
"I truly love and appreciate all of you at Care4Heroes for changing my life and giving me hope for the future."
Elias Geta
Golani Brigade · Wounded on Lebanon Border, 2025
Soldier's Story
Yair
Golani Brigade · Company Commander · Wounded in Lebanon
Yair
Golani Brigade · Company Commander · Lebanon
The Injury
During the fighting in Lebanon, Yair was severely injured and his hand suffered significant damage. He underwent several complex surgeries, but none brought the improvement he had hoped for. The period was filled with pain, uncertainty, and daily challenges — until Care4Heroes entered his life and changed his reality.
Care4Heroes Impact
Care4Heroes secured approval for a specialized surgery in the United States with a world-renowned nerve specialist. They supported Yair through every detail — professional rehabilitation, physiotherapy, comfortable accommodations, and constant care. The surgery succeeded beyond all expectations, and the results were extraordinary.
"Your generosity, compassion, and dedication changed my life. Thank you for helping me in such an exceptional way."