Israel’s bravest heroes
Dan Layani will be visiting Sydney, Melbourne and Perth next month to spread awareness of ZDVO activities and to fundraise for Beit Halochem centres.
WHEN Dan Layani’s platoon was hit by a massive bombardment during the firs in 1982, he immediately and instinctively knew he had been blinded by shrapnel. Despite several surgeries and promises by doctors that his sight would return in one eye, Layani soon learned that he would be permanently blind.
It took him years to come to terms with his reality, but “the activities at Beit Halochem brought me back to life”, Layani said.
Now married with four children, he is assistant chairman of the Jerusalem District of ZDVO, supporting wounded soldiers and helping veterans with issues such as job discrimination, socioeconomic problems and medical matters.
Layani will be visiting Sydney, Melbourne and Perth next month to spread awareness of ZDVO activities and to fundraise for Beit Halochem centres, which are “like a home away from home for the injured” that provide opportunities for social interaction as well as treatments like physiotherapy and hydrotherapy.
Joining Layani will be Israeli Paralympian rower Moran Samuel, who, having suffered a spinal stroke in 2006, went on to win bronze at the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio.
Samuel credits Beit Halochem with teaching her to turn a disability into an ability and to reconnect with herself after her injury.
“I finally found myself among a group of peers who were equal to me and from whom I could not only learn but give back to of myself as well,” she said. “It’s the place where a person is a lot more than just the sum of their parts.”
Speaking to The AJN, ZDVO president Michael Bayin said, “Year after year, we are dedicated to exposing Israel’s bravest heroes to the Australian Jewish community and this year will be no exception.
“Dan Layani is the most incredible example of a can-do attitude … Despite being blind, he is a triathlete, runs marathons, cycles and wakes up every morning with the most positive attitude; it’s incredible.”
ZDVO executive director Evie Smith said, “We are honoured and privileged to be able to host Israel’s wounded soldiers who have put their lives on the line to protect the State of Israel.
“The goal is to raise funds to support the 51,000 injured soldiers and victims of terror in Israel.”
ZDVO will be screening the Israeli movieEvie Smith in Sydney on February 19 and in Melbourne on February 26, where you can hear the inspirational stories of Layani and Samuel firsthand. There will also be a ZDVO Shabbat in Sydney on February 17 and Melbourne on February 24.
In addition, Layani and Samuel will be visiting Jewish schools and local congregations in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth.
Mekonen will be screened at Hoyts EQ on February 19 at 6pm and 7pm, and at Classic Cinemas, Elsternwick on February 26 at 5pm and 7.30pm. . Tickets are $25 or $15 for a concession. For more information and to book email zdvo@zdvo.com or call (02) 8333 2614.
YAEL BRENDER
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