Eleven months ago, the Second Lebanon War erupted, in which 117 soldiers were killed and 768 injured. In addition, there are soldiers who were injured in the course of the year in joint actions in the territories that are not included in the casualty statistics we have presented here. In recent months our organization, under the auspices of our CEO Miki Solomon, has examined the cost of a recreational event at Isrotel, as well as the cost of activities scheduled for this event, for those wounded in the Second Lebanon War.

The event enables the wounded to relax and to spend time with others who suffer from injuries akin to their own, or from other injuries. They are able to converse in a unique language that only they are able to understand, that is, the language of pain, suffering, and psychological difficulties. This helps them to feel not so different, since everyone there is injured. At the planned vacation there will be veteran wounded soldiers conveying what they have learned to the injured, younger soldiers who often have difficulty accepting their injury. They will help them see that a good life for the injured is possible…that it is possible to establish a family, to enjoy oneself, and to continue life despite all the difficulties.

The event is arranged to take place over the course of four days. Having learned from our experiences, we have decided that the vacation will not take place over the weekend, but will start at the beginning of the week; so as not to transgress the Sabbath, which caused approximately 1,000 vacationers to be unable to attend previously planned events. It is vital to us that we demonstrate to the wounded, who have paid such a heavy price, fighting and being injured for our nation, how thankful we are and how much we appreciate them. We will not forget them.

The Chief of Staff, generals and commanders of the I.D.F. are scheduled to visit during the vacation, and they will be an integral part of the team accompanying the soldiers. More than this, they will remove uniforms and ranks and will assist the soldiers in all the activities, offering love to the injured, and extend the honor due to them. In addition, the donating families will also be invited to be an inseparable part of the activities.

The event will have many activities, including six hours of sailing activities. There will be "diving with dolphins" for everyone over the course of two days (divided into small groups based on the availability of instructors and equipment). Petting and diving with dolphins is a type of therapy. There will not be any injured person allowed to dive unless able to do so. We will do all that we can so that even the seriously wounded will be able to participate. We hope that everyone will want to take part in the diving experience and its therapeutic effect.

I earnestly beseech you to sponsor this recreational project for those injured in the Second Lebanon War and to help us in this holy work. The vacation is planned for the month of September. We have only a short time remaining in order to finalize the details or we will be required to cancel it. The vacation will be in partnership with injured officers of the I.D.F. These logistical preparations cannot be done without your aid and assistance. The entire event will be covered by Israel Channel 2 News.

To become a part of showing how thankful we are to our brave men and women in this recreational recovery event, you can send your tax-deductible check made payable to Light and Mercy at P.O. Box 4022, Ariel 44837 ISRAEL or you can CLICK BELOW to see how to make a direct deposit into our account. Your donation (less transferance fee) will be advanced to us.

We sincerely thank you for your involvement,
Miki Solomon
Director, Light and Mercy
050-202-3041