During the 2nd Lebanon War in 2006, 20-year-old Armoured Corps Commander of the 401st regiment, Ron Weinreich, was severely wounded.

While performing a maneuver on a dark and narrow village road in Lebanon, Ron’s tank crashed into a huge concrete building.

Tons of debris and metal collapsed onto his tank. One of the boulders crushed Ron’s spine. Weeks later, after many operations, Ron was forced to confront the grim realization that he would be confined to a wheelchair.

“I remember lying on my bed, alone, thinking about my soldiers who had been killed and about my own personal mess. I covered my head and began to cry, like I’d never cried before. I said: ‘Get a grip on yourself, you’re 20 years old and you’re a fighter.’ I decided I had to pick up the pieces and start my life over again.”

Five years have passed and Ron has realized a dream that many wish for … he performed in the show A Star is Born, the Israeli version of American Idol. He triumphantly went on to be one of eight finalists.

Ron is proud of his achievements and continues to nurture his creative talents by performing in his band, Siren. He also studies Business Administration and Entrepreneurship. Ron receives therapy and works out regularly at Beit Halochem Tel Aviv.

Beit Halochem Centres in Tel Aviv, Haifa, Jerusalem, Nahariya and Beer Sheva offer a broad array of specialized therapies, sports programs, cultural and social activities enabling our 51,000 Wounded Heroes to return to meaningful and productive lives.

The war may be over, but their battle continues.