{
  "id": 4795364,
  "title": "Warriors of Israel rebrands as over 90,000 wounded Israeli veterans need lifelong care, community",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/01/warriors-of-israel-rebrands-as-over-90-000-wounded-israeli-veterans",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-01T05:52:39.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Jerusalem Post",
    "slug": "jerusalem-post",
    "url": "https://www.jpost.com/health-and-wellness/article-907108"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Israel is grappling with its largest rehabilitation effort as over 90,000 wounded veterans require lifelong care, prompting the Friends of Irgun Nechei Zahal, or Beit Halochem USA, to rebrand as Warriors of Israel. Established after the War of Independence, the organization vows to stand by Israel's wounded soldiers and their families through every step of their journey. Sam Zussman, Chair of the Board of Warriors of Israel, emphasized that their enduring commitment is to ensure every wounded warrior can live with dignity, independence, and purpose. Since the start of the current conflict on October 7, 2023, more than 26,000 soldiers have been wounded, with the Defense Ministry estimating that over 90,000 will need lifelong rehabilitation and support. Over 30,000 American supporters have contributed to Warriors of Israel, aiding the organization's efforts to meet the rapidly increasing needs of Israel's wounded soldiers and their families. Beit Halochem operates five rehabilitation centers across Israel, offering physical rehabilitation, mental health care, adaptive sports, education, career development, peer connection, and programs for spouses and children. Iris Reff Ronen, CEO of Warriors of Israel, highlighted that the organization not only provides rehabilitation but also fosters a community where wounded warriors can grow alongside those who share their experiences. The challenges faced by soldiers include physical injuries, PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other invisible wounds. As recovery is a lifelong process, Warriors of Israel calls on Americans to support soldiers who have sacrificed for their country and help rebuild their lives.",
  "summary": "The organization is the official US branch of the Zahal Disabled Veterans Organization, established after the War of Independence with the goal of rehabilitating wounded soldiers.",
  "key_points": [
    "Over 90,000 Israeli veterans wounded, need lifelong care",
    "Friends of Irgun Nechei Zahal rebrands as Warriors of Israel",
    "Over 30,000 Americans support organization's mission"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The rebranding of Friends of Irgun Nechei Zahal to Warriors of Israel reflects the growing need for lifelong care and community support for over 90,000 wounded Israeli veterans.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}