MK Simon Davidson: “45% of October 7th Injuries Are Amputees – We Will Ensure Their Rehabilitation Through Sports”

Knesset Honors Israel’s Amputee Soccer Team for Their Strength and Resilience

At today’s Knesset Subcommittee on Sports, chaired by MK Simon Davidson, certificates of appreciation were awarded to members of Israel’s Amputee Soccer Team. Two players, in particular, deeply moved everyone in attendance:

– Shaked Biton, a former Givati Brigade soldier who lost his leg in combat in Gaza:

“I knew nothing about this sport and thought I would be in a wheelchair for the rest of my life. A month after being hospitalized, I received medical clearance and joined the team. Thanks to football, I left all the other soldiers in rehabilitation behind. Every Monday and Thursday, I knew I was leaving rehab to play soccer on crutches—that’s what made my recovery possible.”

– Ben Binyamin, who was injured along with his partner at the Nova festival on October 7:

“We both lost our right legs. I thought it would take at least a year before I could play football again, but joining the team lifted me up and gave me the strength to move forward.”

Israel’s Amputee Soccer Team coach, Sharon Paz, spoke about the team:

“We have 19 players from all sectors, ranging in age from 19 to 49. This year, two Israeli hero soldiers, Shaked Biton and Omer Glickstal, along with Ben Binyamin, who was injured at Nova, joined the team. Football is a powerful tool for emotional healing.”

Committee Chairman MK Simon Davidson praised Paz, saying:

“You deserve the Israel Prize for what you do.” Davidson also emphasized the importance of sports in rehabilitation, stating: “45% of those injured on October 7 are amputees. We will do everything possible to ensure that thousands of wounded soldiers have the opportunity for rehabilitation through sports.”