אל על | אטמוספירה

Ganonian, now BFL’s chairman. “We simply want to give the wounded soldiers everything they need to live full and healthy lives like anyone else.” This approach has succeeded, with about 50% of the ‘brothers’ completing rehabilitation. The Best Medical Care in the World Since its inception, BFL’s connection with the Jewish diaspora has been strong and grown stronger. “Members of Jewish communities act out of love for Israel and a desire to give something back to the soldiers,” says Ganonian. Over time, these communities have become ambassadors for Brothers for Life , connecting with top ortho-plastic experts who volunteer to treat wounded soldiers for free. This led to the creation of a unique medical project that enables the ‘brothers’ to know their rights, receive second opinions, and undergo advanced prosthetic surgeries. Thanks to community support and funding from the Ministry of Defense, more than 350 soldiers have already received the best medical treatment available worldwide. Making the Right Decisions at Critical Moments The highlight of this medical project took place in September, when international experts traveled to Israel to participate in the first-of-its-kind conference “Advances in Orthoplastic Amputation Care”. Organized by Brothers for Life in collaboration with Sheba Medical Center, the conference featured lectures, workshops, and demonstrations from top Israeli and international experts, showcasing cutting-edge treatment methods in the field. At the end of the conference, dozens of IDF soldiers underwent medical evaluations ahead of surgeries that will be performed jointly by American and Israeli experts. This collaboration will allow local doctors to gain expertise and offer soldiers advanced treatments in Israel.

The Greatest Satisfaction Dr. Jason Souza, a world-renowned ortho-plastic specialist from Ohio State University was another key participant. One of the first American experts to treat wounded Israeli soldiers, he says, “I’ve seen severely injured soldiers achieve what they never thought possible. That’s the greatest satisfaction. Their motivation and ability to overcome challenges are remarkable.” Dr. Souza, who operated on Shachar Shiloni during a previous visit to Israel, is expected to perform a second surgery on him soon, alongside Dr. Avitan whose connection to BFL isn’t just professional—he is also a wounded IDF soldier. “When you’re injured, you always feel like no one can really understand what you’re going through. But here, everyone understands,” he says. “I’m counting the days until the surgery,” says Shachar Shiloni. “It’s not just about easing the pain—it’s about getting back to a normal life. Only then can I even start dreaming about simple things again, like just living without constant pain.” In the meantime, Shachar has already achieved one significant goal—he recently married his beloved Tamar and even managed to break the traditional wedding glass himself.

Jason Souza MD, Ohio State University

Avi Avitan MD, Sheba Medical Center

You Can Help, Too Brothers for Life works tirelessly for soldiers who have sacrificed so much for the country’s security, proving that with proper support, determination, and faith, any challenge can be overcome. The annual rehabilitation cost for each ‘brother’ is tens of thousands of Dollars. If you’d like to be part of this important initiative, scan the code and help bring our brothers back to life.

Gil Ganonyan - BFL's Co-Founder & Chairman

Yaniv Leidner, BFL's Co-Founder & CEO

“Advanced, cutting-edge knowledge is being passed to medical teams across Israel, from the center to the periphery, so they can make accurate, life- and limb-saving decisions in the crucial first moments,” explains Dr. Avi Avitan, an orthopedic and rehabilitation specialist who was one of the conference leaders, “This wouldn’t have been possible without Brothers for Life .”

For additional questions and support, please contact us: info@bfl.co.il