Community cyclists unite to support Israel’s amputee community
This is not a story about a vacation. And it is not a story about cycling through picturesque roads in the South of France. This is a story about how, through cycling, The Next Step and The Next Ride (TNR/TNS) raise critical funds to care for individuals who have suffered limb loss or were born with limb differences, and how they are actively building a future to serve the entire amputee community of Israel.
TNR has just wrapped up its tenth ride in the South of France, and many are calling it one of the most extraordinary experiences in the organization’s history. Not because of where the riders traveled, but because of who they rode for and what this growing movement continues to build.
Among the nearly 150 riders and supporters were members of the Sephardic community who participated alongside cyclists from across the Jewish world. Representing the community were Vicki and Jack Aini, Sima and Ari Baum, Korine and Ezra Castro, Yoel Dweck, Adele and David Khaski, Zaki Salame, Stella and Ovadia Setti, Olga and Elliott Shwekey, and Grace and Elliot Simhon. Together, they helped raise critical funds in support of The Next Step’s life-changing work for Israel’s amputee community.
“It was an amazing trip and the programming was incredible. Hazak u’baruch!” shared community member Jack Aini. “Thank you for such a wonderful trip. We had a great time meeting new people and learning about this amazing organization and all the good it does. It’s been very uplifting knowing we are helping our brothers in Israel who need us now more than ever,” added Yoel Dweck.
The journey began as riders and staff arrived jet-lagged, energized, and united by purpose. While the group toured the historic Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild overlooking the Mediterranean and later gathered at the Hotel Martinez, these moments were not about sightseeing. They were about connection, community, and recommitting to a shared mission.
The opening ceremony, led by David Farhi, set the tone for the week ahead. This was a ride driven by responsibility to those whose lives were forever changed by injury, trauma, or birth, and who rely on organizations like The Next Step to reclaim independence and dignity. Reflecting on the organization’s growth and vision, David Farhi, U.S. Managing Director, said, “This may be our tenth ride, but we are really just getting started. Working for this organization is like a marathon, and we are still in the first few miles. The opening of the Empowerment Center is a defining moment, cementing The Next Step as the home for amputees in Israel and, with G-d’s help, a cornerstone for the Jewish world.”
Over the course of three powerful days on the road, riders took on the rugged coastline of L’Esterel–Saint-Raphaël, the demanding climbs of the Gourdon mountains, and the winding routes through Tanneron. Lined up each morning were riders like Shloimie Shachar, Kobe Gerbi, and Saar Shamir, athletes riding alongside the group not as symbols, but as equals. Each of them once faced the uncertainty of whether walking would even be possible. Through The Next Step’s support, including prosthetic care, rehabilitation, physical training, and community, they are not only walking again, but riding strong.
These moments are living proof of why this work matters. Steven Shamosh, Chairman of the Board, thanked the community riders for their efforts and for the continued support of the Sephardic community in this holy mission.
And yet, this ride is not just about what exists today. It is about what comes next.
TNR is in the process of building The Next Step Empowerment Center, a permanent home that will serve the entire amputee community of Israel. This center will be a comprehensive hub providing physical therapy and rehabilitation, mental health support, social workers and case managers, patient advocates, government and benefits advocacy, and community programming with long-term care coordination. It will be a place where no amputee, whether soldier, civilian, or child, is left to navigate recovery alone.
This is what The Next Step rides represent. Not a trip. Not a vacation. But a movement, powered by miles, fueled by purpose, and dedicated to building a stronger future for Israel’s amputee community and, with G-d’s help, the wider Jewish world.
