CONGRESSMAN BRIAN MAST VISITS ISREAL IN SUPPORT OF THE NEXT STEP
A s war rages on, many people have taken trips to Israel to show their support for our brothers and sisters in Israel, for the wounded, for the families of the hostages, and for those grieving their loved ones.
Recently, U.S. Congressman Brian Mast, who is both a combat veteran and a bilateral amputee, went on a four-day trip to Israel, collaborating with The Next Step. This organization is unique in Israel for its dedication to offering full-scale care to amputees, whether they are affected by acts of terror or combat in the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF).
As someone who deeply understands the challenges faced by amputees due to his own experiences as a soldier in Afghanistan, Congressman Mast spent his time in Israel visiting hospitals and interacting with amputee patients. His trip included a notable visit to Tel Hashomer Hospital, where he engaged in a physical therapy session alongside other amputees, underscoring the critical role of rehabilitation and the journey towards recovery.
A cornerstone of the trip was Mast’s visit to Hadassah Hospital alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Stephen Shamosh, Chairman of the Board of The Next Step. There, they met with wounded soldiers, offering them comfort and support, in a heartwarming display of international solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Israel.
The mission also included a visit to Kibbutz Beeri, a community that was significantly impacted on October 7. The group, which included The Next Step supporters, met Avida Bachar Avida, a 59-year-old amputee who lost his leg during the Hamas attack, shared his harrowing tale, from the confines of his wheelchair amidst the remnants of his burnt home in Beeri. He bore witness to the unspeakable horrors he experienced — the murder of his wife and son before his eyes. Avida’s story was a testament to the human spirit’s capacity for hope and resilience in the darkest times.
The visit to the Kotel was particularly moving. The group stood before the ancient representation of endurance alongside 20 recent amputees. Sephardic Chief Rabbi Yitzchak Yosef prayed with the group and blessed them all. It was a powerful reminder of the perseverance and pride inherent in Jewish identity, especially during challenging times.
The average age of Israeli amputees since October 7 is just 22 years old. These are young people who stepped up to safeguard our people, our country — and their lives will never be the same. Each individual has been cut from their prime and now faces the daunting reality of physical and emotional challenges that come with limb-loss.
Mr. Stephen Shamosh expressed the need perfectly. “Having spent a week in Israel with Congressman Mast and Prime Minister Netanyahu, and witnessing firsthand the critical needs of numerous injured soldiers and civilians, one thing is crystal clear: The responsibility falls on us — the Jewish community, the Syrian community, and The Next Step Organization — to nurture and support our brothers and sisters in Israel. We are committed to securing their health and mobility for the long term. There simply is no alternative.”
As the mission came to a close, recent amputees enjoyed a retreat in Jerusalem organized by The Next Step. Amputees left hospitals and rehabs to experience an unforgettable weekend forging bonds with fellow amputees and their families. Participants enjoyed enlightening lectures and workshops about life with limb-loss. In the group therapy sessions, individuals engaged in heartfelt conversations about finding ways to reclaim a sense of normalcy in the aftermath of their traumatic losses.
The solidarity mission, though brief, instilled renewed hope in the hearts of many individuals impacted by October 7th and the fighting that ensued. Amputees expressed gratitude, sharing that they found immense comfort meeting a group that journeyed thousands of miles to support them as they navigate their new reality.
As conflict ensues, we pray for the return of the hostages, healing for the wounded, and comfort for the grieving.
The road ahead for Israel’s wounded is long and difficult. And they are turning to The Next Step for life-changing care. They need psychological support to heal from their abrupt, transformative life changes. They are depending on us to assist them in their physical recoveries, with advanced bionic prosthetics and state-of-the-art rehabilitation.
Partner with The Next Step today to provide life changing support to Israel’s wounded: https://www.thenextstep.org/donate-now.
