Israel’s national amputee soccer team, which includes two Israeli soldiers who lost limbs during the war in Gaza, is heading to France for the 2024 European Amputee Football Championships in June. Ben Binyamin, a professional soccer player who was left for dead and had his leg blown off during the Hamas attack on the Tribe of Nova music festival, thought he would never play again. However, he found hope when he learned about the national amputee soccer team and is now preparing to compete.
The team provides a chance for players to heal from life-altering wounds suffered during the Oct. 7 attacks and Israel’s ensuing war in Gaza. Among the players is 1st Sgt. Omer Glikstal, a soldier who lost his left foot during a battle in Gaza in November. Dozens of Israelis lost limbs during the Hamas attacks and many have benefited from Israel’s world-class medical system, which has decades of experience treating young people injured in conflicts. The team hopes to inspire others who have endured similar situations.
Shaked Bitton, an Israeli army division commander who lost his right leg when he was shot by a Hamas sniper, was devastated until he was visited in the hospital by others who had successfully resumed their lives after losing limbs. Zach Shichrur, founder of Israel’s national amputee soccer team, offers hope to those who have suffered similar injuries. The team has enjoyed success, qualifying to compete in the European championship after placing third in the Nations League in Belgium.
Amputee soccer teams have six fielder players missing lower limbs who play on crutches without prosthetics, while each team has a goalkeeper with a missing upper extremity. The smaller pitch offers a unique playing experience. The team practices regularly, undeterred by their physical challenges, as they strive to represent Israel on the international stage. The players are united by their shared experiences and find joy, pride, and healing through the sport.
Sir Ludwig Guttmann, a Jewish neurologist who fled Nazi Germany and pioneered competitive sports as a form of rehabilitation, is considered the father of the Paralympic Games and has enhanced the lives of many handicapped athletes. The Israeli national amputee soccer team continues his legacy by providing its players with the healing powers of sport and the excitement of competition. The team’s physical therapist, Michal Nechama, emphasizes the importance of sport for the players’ souls, offering them joy and pride beyond what can be achieved in a hospital setting. The upcoming European Amputee Football Championships will provide the team with a platform to showcase their talent and resilience.
