Dear Friends,
Everyone in the IDF knows that some of the most dangerous units are the Border Patrol units. One of the flashpoints for riots is the Damascus Gate in Jerusalem. It’s simply a terrible place to be an IDF soldier. Three years ago Elroy, now 26 years old, was called as a member of the Border Patrol to the Damascus Gate to help stop a riot and spotted a terrorist attacking one of his soldiers. In trying to help, he was severely stabbed in his right hand. After 18 months of surgeries to save his hand, Elroy was faced with the reality that his hand needed to be amputated.
This news would be crushing for anyone and it was very difficult for Elroy, but it was for this very moment that Brothers for Life exists in the world. Elroy shared that by being around other soldiers who had similar injuries he saw that his injury would not stop or control him, rather his spirit would take him far beyond his injury, and now he carries his injury with pride and yes a sense of humor!
The 20-second video of Elroy below will show you who Elroy is more than I could write, and if it doesn’t bring a smile to your face and joy to your heart I don’t know what will! Please click on the photo below and it will take you to the video.
Elroy just returned from an amazing delegation to LA where he inspired everyone simply with his presence.
Today I am thrilled to share that Elroy is engaged to be married to Shoval and has returned to the Border Patrol in the tactical division of the dog unit.
Lastly, our Medical Project will be sending him later this year to Ohio State University for a special surgery to prepare his arm for a state-of-the-art prosthetic hand.
We are so proud and privileged to have Elroy amongst us!!
Shabbat Shalom from Israel,
Yaniv