alympians reflect the Jewish
state's determination and spirit.
But whatever their unique ex-
periences, the 41 athletes and
their coaches share the mentali-
ty of many Paralympic athletes
— a sheer love of sports and a
;H pride in their country.
"We're true sportsmen," says
Fritz Friedman, one of three Is-
raeli lawn bowling coaches. 'We
play because we love the sport,
not because we are professional.
If someone does something be-
cause they love doing it, there is
more gain."
Some Israelis learn to love ath-
letics at Beit Halochem Sports,
Rehabilitation and Social Cen-
ters, located in Tel Aviv, Haifa
and Jerusalem. Among the cen-
ters' amenities are heated,
Olympic-sized pools, spacious
gymnasiums and assorted sports
equipment.
Unfortunately, there is much
need for innovative rehabilita-
tion in a country that sees many
victims of terrorism and war,
says Yosef Lutenberg, head of the
Israeli Paralympic Delegation
and the chairman of the Jewish
state's disabled veterans associ-
ation.
'We have many youngsters
who go through our program [be-
cause] we have many casualties
daily," says Mr. Lutenberg. Al-
most every 18-year-old Israeli
serves in the army, he says.
"Sports is part of their rehabili-
tation, but they also like it."
Some Paralympians not dis-
abled from war or terrorism also
train at Beit Halochem. But their
determined and passionate atti-
tudes also lead to medals, says
Mr. Lutenberg.
"We don't need to teach them
— they are motivated by them-
selves," he says. "They are seri-
ous about fighting for the pride
of the State of Israel."
More than half of this year's
Israeli Paralympians are dis-
abled war veterans, says Joel
Breslauer, executive vice presi-
dent of the New York City-based
Friends of Israeli Disabled War
Veterans. Their participation in
Beit Halochem prepares the vet-
erans for Paralympic competition
and strengthens their mindset,
he says.
"They are serious-minded
about rehabilitating themselves,"
says Mr. Breslauer. 'They are not
just training for the Paralympics
— they are training for a new
life."
To improve their lives, Israel's
citizens with disabilities must
overcome obstacles much like
their country, says Mr. Bres-
lauer.
"Everyone makes jokes that
the Israelis have too much chutz-
pah. To a great degree, it's true,"
he says. The Jewish state con-
stantly defends itself from hos-
tile neighbors, he adds. 'They are
a very proud people.
/
❑
presents .. .
Anti-Defamation League
PARALYMPIC page 155
1*
Back by
popular demand!
The Best Tn Musical Political Satire
HILARIOUS PRE-ELECTION PARTY
Thursday, September 5, 1996 — 7:00 p.m.
Tam O'Shanter Country Club
5051 Orchard Lake Road • West Bloomfield
Tickets: $150.00 per person
Cocktails, Hors d'Oeuvres Buffet and Dessert
Limited Seating
No solicitations: A Friendraiser of the Michigan Board of the Anti-Defamation League
THANKS TO OUR CIRCLE OF FRIENDS
Roz & Stanford Blanck
Doris & Fred Blechman
Cheryl & James Bloom* *
Elyn & Larry Charlupski
Sandra & Dennis Dembs
Linda & Tom Ditkoff
Jenny & Eli Dorfman
Linda Eaton
Sheila & Mark Fenton
Marcia & Roger Fenton
Dale & Bruce Frankel* *
Cindy & Steven Friedman
Helen & Jeffrey M. Garden
Sherry & Richard Gershenson
Paula & Louis Glazier
- Co-Chairs -
Patti & Steve Tapper
Judi & Brad Schram
Nancy & Stephen Grand*
Jonathan Holtzman
Barbara & Michael Horowitz**
Hilary & Selwyn Isakow
Sheri & David Jaffa
Bruce Kahn
Nanci & Mitch Kantor
Sue & Alan Kaufman
Janice & Richard Kay
Helen & Charlie Kaye
Helene & Earl Koenig
Jane & Rob Levy
Deena & Stuart Lockman
Jo-Anne & Terry Nosan
JoElyn & George Nyman* *
Amy & Allen Olender
Fred & Rhoda Rapoport
Rosalie & Bruce Rosen
Linda & Leonard Sahn*
Schostak Family Foundation
Judi & Brad Schram*
Lenore Deutch-Singer & Alan Singer
Goldie Soble & Soble Family
Patti & Steven Tapper*
Barbara & Steven Tronstein
Arlene & Steven Victor
Sherri & Dan Werner
Stuart Wish
Andi & Larry Wolfe
Suzanne & Ronald Zack
*Choi Circle
*"President's Circle
ANTI-DEFAMATION LEAGUE
- Honorary Chairs -
4000 Town Center, Suite 420
Southfield, Michigan 48075-1402
(810) 355-3730
Complete
Financial
Services
PaineWebber
Invest With More Intelligence
Gerald E. Naftaly
Vice President-Investments
32300 Northwestern Hwy., Suite 150
Farmington Hills, MI 48334
(810) 851-1001 or (800) 533-1407
Marcia & Roger Fenton
DON'T LET HOUSEHOLD PESTS
HOLD' YOU HOSTAGE!
CALL THE ERADICO PROFESSIONALS!
Eradico's safe and proven methods keep your
home free of insects, rodents and other pests.
Trust Eradico for an honest assessment of
) your needs and dependable, affordable service.
Cockroaches • Ants • Fleas • Bees • Hornets
• Wasps • Rats • Mice and any other pests.
V
For a FREE inspection and estimate,
Call Today!
rp. 11.4
-
=M. IMP IN&
=Li I TMI
1/1 gni. MEW
=COOITROI.
Eradicate with Eremitic°
Michigan's Largest Independent Pest Control Company
For Service Throughout Southeastern Michigan Call: (810) 546.6200
5 7