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.

/

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