Itamar Gilboa

Itamar Gilboa was just 22 years old when his life changed forever. A commander in the elite Maglan Unit of the Israeli Commando Brigade, he was preparing for a routine day on October 7, 2023, when everything changed.

As Hamas launched its devastating attack on Israel, Itamar immediately gathered his soldiers and headed south. Their mission took them to Kibbutz Kissufim, where they spent three days rescuing civilians under heavy fire and fighting terrorists house by house. Although many of the soldiers under his command had only recently completed basic training, Itamar led them through one of the most difficult battles of the war.

Just months later, while operating in Khan Younis, Gaza, Itamar was critically wounded. During a mission to clear a building, terrorists opened fire at close range. Two bullets were stopped by his protective vest, but a third struck him, causing life-threatening injuries. Despite the pain, Itamar remained conscious as his teammates evacuated him by helicopter to the hospital, where he underwent multiple surgeries and spent days fighting for his life.

The physical injuries were only part of his journey. Before the war, Itamar had been caring for his mother as she battled a rare form of cancer. After he was wounded, their roles reversed. The son who once helped his mother walk now relied on her to help him through his own recovery.

While still hospitalized, Itamar received a visit from Beit Halochem. A staff member stopped by each week, reminding him that whenever he was ready, there would be a place waiting for him.

At Beit Halochem, Itamar slowly rebuilt his strength through physical rehabilitation, swimming, Pilates, and fitness training. He also discovered new purpose through woodworking, welding, artificial intelligence, and storytelling programs. Surrounded by fellow wounded warriors who understood his journey, he found more than rehabilitation. He found a community.

"It's a family. A home away from home."

Today, Itamar continues to move forward with hope. He has been accepted to Ben-Gurion University to study computer science and psychology and dreams of building his own startup.

"I wasn't just fighting in Gaza. I was fighting for my family, for my soldiers, and for the future of Israel."