Thousands of Soldiers Suffered Mental Trauma in the Recent War

Since the war began in October 2023, thousands of soldiers have been, and continue to be, affected. While physical injuries often receive more attention, countless soldiers endure severe psychological wounds that frequently remain in the background, unnoticed and without the care they deserve. The challenges these soldiers face—finding work, maintaining a routine, or even just getting out of bed in the morning—may not be visible, but they are very real.

Though these injuries are not outwardly visible, the process of psychological recovery is long, challenging, and essential to help these soldiers regain control over their lives and return to a sense of normalcy.

In my work over the past year, I have met hundreds of people—soldiers, parents, friends, and partners—and heard countless stories about the deep psychological wounds they’ve endured. This issue burns within me.

Who Am I?

My name is Sagi Ben-Porath, I’m 42 years old, and I live in Germany with my partner. Ever since I can remember, I’ve loved working with people and helping others. I divide my time between a job I deeply enjoy as a tour guide in Berlin and a hobby I’m even more passionate about – trail running in the mountains.

I’ve been running for over 20 years, and for the past 11 years, I’ve focused primarily on long-distance trail running. I’ve participated in races ranging from 60 to 120 kilometers, and my love for challenges continues to grow.

Although I live outside Israel, my work as a Hebrew-speaking tour guide allows me to meet thousands of Israelis every year – many of them soldiers, reservists, and their families. These regular, almost daily encounters with these people sparked in me a strong desire to help.

That’s why I decided to combine my biggest passion – trail running – with my drive to make a difference. Through this effort, I aim to raise funds and increase awareness for an important cause, with the genuine hope of creating meaningful change.

In September 2025, I will embark on an extraordinary running journey

7 Days, 243 Kilometers, and 15,135 Meters of climbing in the Alps. The journey starts in Austria, passes through Switzerland, and finishes in Italy—a tremendous physical and mental challenge. Through this endeavor, I aim (and feel compelled!) to achieve two goals:

Raising awareness about the psychological trauma faced by soldiers

Raising funds for the rehabilitation center for war casualties at Sheba Medical Center in Tel HaShomer

How Your Donation Can Change Lives

In the first phase of the fundraising campaign, my goal is to raise 80,000 ILS.

Of this amount, 90% will go directly to the rehabilitation center for war casualties at Sheba Medical Center in Tel HaShomer, while 10% will cover race expenses.

Any amount raised beyond this goal will be fully donated to the rehabilitation center. I want to, believe I can, and am confident that I will raise far more than this target.

Why donate through my campaign?

Yes, you can donate directly to the Tel HaShomer hospital. But if you've made it this far, you probably never thought of doing it yourself. You can still donate directly to the hospital, and I will highly appreciate it. However, if you decide to donate to my campaign, I’m sure it will encourage more and more people to contribute, and the total donations we’ll reach will be much greater.

In exchange for your support of the campaign, I’m offering a few small gifts that will connect you to my journey:

• A donation of 75 NIS: A personal dedication of a kilometer during the run, your name mentioned in campaign updates throughout the year, and a personal thank-you email.
  
• A donation of 150 NIS: Printing your name on my race shirt, access to a digital training journal with photos, videos, and written documentation of my training journey.
  
• A donation of 300 NIS: An invitation to a virtual storytelling and experience evening after the race, a numbered copy of my bib with a personal dedication, and full access to the digital training journal.

Want to set your own donation amount? You can donate any amount you want to the campaign, even without the gifts mentioned here.

Full Transparency

I commit to complete transparency in managing the donations. This includes detailed expense breakdowns, financial reports, and official transfer confirmations to Tel HaShomer Hospital.

Want to Learn About the Rehabilitation Center for war casualties at Sheba Medical Center in Tel HaShomer?

 To learn more about the Rehabilitation Center at Tel HaShomer - click here (in Hebrew)

Want to Know More About My Running Journey?

For details about the race route - click here.

Join Me

I really want to help the soldiers treated at the rehabilitation center for war casualties at Sheba Medical Center in Tel HaShomer. Every donation, big or small, can make a difference and encourage others to donate as well.