In July 2007, Itay Erenlib’s life changed in an instant. While on a mission to defend Israel in Nablus, he and his team were ambushed by an IED explosion. The blast claimed both of his legs, seriously injured his arm, and left him in critical condition. For two months, Itay’s life hung in the balance, with doctors giving him only a slim chance of survival. Despite the bleak prognosis, Itay’s indomitable spirit not only brought him back from the brink of death but propelled him to defy every expectation.
Today, Itay is an inspiring figure, not only as a Paralympic athlete but as a living testament to the power of determination and the life-changing impact of rehabilitation programs. His journey—from lying critically injured in an intensive care unit to competing in the 2016 Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro—is a story of resilience, belief, and the unwavering support of organizations like Beit Halochem.
The Explosion That Changed Everything
At just 33 years old, Captain (res.) Itay Erenlib had already led a life full of adventure and service. Born and raised in Petah Tikva, Itay grew up playing basketball and eventually followed in his father’s footsteps by enlisting in Sayeret Tzanhanim, a prestigious IDF paratroopers commando unit. It was during a mission in Nablus in 2007, while searching for militants and explosives labs, that an IED exploded, altering the course of his life forever.
“It was a devastating blast,” Itay recalls. “I lost one leg on the spot, and the other stayed with me for another month in the hospital before it, too, had to be amputated.”
The injuries were severe. His doctors warned his family that he had a mere three-to-five percent chance of surviving. Itay not only survived, but he also thrived—going on to defy every medical prediction about his recovery.
The Long Road to Recovery
Itay’s rehabilitation journey began in the ICU, where the initial focus was simply keeping him alive. Once he stabilized, the focus shifted to helping him regain his mobility and independence. The road ahead was long and grueling, filled with countless setbacks and challenges.
“Mentally, they always tell you not to think too far ahead,” Itay shares. “Focus on the next step. At first, it was just standing up. Then, balancing on one leg. Then walking. First for half a kilometer, then one, then two. Every step was a victory.”
At the heart of Itay’s recovery was Beit Halochem, a rehabilitation center that provides wounded veterans with the tools, support, and resources to reclaim their lives. It was at Beit Halochem that Itay began to explore sports as part of his recovery. He tried everything from swimming to basketball to rock climbing, but it was wheelchair tennis that ultimately captured his heart.
Wheelchair Tennis: A New Passion
Itay describes his first experience with tennis as love at first sight. “Before tennis, I tried swimming, running, climbing, and basketball. But when I did a trial tennis training session, I immediately fell in love,” he says with a smile. “This is a completely crazy game, and the most important thing about it is staying sharp and focused.”
For Itay, tennis wasn’t just a sport—it was a form of therapy, a way to push his physical limits and regain a sense of control over his body. Training at Beit Halochem became a daily ritual, a place where he could not only sharpen his skills but also heal emotionally.
“I think tennis played a huge part in my recovery,” he reflects. “On the court, you have to work on your advantages, and in practice, you need to work on your disadvantages to make them better. It’s like life—you’re constantly moving, adapting, and finding ways to improve.”
His hard work paid off. In 2016, Itay Erenlib represented Israel at the Rio Paralympics, competing in wheelchair tennis on the global stage. It was a remarkable achievement for a man who, less than a decade earlier, had been told he’d never walk again.
“I Have a Room Full of Legs”
Despite his many victories, Itay’s sense of humor has never wavered. He often jokes about his prosthetics, saying, “I have a room full of legs: for climbing, running, swimming …” It’s this lighthearted attitude, coupled with an unshakable belief in himself, that has helped him overcome even the toughest challenges.
Reflecting on his recovery, Itay says, “I think the doctors, occupational therapists, and physiotherapists in this field are the most pessimistic people in the world. Every time I reached a new milestone, they were amazed, but I wasn’t. I always knew I could do it.”
Spreading the Message: “If You Believe in Yourself, You Can Do the Impossible”
Today, Itay is not only a Paralympic athlete but also a motivational speaker. He shares his story with children, soldiers, and adults alike, delivering a powerful message about resilience, perseverance, and self-belief.
“I tell people, everyone faces challenges in life,” Itay says. “For some, it might be an injury like mine. For others, it’s an English test at school, a breakup, or a bad day. But the point is, no matter what you’re going through, if you believe in yourself, you can make the impossible possible.”
Itay’s story is more than just one of personal triumph—it’s a message to anyone facing adversity that there’s always a way forward, no matter how impossible it might seem.
Beit Halochem: A Lifeline for Wounded Veterans
Throughout his journey, Beit Halochem has been a critical part of Itay’s recovery and success. The center offers wounded veterans like Itay a place to rebuild their lives through physical rehabilitation, sports programs, and emotional support. For Itay, Beit Halochem was not just a place to train—it was a community where he found strength, camaraderie, and a renewed sense of purpose.