War leaves its scars, both visible and invisible, on those who serve on the frontlines. But some individuals turn these scars into symbols of resilience and strength. Ido Greenfeld, a brave Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) soldier, did just that. Severely injured during his service in Lebanon, Greenfeld found himself navigating a long and challenging path to recovery, aided by the steadfast support of Beit Halochem Tel Aviv. His story is one of courage, healing, and a deep sense of brotherhood.
The Early Days of Service in the IDF
In 1996, Ido Greenfeld embarked on a journey few can fully understand. He enlisted in the 50th Battalion of the Nahal Infantry Brigade, undergoing rigorous training at the Nahal base in Arad. His dedication and skill didn’t go unnoticed, leading him to a Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) course after completing advanced training.
After finishing the course, Greenfeld was appointed to lead a sniper squad, a role that demanded precision, leadership, and nerves of steel. Not long after, he completed a Sergeants Course and was given command of an elite sniper unit responsible for training battalion snipers. It was a promising start to a career that would soon take a fateful turn.
The Lebanon War: Courage in the Face of Danger
Ido’s story took a dramatic shift during the IDF’s ongoing operations in Lebanon, specifically in the village of Bint J’beil. As a sergeant, Greenfeld commanded a squad that supported Armored Corps combatants. Their missions, often perilous, included frequent ambushes and stakeouts in one of the most dangerous regions in the Middle East.
The operations were intense, but for Greenfeld, it was all part of the duty he embraced. “We carried out ambushes and stakeouts almost every evening,” he recalls. “We rode in special armored vehicles, designed to protect us but not always invincible.”
After returning to Israel for a brief respite, Ido was sent back to the frontline, this time commanding soldiers at the Biranit outpost near the Israel-Lebanon border. His team was tasked with securing the civilian checkpoint, a critical mission that ensured the safety of Israel’s border. Yet, the most significant event in his life was still to come.
The Ambush That Changed Everything
Greenfeld’s life took a sharp and unexpected turn in 1998. During a two-day ambush in Lebanon, Ido directed his squad’s vehicle onto a road they had not used before, thinking it might be easier to cross. Just two minutes later, an explosive device detonated in front of their armored vehicle.
The blast was catastrophic. Shrapnel tore through the upper half of Ido’s body, leaving him with severe injuries to his abdomen and neck. Perhaps most devastatingly, he lost vision in his right eye, with the sight in his left eye also significantly impaired.
Ido was rushed to Rambam Hospital and later transferred to Tel Hashomer, where doctors fought tirelessly to stabilize him. His recovery was long and uncertain. But what seemed like the end of his military career was only the beginning of a new chapter—one of hope, perseverance, and finding a new community.
Beit Halochem Tel Aviv: A Place to Heal
After months of rehabilitation at home, Ido turned to Beit Halochem Tel Aviv, a unique organization that provides support, rehabilitation, and community to Israel’s wounded veterans. “Beit Halochem played a significant role in my recovery,” Ido shares. “It was here that I found the motivation to rebuild my physical strength and regain the fitness I had lost after the injury.”
The facilities at Beit Halochem were nothing short of a lifeline for Ido. A natural athlete who had played volleyball in his youth, he quickly joined the volleyball team at Beit Halochem, which competes in leagues with non-disabled athletes. In addition, he began working out regularly, running, and even started swimming lessons.
But Beit Halochem offered more than just physical rehabilitation. It became a second home, a place where Ido could connect with others who shared similar experiences. “At Beit Halochem, I realized I was among people like me—others who had been wounded. There was no need to hide my injuries, and I felt a sense of shared destiny,” Ido recalls. “True friendships are formed here.”
From Soldier to Lawyer: A New Purpose
Ido’s journey didn’t stop with his physical recovery. After spending time abroad on the traditional “After the Army Trip” to the Far East, he returned to Israel with a fresh perspective. In 2003, he enrolled in law school at the University of Haifa, earning his law degree and joining the Israel Bar Association in 2008.
By 2017, Ido had opened his own law firm, successfully transitioning into a new profession. Throughout this time, Beit Halochem continued to be a source of support, offering not just physical training but emotional and psychological assistance as well.
A Lasting Legacy of Brotherhood
Today, Ido Greenfeld is 45 years old, married to Michal, and the father of three children. His story is one of resilience and a testament to the unbreakable human spirit. From the battlefield in Lebanon to the courtrooms of Israel, Ido has never stopped moving forward, continuously pushing himself to recover and thrive.
Beit Halochem remains a vital part of his journey. “The significance of Beit Halochem for me is immense,” he explains. “It allowed me to regain control of my life after my injury. It’s not just a center for physical recovery but a place where real friendships are born, and where we all move forward together.”