Olympic Spirit and Resilience: A Unique Peak Day in Beersheba for IDF Widows and Orphans
Olympic Spirit and Resilience: A Unique Peak Day in Beersheba for IDF Widows and Orphans
In a joint initiative by the Olympic Committee of Israel and the IDF Widows and Orphans Organization (IDFW), a unique Olympic “Peak Day” was held in the city of Beersheba. This event marks another milestone in the deep, ongoing collaboration between the two organizations, following a series of educational initiatives and peak days held over the past 18 months.
As part of the IDFW’s “Otzma” (Strength) Camp held during Hanukkah, dozens of orphans of the IDF and security forces participated in an inspiring sports day built upon the foundation of Olympic values. Olympic and Paralympic athletes arrived specifically to lead the activities, mentor the children at various sports stations, and provide them with a meaningful and unforgettable experience.
Leadership and Collaboration
The event took place at the Makif Tuviyahu School in cooperation with the Beersheba Municipality. Opening remarks were delivered by Adv. Shlomi (Zahava) Gross-Meidan, Chair of the IDF Widows and Orphans Organization; Gili Lustig, CEO of the Olympic Committee of Israel; and Galit Chen, Director of the Sports Department at the Beersheba Municipality.
Following the opening, an experiential sports session was led by Olympic and Paralympic athletes. It included six activity stations: Wrestling, Table Tennis, Football (Soccer), Wheelchair Basketball, Volleyball, and Fencing.
The activities allowed the children and youth to interact with the athletes on the court at eye level, within a supportive and empowering sporting atmosphere.
A Story of Choice and Inspiration
A highlight of the day was a special meeting with Ido Biton, an IDF orphan and a dedicated volunteer counselor at the “Otzma” camp. Ido shared his powerful life story in an open conversation with the athletes.
Ido lost his father, the late Yitzhak Biton, a member of the Border Police. Five years later, he lost his eldest sister to illness, and five years after that, his mother passed away from cancer. At age 22, Ido became the legal guardian of his younger sister. Today, Ido is an officer in one of the most elite units within the IDF’s Telecommunications Corps and has been awarded the Chief of Staff’s Citation. Alongside his military service, he has volunteered for years at the “Otzma” camps. Despite his profound losses, Ido chooses life, growth, and contribution, serving as an extraordinary source of inspiration.
Participants and Purpose
Participating athletes included Olympians Yuval Freilich, Daniela Peleg, Shahar Tibi, and Maria Kravchenko; Paralympian Alon Dor On; Israel Women’s National Football Team coach Nisso Avitan; and young athletes from the Wingate Academy for Excellence in Sport and local clubs.
The event aimed to provide youth with a strengthening sports experience, integrating physical activity into the processes of resilience and coping. By connecting youth directly with professional athletes, the focus remained on action, a sense of belonging, and reinforcing self-belief through the intersection of sport, education, and community.
Statements from Leadership
Yarden Har Lev, VP of Education at the Olympic Committee of Israel:
“The partnership between the Olympic Committee of Israel and the IDFW has become an integral part of our social involvement framework. This Olympic Day, held during Hanukkah, shone a special light on the values of hope, solidarity, and mutual responsibility. The athletes participating in these activities play a central role as sources of inspiration and catalysts for change toward a better society. Special thanks to the Beersheba Municipality, the athletes, the unions, and the local clubs for a meaningful partnership that enabled this value-driven and inspiring day.”
Adv. Zahava Gross-Meidan, Chair of the IDF Widows and Orphans Organization:
“This is the fourth time the IDF Widows and Orphans Organization has collaborated with the Olympic Committee of Israel within our ‘Otzma’ camps. This cooperation provides IDF orphans with a unique, moving, and empowering experience that strengthens their sense of belonging and inspires excellence. At IDFW, we see this as an opportunity to give our children and youth moments of joy and meaningful shared experiences, reinforcing their connection to the community.”
