From Service to Recovery: A Human Story After October 7
About
Project A, in partnership with the Zahal Disabled Veterans Organization (ZDVO), invites non-Jewish allies to an in-person conversation focused on the human impact of terror, injury and recovery.In the wake of recent events, including the Bondi tragedy, many Australians are reflecting on the consequences of hatred and violence, and on what meaningful solidarity looks like in practice. This conversation is not about politics, but about people — the long road to recovery after terror and war, and the responsibility to understand its human cost.
The session will feature Yossi Matetyahu, CEO of ZDVO, and Pini Bechar, a wounded IDF reservist currently undergoing rehabilitation.
ZDVO, also known as Beit Halochem, is the only organisation in Israel legally responsible for the rehabilitation and long-term welfare of more than 65,000 wounded veterans and victims of terror.
Yossi Matetyahu served in the IDF for 25 years in senior command and technological roles, including ICT Officer of the Paratroopers Brigade and Commander of the Central Command IT Battalion, before being released with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He now leads ZDVO’s nationwide rehabilitation network, supporting wounded veterans and victims of terror through recovery and reintegration.
Pini Bechar is an IDF reservist and lone soldier from the United States who was called up on October 7 and deployed to southern Israel, where he took part in securing the breached border near Be’eri amid ongoing combat. Later that month, Pini was seriously injured in a blast, sustaining shrapnel wounds, nerve damage, a traumatic brain injury and PTSD. He is currently undergoing extensive physical and psychological rehabilitation at Beit Halochem, while navigating recovery after injury and war.
This event offers a rare opportunity to hear directly about resilience, rehabilitation and what recovery looks like after service and injury — and to reflect on the role of allyship in moments like these.
Date
Sunday 15 February 2026 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM (UTC+11)Location
Hawthorn - venue to be advised before the event
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From Service to Recovery: A Human Story After October 7
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