Israel Basketball Association launches 'Back in the Game' initiative for veterans with PTSD

A new basketball initiative, "Back in the Game," has been launched in Israel to support IDF veterans struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder. The program, a collaboration between the Israel Basketball Association, the Zahal Disabled Veterans Organization, and the Center for Jewish Impact, aims to provide a structured environment for rehabilitation through sport and community.

Four basketball teams have been established in Ashdod, Netanya, the Upper Galilee, and Samaria. These teams will offer former soldiers weekly practices, professional coaching, and ongoing psychological support. The initiative was developed in response to requests from veterans who found basketball to be a valuable outlet for coping with trauma and re-establishing daily routines and social connections.

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The basketball teams for soldiers suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder are an exciting and important project for me as the chairman of the Basketball Association. After the players sacrificed for the State of Israel on the battlefield, it is our turn to assist them in their rehabilitation.

Raviv Limonad, a former Israel national team player, is spearheading the project. Certified coaches from the Israel Basketball Association are working alongside psychologists and other professionals to support the teams. The official launch included a tournament where the Samaria team emerged victorious after a close final.

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Seeing the smiles on the players’ faces and their competitiveness makes everything worth it for me.

Amos Frishman, chairman of the Israel Basketball Association, called the project one of the most meaningful of his tenure. He stated that after soldiers sacrificed for Israel on the battlefield, it is their turn to assist in their rehabilitation. He highlighted the importance of the program by observing the players' smiles and competitiveness, thanking the partner organizations for their collaboration.

Yossi Matityahu, CEO of the Zahal Disabled Veterans Organization, emphasized that rehabilitation often starts with rebuilding trust and routine through everyday experiences. He noted that recovery begins in the "rooms," in small moments like getting to practice, trusting others, and feeling a sense of belonging.

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Rehabilitation and recovery begin in the rooms – often it happens in the little moments: getting to practice again, trusting those who are with you and feeling that you are not alone.