Twelve wounded IDF soldiers and veterans arrived in New York City for a 10-day trip organized by Belev Echad, March 7-15.

During the trip, on March 14, the group will make a special visit to Ariel Property Advisors’ headquarters for the unveiling of Belev Echad’s new mentor program during which Ariel Properties Founder and President Shimon Shkury will give a 45-minute presentation to the soldiers about pursuing a career in real estate.

“I am humbled and honored to have the opportunity to give back to the brave Israeli soldiers who risked their lives to protect me and every other Jew around the world,” said Shkury. “I hope to inspire these young veterans to pursue their dreams and teach them some of the lessons I’ve learned in my career so they can look forward to brighter futures.”

During their trip, the Israeli soldiers will visit New York landmarks including Times Square, the Statue of Liberty, the 9/11 Memorial, and the Intrepid, and the group and will get an aerial view of the city from the seats of chartered helicopters.

Belev Echad was founded by Rabbi Uriel Vigler in 2009. The organization aims to show the Jewish people’s gratitude to IDF veterans for putting their lives on the line to protect and defend the Jewish state. Aside from the life-changing therapeutic trips to New York, the organization helps the soldiers receive prosthetic limbs and other therapies, scholarships and counseling.

“These brave IDF soldiers have risked – and nearly lost – their lives to protect the people and the sacred land of Israel,” said Vigler. “I am very excited to introduce the mentoring program as another way to show the soldiers just how much we appreciate their service. Our goal with this program is to help the soldiers choose a career, go to college and secure a job they will be passionate about, all through the support and guidance of seasoned businessmen.”

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)