160 Israelis Honor Fallen IDF Officer at NYC Marathon

This past Sunday, 160 Israelis took to the streets of New York City, representing the organization Shalva in the NYC Marathon. Among the runners were soldiers who had been wounded in combat, officers who fought during the recent battles of October 7th, reservists, kidney donors, and parents of children with disabilities.

This year’s delegation was particularly poignant as it honored the memory of Major (res.) Harel Birenstock, who had participated in the marathon for Shalva two years ago and tragically fell in August while serving in reserve duty in Lebanon. His widow, Eliya, was present at the finish line to greet the runners, underscoring the emotional weight of the day.

Among the notable participants was Boris Shtonda, a soldier from the elite Duvdevan Unit who lost his right leg during a battle in the Gaza Strip. Just last month, Shtonda made headlines by completing a remarkable 140-mile triathlon at the Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii, becoming the first Israeli amputee to achieve this feat.

Stories of Courage on the Course

Also running was Captain (Res.) Karni Guez, who commanded a female tank company during the October 7th attacks, leading her soldiers in fierce combat against terrorists in the Gaza envelope communities. Their stories of resilience and determination added depth to the marathon experience.

Beyond the Finish

A touching highlight of the event was the participation of a father-daughter duo, Yossi and Chaya Hamani. Chaya lives with a rare disease, and her father pushed her wheelchair throughout the marathon, dedicating their run to the memory of Eric and Ruth Peretz, a father and daughter tragically murdered at the Nova music festival on October 7.

The team also included officers from the Givati and Golani Brigades, who had lost comrades during the recent conflict, along with reservists and other combat soldiers. Their participation in the marathon served not only as a tribute but also as a fundraising effort for Shalva, which supports individuals with disabilities. By combining their athletic endeavor with philanthropic goals, the runners highlighted the spirit of community and support that defines both the marathon and the broader Israeli society.