May 8, 2008 – The Courage in Motion Cycling Event takes place in northern Israel from September 14 to 18, 2008 in support of an international charity, Aid to disabled War Veterans & Victims of Terror Israel, Beit Halochem. During this five-day bike tour in northern Istreal an international group of cyclists will traverse over 450 kilometres of breathtaking scenery including a 17km climb up Israel’s highest peak, Mount Hermon.

Aid to Disabled Veterans of Israel, Beit Halochem Canada is devoted to helping over 51,000 Israeli war disabled veterans and victims of terror. The four Beit Halochem centres in Israel, and a fifth centre currently being built in Beer-Sheva, offer state-of-the-art sports and social rehabilitation facilities for the disabled and their families. All funds raised from the cycling event will go to purchase the much needed equipment and services for the centres.

For further information visit www.cycleisrael.com.

Beit Halochem was established in 1949 to provide rehabilitation and assistance to the 6,000 veterans who were injured in Israel’s War of Independence. Unfortunately, the membership in this organization has grown to over 51,000 disabled heroes wounded during their active or reserve services or through acts of terror.

Beit Halochem Centres in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa, Nahariya and the soon to be constructed Centre in Beersheva are a place where the disabled veterans can undergo the various lifelong rehabilitation therapies which they require. The Centres range in size from 5,500 to 10,000 square meters and provide a vast range of sports and cultural activities suited to the members’ individual needs. Each Centre also offers a wide choice of social and creative activities for members.

Beit Halochem has developed the Courage in Motion Bike Ride to celebrate Israel’s 60th anniversary and recognize the significant contribution by the men and women who now face a lifelong battle to overcome injuries sustained in ensuring the continuation of the State of Israel.

An international group of cyclists will cycle 70 to 100 kilometres per day alongside Israel’s disabled war veterans to raise funds for Beit Halochem and show solidarity with our heroes. The disabled cyclists will participate in each day’s ride.

The event starts in Nahariya and culminates in Jerusalem traversing over 450 beautiful kilometres through breathtaking scenery en route. An experienced professional cycling tour company in Israel has been hired to look after the logistical aspect of the ride and to ensure a safe and enjoyable cycling environment. Overnight accommodations are based on double occupancy and each overnight location has a pool and or beach for post ride relaxation.

The participation of the disabled Israelis is possible due to their rehabilitation and athletic training received at Beit Halochem. The athletes produced by Beit Halochem are serious competitors in the world arena often winning medals at the Paralympics.

For more information, see our website at www.cycleisrael.com, or contact us at courageinmotion@advi.ca