Over 100 Canadian cyclists participated in the recent Courage in Motion (CIM) bike ride, held to help disabled Israeli veterans.
The fundraising ride, now in its 11th year, has grown steadily in popularity over its first decade and this year, like many before, was sold-out. This initiative of Beit Halochem Canada, Aid to Disabled Veterans of Israel welcomed cyclists from across Canada, joined by some Americans and Israelis. From October 22-26, international cyclists rode alongside Israel’s disabled veterans on four fully supported routes taking them through southern Israel’s remarkable archaeological landmarks and breath-taking landscapes.With fundraising open until December 31, 2018, it is expected that Courage in Motion 2018 will raise approximately $850,000 (CDN). Cyclists’ efforts enabled members of Zahal Disabled Veterans Organization/Beit Halochem to participate in the ride and will also fund programming at Beit Halochem Centres in Beer She’eva, Haifa, Jerusalem, and Tel Aviv. With thanks to the annual ride, cycling has grown to be among the Centres’ most popular activities.
Lisa Levy, an avid cyclist and National Executive Director of Beit Halochem Canada, is the founder of Courage in Motion. She said, “I’m pleased that the ride was, once again, sold out. It’s evident that our cyclists embrace the aspect of riding alongside those who are directly helped by their efforts. This year, we’re incredibly proud that more than 120 wounded Israeli veterans participated due to the fundraising by our 110 Canadian riders. We are also gratified that many of our Canadian participants feel that they get more out of the experience than the disabled veterans.”
While many cyclists return year after year, several others were new to Courage in Motion 2018. One of the first-time participants was former NHL player Keith Primeau.
