In October 2013, First Lieutenant Achiya Klein lost his eyesight when a bomb exploded while he was dismantling a terrorist tunnel near the Gaza security fence. He was the squadron commander of the Israeli Engineering Corps combat platoon dedicated to finding and destroying these networks and hidden caches.

While inside the tunnel, a large explosion occurred. Six soldiers were wounded. Achiya was the most severely injured, his face crushed and his entire body riddled with shrapnel.

Achiya was in critical condition and on life support. The medical team struggled to save his life. After many days the doctors told his parents that “Achiya will survive but tragically has lost his eyesight.”

Today, thanks to Beit Halochem in Jerusalem and his positive outlook, Achiya is learning to live each day to the fullest with his blindness.

“When the disabled volunteers from Beit Halochem visited me in the hospital, they told me about this amazing place that will help me … and it sure did.”

“I have gained back my strength by receiving regular hydro and physical therapy, and participating in many sport activities such as swimming, tandem bike-riding, running, and wall-climbing. I have met other young veterans who have also been hurt in combat. We encourage and support each other. As long as I have Beit Halochem I am never alone—this makes all the difference to my recovery.”

Now, Achiya is helping others in their recovery—the wounded and traumatized soldiers from Operation Protective Edge, which occurred in Summer 2014. During his hospital and other visits, he provided vital comfort and support to the recently wounded and their families. Please view the video below to see Achiya featured on Israel’s Channel 2 News.

Achiya participated in CIM 2014, won a triathlon in Eliat in 2015, and is training for CIM 2015.