Chabad’s Terror Victims Project, an initiative of the Lubavitch Youth Organization in Israel that helps terror victims and their families, brought 10 wounded Israeli soldiers to Australia this month to share their stories of survival with local Jewish communities.

Invited by Rabbi Yacov Barber, a Chabad-Lubavitch emissary who serves as rabbi of the South Caulfield Synagogue in Melbourne, the soldiers addressed audiences in the continent’s largest cities and availed themselves of Australia’s wealth of outdoor opportunities.

The trip was modeled after a ski venture last year that saw wounded soldiers hit the slopes in Aspen, Colo.


While the main purpose of their trip was to inspire audiences with their stories of courage and survival, the 10 wounded Israeli soldiers brought to Australia by Chabad’s Terror Victims Project also enjoyed the continent’s outdoor activities, relishing the opportunity to see the sights and overcome their disabilities.


Joined by Rabbi Menachem Kutner, second from right, director of Chabad’s Terror Victims Project, wounded soldiers walk the beach.


Australian wildlife entertains a wounded Israeli soldier.


A soldier shares a moment with a resident of an Australian water park.


The soldiers also took in a soccer match in Melbourne.


The group poses for a photo in Sydney’s harbor.


Izzy Ezagui, center, lost his arm during Israel’s winter offensive in the Gaza Strip.