Wings of Resilience

“I consider it a tremendous privilege to be part of this profoundly moving and significant project, that involves improving the everyday lives of people injured during their military service,” acknowledges Michael, an engineer at Elbit Systems and a team leader in the “Makers for Heroes” initiative. Michael adds, “It’s such an honor assisting these individuals and make a positive impact on their lives.”

The “Restart” foundation leads this exceptional project with a clear and crucial objective: to aid former IDF soldiers who have acquired disabilities during their service in overcoming life’s challenges through innovative technology.

Throughout this year’s efforts, the volunteering employees were divided into two groups, each committed to aiding a different veteran with disabilities. “The solutions crafted by our team are tailored to meet their individual needs,” asserts Maya, Head of ESG (Environment, Social, and Governance) at Elbit Systems. She further elaborates, “This truly embodies our company’s strategic values, encompassing giving back to society, fostering strong ties with the security forces, and promoting advanced technology.”

Tzahi’s Journey to Walk Again

Tzahi Atedgi (47) is an injured veteran of the Israeli border guard. It has been approximately 27 years since his injury, which led him to rely on a wheelchair for mobility. Despite the daily hurdles he encounters, Tzahi maintains an active lifestyle and embraces life with an unwavering optimism. “I am grateful every morning, even though some days are a battle,” he admits. “This challenge is the one the Lord has bestowed upon me, and I must face it – despite everything.”

The team of engineers gathered at Elbit had a single, ambitious goal in mind – to grant Tzahi the gift of standing up and walking once more. However, they faced an additional challenge; Tzahi battles with CPRS (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome) due to his injury, which causes chronic pain and inflammation, severely hindering his ability to put weight on his leg.

“We consulted with orthopedic surgeons and physiotherapists to find the healthiest and most suitable solution for Tzahi,” recalls Michael, the team leader. After conducting extensive lab research, the team employed advanced sensors to thoroughly analyze Tzahi’s walk. “Utilizing technology already available within the company, we scanned Tzahi’s footsteps and 3D printed his leg.” This breakthrough significantly shortened the path to the initial prototype.

After completing the project, with close assistance from the medical staff, Tzahi’s solution is gradually being integrated into his everyday life. “Participating in this amazing project was a great honor,” says Michael. “Being able to help an injured veteran and support him in returning to a more ‘normal’ life is a gift for both him and us. Tzahi’s charming personality found a place deep in our hearts. We are dedicated to utilizing the knowledge and technology available at Elbit Systems to help and solve acute problems such as this.”

Reviving Meital’s Hiking Dreams

The other team of engineers, who volunteered for the “Makers for Heroes” campaign, embarked on a mission to find a solution for Meital Schwartz, a courageous woman living with paralysis. Schwartz (46), a former chemical engineer in the intelligence corps, cherished her long trips on the beach. However, relying on a wheelchair for mobility presented a significant challenge in finding accessible hiking routes with her family.

The solution devised by Elbit’s employees for Meital is a one-of-a-kind, advanced electric scooter specifically designed to adapt effortlessly to various terrains. Based on a MIA FOUR electric scooter, generously provided by “Meir Group,” a vehicle company offering their assistance free of charge, the model was further enhanced by the team. They implemented a series of improvements to enable Meital to relish hiking adventures with her children wherever her heart desires.

“After fine-tuning the resting kickstands and equipment carrying devices, the prototype was complete,” states Tomer, the team leader. “We also integrated several user-friendly features, making it incredibly convenient for Meital to venture outside from her home with the electric scooter,” he adds.

According to Tomer, working on such a project is a direct extension of his work at Elbit Systems. “It was a fantastic opportunity for us to channel our creativity, planning, and manufacturing skills into creating a sustainable solution for a brave woman injured during her military service. All team members were wholeheartedly dedicated to achieving this goal together,” he further explains. “We are delighted and fulfilled to be part of such a meaningful project.”

The next phase of this impactful project is set to commence in early 2024, with more engineers at Elbit Systems eager to extend their assistance to those in genuine need.

The content of the article does not constitute business or financial information about Elbit Systems Ltd. (the “Company”) and is not intended to be a basis for making investment decisions in the Company’s securities. In order to obtain business or financial information about the Company, please refer to the reports and filings that the Company regularly publishes on the website of the U.S Securities and Exchange Commission (EDGAR) and on the notification system of the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange (Maya). 

The article may contain forward-looking statements such as estimates, forecasts, estimates, plans, etc. that refer to future events that are considered forward-looking information as defined under the securities laws of Israel and the United States. There is no certainty that such information will be realized, in whole or in part, and the actual result may differ from what was presented in the article, among other things due to its dependence on external factors that are not under the control of the Company and that cannot be evaluated in advance. The forward-looking statements are based on the Company’s estimates at the time of publication, and the Company has no obligation to update or correct this data.