Israel has become one of the latest countries to join the Invictus Community of Nations and is now set to take part in the Invictus Games 2023 in Dusseldorf, Germany.
Israel at Invictus
The Jewish state is one of three new members of the Invictus Community of Nations, alongside Colombia and Nigeria, bringing the total number of member countries to 23.
The Invictus Games Foundation is delighted to welcome #Israel to the #Invictus Community of Nations!In addition, we would like to also announce that Israel and #Colombia have been invited to compete at the @InvictusGamesDE Düsseldorf 2023. #aHomeForRespect #IG23
— Invictus Games Foundation + (@WeAreInvictus) June 14, 2022
An international multi-sport event for wounded, injured or sick soldiers, serving and veterans alike, the Invictus Games was first launched in the UK in 2014. Since then, it has been held in different countries on an irregular schedule. The most recent games were held in the Netherlands at The Hague in 2022.
Currently, 21 nations are now set to take part in the Dusseldorf games.
However, the new community of nations structure allows for more access to the Invictus Games Foundation's various programs, with activities being available year-round beyond the games themselves.
The community of nations
“We are very grateful for the warm welcome to the Invictus Community of Nations. It is a pleasure to take part in the important work of the Invictus Games Foundation, share our own experience in the sports recovery field, and learn from the community,” Limor Luria, deputy director-general and head of Israel’s Defense Ministry's Rehabilitation Department, said in a statement.
“We were also very happy to be invited to participate in the Invictus Games Dusseldorf 2023," she said. "Being a part of the Invictus Community will provide more opportunities for recovery among veterans who were wounded or became ill while serving.
"In Israel, we have learned a great deal about the importance of physical activity as a positive catalyst for recovery and rehabilitation. We look forward to sharing our experience, and learning from the other nations, in this uplifting and supportive community.”
“In Israel, we have learned a great deal about the importance of physical activity as a positive catalyst for recovery and rehabilitation. We look forward to sharing our experience, and learning from the other nations, in this uplifting and supportive community.”
Limor Luria
“We are delighted that Israel was invited to be part of the Invictus community of nations,” Israel's Ambassador to the UK Tzipi Hotovely said.
“This is an extraordinary community that will allow Israel as well as Israeli veterans to not only connect with their counterparts from around the world and participate in a wonderful event, but also to share knowledge and expertise that Israel has gained in the fields of rehabilitation, mental health and community spirit.”