In his last hours of service as a company commander in a combat unit of the Israeli Defense Forces, Captain Ziv Shilon was severely wounded during an operational mission on the Gaza Strip.
On October 2012 Ziv arrived to the Gaza gate to open it and allow IDF forces to return to Israeli ground. As he opened the gate a massive explosion occurred – a bomb planted by terrorists was triggered. Severely injured, Ziv realized he lost both of his hands yet continued to operate and directed his soldiers to safely complete the mission and evacuate him from the scene.
When he woke up at the hospital two weeks after the incident, he came to the realization that his life was forever changed.
In the course of two years Ziv had undergone over 17 surgeries and intensive rehabilitation – the story of his injury and recovery is a heroic and remarkable tale of the strength of the spirit and the ability to overcome challenges. Due to his immense motivation and power of will he succeeded to rise above physical hurdles including those he himself thought were impossible.
Ziv completed 5 Marathons and has been one of few in the world with disabilities like his that completed the Iron Man competition. Each day he demonstrates that the inner powers within us can overcome great obstacles.
Ziv is a fascinating, eloquent and impressive speaker and he is one of the most sought after young lecturers in Israel.
In his last hours of service as a company commander in a combat unit of the Israeli Defense Forces, Captain Ziv Shilon was severely wounded during an operational mission on the Gaza Strip.
On October 2012 Ziv arrived to the Gaza gate to open it and allow IDF forces to return to Israeli ground. As he opened the gate a massive explosion occurred – a bomb planted by terrorists was triggered. Severely injured, Ziv realized he lost both of his hands yet continued to operate and directed his soldiers to safely complete the mission and evacuate him from the scene.
When he woke up at the hospital two weeks after the incident, he came to the realization that his life was forever changed.
In the course of two years Ziv had undergone over 17 surgeries and intensive rehabilitation – the story of his injury and recovery is a heroic and remarkable tale of the strength of the spirit and the ability to overcome challenges. Due to his immense motivation and power of will he succeeded to rise above physical hurdles including those he himself thought were impossible.
Ziv completed 5 Marathons and has been one of few in the world with disabilities like his that completed the Iron Man competition. Each day he demonstrates that the inner powers within us can overcome great obstacles.
Ziv is a fascinating, eloquent and impressive speaker and he is one of the most sought after young lecturers in Israel.
Founded a special academic program for disabled IDF veterans which provides support from multiple sources, and includes mentors from the private and public sector who accompany them from rehabilitation, through the academic program and up until their entrance to the job market. The first session began with 8 wounded combat soldiers from the Israeli security forces. Today, programs which are based on his model exist in four universities worldwide and have trained over 200 graduates, all wounded soldiers from different countries.
Organized numerous shows which led many people to a constructing and bonding dialogue regarding a unified Israeli identity.
Founded a first of its kind “Combat Fitness” program for prisoners at “Ofek” penitentiary (the only juvenile prison in Israel), a program which collaborates with “Tzahala” organization and includes dozens of IDF officers in the rehabilitation of prisoners and guiding them towards military preparatory programs and a meaningful military service.
Last year he was one of a few people in the world who completed the Iron Man Triathlon without having functioning hands after two years of intense training.
Founded 2 prosperous companies; invested in a few companies in different operational stages; business consulting for dozens of companies.
