ACTIVISM

Uriel & Shevy Vigler

Rabbi and Rebbitzen

In 2010, Rabbi Uriel & Shevy Vigler invited a group of wounded IDF veterans for a 10-day all-expense paid trip to New York City. "We felt the soldiers could boost morale and might appreciate recognition from their American Jewish friends." Little did they expect the true impact the trip would have. The Vigler's heartfelt gesture of solidarity and support was the root of Belev Echad. Since then, the program has developed into a global organization that is dedicated to helping IDF veterans thrive. At its annual gala in New York in November 2024, boxing champion Floyd Mayweather, freshly returned from meeting with wounded IDF soldiers in Israel, donated $100,00 to Belev Echad — a boost to the organization as its efforts have, in its own words, "gone into overdrive with over 4,600 soldiers wounded in the past 14 months."