Israel Selects October 7 Survivor as Flag Bearer for 2024 Paralympics

Israeli wheelchair tennis player Adam Berdichevsky, a seasoned athlete and survivor of the October 7 Hamas attack, has been selected as one of Israel’s flag bearers for the 2024 Paralympics in Paris. Berdichevsky, who lost his leg in a boating accident in 2007, has won six national championships and competed in two previous Paralympic Games. Now, he is preparing for his third Paralympics, carrying with him the weight of an extraordinary ordeal.

On October 7, Berdichevsky and his family endured a harrowing 14 hours hiding in their home at Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak, near the Gaza border, as Hamas terrorists launched a brutal assault on the community. The attack claimed the lives of several of their neighbors and resulted in the abduction of five people. Fortunately, Berdichevsky and his family were rescued and later evacuated to Eilat.

Reflecting on the past year, Berdichevsky described it as “unbearable,” but he also expressed a renewed sense of purpose following the traumatic event. “The strong desire to represent the country during these times, and the support from my family,” he said, motivated him to continue competing at the highest level.

Berdichevsky, currently ranked No. 41 in men’s wheelchair tennis by the International Tennis Federation, reached a career-high ranking of No. 20 in October 2019. He has represented Israel at six World Championships, winning 21 singles titles in international tournaments and 13 in doubles.

In Paris, Berdichevsky will serve as a flag bearer alongside Lihi Ben David, an Israeli goalball player who competed in the 2016 and 2020 Paralympics. Berdichevsky sees this honor as a recognition of his resilience and dedication, especially after the challenges of the past year.

“It shows appreciation for all the hard work I did over the past six months after everything my family and I went through,” Berdichevsky said. “I’m happy that I can represent the Gaza border area after the horrible massacre, as well as the State of Israel, and march at the head of the delegation with the flag of Israel.”

Berdichevsky’s story is a powerful testament to the enduring spirit of Israel’s athletes and their commitment to representing their country on the world stage, even in the face of unimaginable adversity.

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