Israeli Runners Honor Fallen Officer at NYC Marathon
160 Israelis ran the New York City Marathon for Shalva, dedicating their participation to reservist Harel Birenstock, who fell in Lebanon in August.
Updated on Nov. 1, 2026 in Running
A delegation of 160 Israelis ran the New York City Marathon on Sunday to raise funds for Shalva. The participation was dedicated to the memory of Major (res.) Harel Birenstock, who ran for Shalva two years earlier before he fell in August while serving in reserve duty in Lebanon.
Why it matters
The delegation mixed wounded soldiers, October 7 veterans, reservists, kidney donors and parents of children with disabilities, showing how Shalva's supporters are tied to the war's aftermath. For New York City residents, the race brought a large international group to the five boroughs' streets and finish line.
The delegation of 160 runners is the group figure reported for this event, with the total fundraising figure for Shalva not yet disclosed. Shalva's final fundraising total from the run has not been reported.
The players
Shalva
Shalva is an Israeli organization that supports children and adults with disabilities and their families.
Harel Birenstock
Birenstock was an Israeli reservist who ran the marathon for Shalva before falling in Lebanon in August.
Boris Shtonda
Shtonda is a Duvdevan Unit soldier who lost his right leg in Gaza and became the first Israeli amputee to complete an Ironman World Championship triathlon.
Karni Guez
Guez is a captain in the Israeli reserves who commanded the female tank company Pere Company during the October 7 attack.
The details
Team members combined their marathon participation with fundraising for Shalva's programs. The delegation included soldiers wounded in the war, officers who fought in the October 7 battles, reservists, kidney donors and parents of children with disabilities. Birenstock's widow, Eliya, accompanied the group and waited for the runners at the finish line, while Yossi Hamani pushed his daughter Chaya's wheelchair along the course.
Timeline
August: Birenstock fell while serving in reserve duty in Lebanon.
October 7: Eric and Ruth Peretz were murdered at the Nova music festival.
Two years before this race: Birenstock ran the New York City Marathon for Shalva.
Last month: Boris Shtonda completed the Ironman World Championship triathlon in Kona, Hawaii.
Sunday: 160 Israelis ran the New York City Marathon for Shalva.
Roadmap
Participants in this delegation include soldiers wounded and officers who fought in the October 7 battles, linking the run to that attack's aftermath. The event reflects a broader pattern of wounded veterans using endurance sport to rebuild public lives and raise money for disability support.
Fans tracking the New York City Marathon can look for the Israeli delegation's results in the official race listings. Those interested in supporting Shalva can follow the delegation's fundraising efforts for the organization's programs.
The takeaway
Endurance events can carry personal and national memory, as this delegation's run in honor of a fallen officer shows. Readers following disability and veteran support can track Shalva's work as a way to see how these events translate into lasting programs.
Further reading
For more on endurance racing, see our Running coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Arutz Sheva Israel News.
