FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[8/26/25]
Chicago, Illinois – The Israel ParaSport Center is proud to announce a transformative $2 million pledge from Cathi and David Luski to support the revitalization of the Center’s historic Aquatic Center. This generous commitment includes a $1 million outright gift and a $1 million matching challenge designed to inspire others to help raise the final funds needed to complete the project.
An earlier campaign secured significant funding to begin the Aquatic Center’s renewal, but in the aftermath of October 7 and the ongoing war, construction costs have surged, leaving a critical shortfall. The Luski Family’s pledge and partnership in launching the Double Dive Matching Campaign will close this gap and ensure the Aquatic Center’s transformation is completed in full, ready to serve Israelis with disabilities for generations to come.
“Alongside being a generous gift, the Luski family’s contribution serves as a call to action for others to join us in investing in the lives of Israelis with disabilities,” said Jon Michelon, U.S. President of the Israel ParaSport Center. “It sends a powerful message of solidarity with Israelis and shows a deep commitment to helping them heal and thrive, especially after the tremendous hardships following October 7.”
The Double Dive Matching Campaign aims to raise the final $2 million required to complete the renovation. All donations to the Luski Aquatic Center campaign will be matched dollar-for-dollar.
At a recent Family Fun Day in New York announcing the campaign, Stephanie Gottlieb, daughter of David Luski, reflected on her family’s connection to the Center’s mission:
“The Center gives people the tools to rebuild their lives. But it’s not just about sports, it’s about dignity. It’s about confidence. It’s about creating a space where people are seen for their strength, not their limitations. Where kids who’ve been told ‘you can’t’ suddenly realize, ‘I can.’ Where families find hope again.”
For decades, the Aquatic Center has been the first stop in the rehabilitative journey for thousands of Israelis with disabilities. In the water, they begin to rebuild strength, mobility, and confidence, supported by expert coaches and surrounded by a community that understands their challenges and celebrates their progress.
The revitalization will include a complete renovation of the Atlanta Community Semi-Olympic Pool and Jimmy Caplan Children’s Hydrotherapy Pool, including new mechanical rooms with state-of-the-art filtration, heating, and plumbing systems, and the installation of solar panels to improve energy efficiency and reduce long-term costs. The project will also add key accessibility enhancements, ensuring the space is welcoming and functional for every participant.
To learn more or make a matched donation, visit:
www.israelparasport.org/aquatic-center
About the Israel ParaSport Center
Founded in 1960, the Israel ParaSport Center empowers Israelis with disabilities through a wide range of rehabilitative, athletic, and social programs at its Ramat Gan campus and Be’er Sheva satellite. Today, the Center is a global leader in adaptive sports, serving thousands of Israelis each year and providing vital support to victims of October 7 and those affected by the ongoing war.
Visit us at www.IsraelParaSport.org