Harel Heroes continues to raise awareness of inspiring stories. The initiative aims to empower and center narratives from Israeli society across various fields, including sports, unique rescue missions, and personal victories.
Yael Kadshai, 29, from the Jezreel Valley, is an athlete who has been competing in enduro (a two-wheeled motor sport) since she was young. At the age of three, Kadshai got on her first motorcycle with her father, Aviv Kadshai, who competed in the Paris-Dakar Rally. Although her first ride was not very successful and ended with a full throttle into a house wall, she persevered and has not stopped riding since. By the age of 15, she successfully completed her first enduro competition. After serving in the military as a combat soldier in the Oketz Unit, Kadshai returned to riding but in a different style—rally raid (a navigation competition in open and challenging terrain where the race is against the clock).
Kadshai's list of achievements is inspiring. In 2022, she won first place in the women's category at the Hellas Rally. In another competition, Joda Baja, also in 2022, she secured second place in the women's category. In 2023, Kadshai won first place in the women's category at the Rally De Maroc and ranked in the top third overall out of 160 riders, covering 3,500 km in the Sahara Desert over eight racing days. Additionally, at the MDC 2023, she took first place in the women's category and 11th overall out of 70 riders, completing 2,568 km in the Sahara Desert over eight racing days.
Furthermore, in January 2024, Kadshai became the first Israeli woman to participate in the Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia, recognized as the toughest motor sport race in the world. On the tenth day of the competition (out of fourteen), Kadshai experienced a crash and had to be evacuated for medical treatment. However, she does not give up, and now, after completing her rehabilitation, she is preparing for the Dakar Rally 2025 in Saudi Arabia.
As part of Harel Heroes, the Harel Group will provide Kadshai with personal sponsorship, which includes a comprehensive travel insurance package tailored to her trip and its associated challenges. In this framework, Kadshai will be equipped with a satellite phone, which will offer extensive support in emergencies through Harel 669—a rescue and recovery team consisting of leading professionals with over 20 years of experience in complex rescue missions for Harel clients in need of assistance worldwide.
Liat Sadan, Vice President of Marketing at Harel Insurance and Finance Group, stated, "We are pleased to support an inspiring woman who highlights the aspirations and efforts of exceptional female athletes in Israeli society. We are also happy to provide Kadshai with the security of Harel’s travel insurance that will accompany her to the competition. The Harel Insurance and Finance Group continues to promote stories that connect with the vision of Harel Heroes and the values of the Harel Group."