Experiencing Courage in Motion

Elyse Rotkop thanks the supporters of the riders
who took part in the 2009 Courage in Motion journey

I must disclose to you how magical this particular experience was to me physically, psychologically, emotionally and spiritually.

Photo by Idan Peled Click here to see more.

On one evening, we toured Beit Halochem in Tel Aviv. Funds received from donors such as yourselves help equip and run the programs at the Centre. There are tennis courts for people in wheelchairs, an olympic-size pool, billiards, physiotherapy area, dancing, basketball and the list goes on. Many of these athletes also compete in the Paralympic Games and could whoop any one of us!

The food and hospitality in this country never ends. We watched a doubles tennis match, basketball game and dance all performed by people in wheelchairs and we had some veterans get up and tell their stories … not a dry eye in the house.

The ride was CHALLENGING. The temperatures were in the 40s and the wind (if there ever was any) felt like a hair dryer on hot being blown down your throat. Many of the veterans rode their 60-70 kms on specially made bikes — purchased with Canadian donations — that allowed them to "pedal" with their hands and arms. Because they rode close to the hot asphalt, their temperature was probably about 5-8 degrees higher. I got overheated just looking at them.

Riding by using upper body strength rather than the lower body is way harder, and the hills and distances were unforgiving. There were also those who had no arms and/or were blind, deaf, etc., who rode tandem with a rider from Israel. Not one of them ever complained. All were totally excited that they were able to train and complete such a feat — a feat most "able bodied" people would never even attempt!

There wasn't a day during the ride when I didn't shed a tear. Not from anything other than watching these amazing people push through their barriers with pride and dignity. It is with sincere humble gratitude that I thank you again for supporting this ride and pray that one day there will not be such a great need for an organization like Beit Halochem.

Join us next year and experience Courage in Motion firsthand, October 10-14, 2010.

Important notice: If you have left a bequest to us or are planning to leave us a gift in your will, PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOUR LAWYER RECEIVES THIS INFORMATION.

We are the only organization in Canada that supports the disabled Israeli veterans and victims of terror through rehabilitation at centres in Israel. Our name and address are:

Beit Halochem Canada, Aid to Disabled Veterans of Israel
1600 Steeles Ave. W, Suite 219, Concord, ON L4K 4M2
905-695-0611, 1-800-355-1648