A Tribute to the Palestinian Heroes on Wheels

I know a lot of you are not interested in seeing pictures of people without legs, and you are running through life so fast you’re not aware of us in wheels.

Yet, 15% of the world population is disabled, and unfortunately in Palestine, due to attacks, wars, assaults on Gaza many are wheelchair bound. Which does not stop them in having a life as normal as possible.

Become a father like Rani Bornat the hero of Bil’in omni present at every demo there, who got triplets! Or become a photographer like Moamen Qreiqea who refuses to stop “shooting”!

Hence, even the most famous disabled became a Sheikh! We don’t choose our fate and sometimes it is hidden in a tiny accident for Sheikh Ahmad Yassin became quadriplegic during sports at young age. His life, ended with an Israeli pinpointed drone attack killing him in his wheelchair.

Take a moment and remember: Becoming wheelchair dependent happens quite easily actually. Forever, or sometimes, if lucky, only for a while when one breaks a leg. But chances one grows old and ill is a plausible chance for all. But we are still people like everyone else.

Despite all, the Palestinian heroes on wheels go on.

Through the checkpoints. To the protests. Defy the threats, dangers and maltreatment of the Israeli occupation. Many lack supplies or decent aid yet go on. Even continue to work in circumstances you would not even imagine or your government provides you with a allowance so you won’t have to work. Yet in Palestine many need to. By washing cars, women making crafts. Become (photo)journalists and more. They get married, get kids, do sports like everyone else and even shine at the Paralympics.