Translation of Israel Hayom article, written by Hanan Greenwood
Shortly after Israel’s gates were opened to tourists, members of the Friends Organization of Beit Halochem in Toronto arrived on a bike journey with disabled veterans and victims of terrorism – Courage in Motion. They made it all the way up to the Golan Heights as well as other routes, while being exposed to Israeli heroism. Among the cyclists, Israel’s MTB champion, who has participated in the ride for the ninth consecutive year. We joined this impressive ride up the Golan.
“Today is a big day,” said Ofer Eden, an amputee cyclist, standing next to his massive mountain bike, just after finishing a ten-kilometer hike from the Sea of Galilee to Mitzpe Gamla. “Today at 13:30 I mark exactly 48 years since my right hand flew across the Suez Canal and my left hand was cut. I was 19 years old, a paratrooper, and since then I have been celebrating this day as my second birthday.”
A special “birthday” – Ofer Eden marks the 48th anniversary of when he was wounded in battle. (Photo: Eyal Margolin Ginny)
The weather that welcomed the riders on the second day of the Courage in Motion 2021 journey was perfect. After the rainy Sunday, the sky cleared and allowed the riders to make the massive ascent from the Sea of Galilee to the Golan Heights with relative ease. Just moments after the opening of Israel’s borders to visitors, dozens of Canadian cyclists arrived in Israel from Beit Halochem Canada on the traditional bike journey in which they ride alongside disabled and victims of terrorism, as well as members of the Israeli cycling team Startup Nation.
This year, Israelis and Canadians rode together between 50 and 120 kilometers daily, in different levels of difficulty across northern Israel, along with a tour of amazing historical sites in the Galilee, Tiberias and the Golan Heights. They also attended a Givati Brigade drill. In addition, participants took part in group activities such as a sunrise ride in the Hula Valley, a sunset cruise with disabled veterans, and an amazing evening with Israeli heroes who shared their inspirational stories.
Moti Cohen, a member of Beit Halochem Jerusalem who rides a hand bike, said that he is used to hard ascents and even enjoys them. “I’m used to the climbs, I like them. The riding was fine, at first a little hard, but the body warms up and then everything is fine.” Zeis Abitbul from Beit Halochem Be’er Sheva, was also well prepared for the task. “I have been riding in this project for seven years,” said Abitbul, who was wounded in the first Lebanon War. “I also made this ascent a year and two years ago – I’m well prepared for it,” he added, while getting ready to ride near the shores of the Sea of Galilee.
Avner Cohen, who was seriously injured in the leg during his military service, says that he is an avid rider and also runs marathons. “Sport does me good, it reassures me. My friends laugh that if I had not broken my leg, it would be hard to know what the marathon results would be. I ride regularly, run, and swim – a large part of my day is dedicated to sporting activity.”
In addition to the “regular” bikes, some of which are well suited for riders, there were also two pairs of tandem bikes riding. Salomon Bitton, disabled veteran who lost his eyesight during his military service, points out that riding does him only good. “I lost my sight after 29 years of service in the military, so I ride a tandem bike – there is the captain leading and I am the “stoker” in the back – giving the power and the work.
There is no fear in such a ride, though I do not see. People who have lost the light of their eyes have other senses through which we know how to get around – the hearing, the vibration of the bike, the smell of the ground. What is missing in my eyes, I get from my friends.”
Fighting for every mile
Along the ascent to Beit Gamla, many cyclists trailed, crossing the challenging kilometers. After a few minutes of waiting, the first rider arrived, flew past us and returned for a moment for another lap. Many others followed, including riders from Canada and Israel. “This is the 12th time I’m riding with Beit Halochem,” says Danny Shea, a Toronto resident. “I come every year and look forward to it. This is the highlight of my year. I really like to dedicate myself to this goal. I look at it this way – if my great-grandparents had come to Israel instead of to Canada, it could have been me without a hand or a leg.”
Carolyn Turner Cohen, also from Toronto, took advantage of the break at the lookout to upload a video to the social network. “This ride is amazing; cycling alongside our veterans and friends,” she tells us. “This is the first time I’m here from Beit Halochem. It’s fascinating. I just want to come back again.”
Around Ofer Eden, a number of riders gathered at the stop, and he was happy to explain to them about his second birthday, the day the injury changed his life. “I am an industrialist and entrepreneur and have set up factories all over the world. For me part of my rehabilitation is to do all kinds of crazy sports – I do rock climbing on an off-road bike, I paddle on SAP. As for myself, the injury made me a better person. Had I not been wounded, I would not have succeeded in building factories or inventing patents. This hand made me think outside the box, being better than other people. Of course, I do not recommend anyone to remove the hand, but for me it helped in life,” he smiles. Eden closed his last factory some time ago, and now he gives lectures in schools about entrepreneurship in Israel and about his injury.
Besides the riders from Beit Halochem in Israel and Canada, there were also professional cyclists on the trip, including Noga Korem, the Israeli champion in Enduro-style mountain biking, who returned about two weeks ago from the World Championships in Scotland, which she finished in fifth place. “This is the ninth year I have been participating in this mission. It is an amazing venture and I have been doing it since I was in the army. It is great fun to see our fighters give their best and the guys who came all the way from Canada to donate. It is very inspiring to see the Israeli heroes who don’t give up and fight to be like everyone else.”
“We were disappointed to stay home last year and organizing this year’s ride has certainly been challenging, too,” said Lisa Levy, Beit Halochem Canada’s Executive Director and an annual ride participant. “However, it is extremely gratifying to watch Canadian cyclists ride alongside and connect with our Israeli veterans. The patience of the Canadians during the evolving situation, including Israel opening, closing, and opening again, has been exceptional. Several have commented that their efforts pale in comparison to the resilience of our Beit Halochem members in the face of adversity. The solidarity we demonstrated is much appreciated; especially during times of challenge; sustaining a sense of belonging and mutual responsibility takes on greater significance.”
See more images, watch a video and read the original Israel HaYom article in Hebrew here.