Inspirational: Disabled IDF and Cyclists from Canada on a Hundred Kilometers Journey to the North | Israel today

"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, a paratrooper, and since then I have been celebrating this day as my second birthday."

The weather that promoted the riders on the second day of the “Courage in Traffic 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 the Warrior House on the occasion of the traditional bicycle trip in which they ride alongside IDF disabled and victims of terrorism, as well as members of the Israeli cycling team Start-up Nation.

A special birthday.

Ofer Eden and his special bicycle, Photo: Eyal Margolin Ginny

Preparing for riding, Photo: Eyal Margolin Ginny

Riding like a stick, Photo: Eyal Margolin Ginny

This year, Israelis and Canadians rode together between 50 and 120 kilometers daily, according to different levels of difficulty in the north of the country, along with a tour of amazing historical sites in the Galilee, Tiberias and the Golan Heights, and participation in the Givati ​​Brigade exercise.

Beyond the ride, participants took part in group activities such as a sunrise ride in the Hula Valley, a sunset cruise with IDF disabled people, and an amazing evening with Israeli heroes who shared their inspirational stories.

Moti Cohen, a member of the Warrior House in Jerusalem who rides a hand bike, said that he is used to massive 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."

Jayce Abitbul from Be'er Sheva was also well prepared for the task.

"I am riding this project for the seventh year," said Abitbul, who was wounded in the first Lebanon war.

"I also made this ascent a year and two years ago - well prepared for the task," he said while getting ready to ride near the shores of the Sea of ​​Galilee.

Salomon Bitton on the tandem bike, Photo: Eyal Margolin Ginny

"Normal for ascents."

Moti Cohen from Jerusalem, Photo: Eyal Margolin Ginny

Group photo in Mitzpe Gamla, Photo: Eyal Margolin Ginny

Success the Great Aliyah, Photo: Eyal Margolin Ginny

Avner Cohen, who was seriously injured in the leg during his military service, says that he rides a bicycle and runs marathons.

"Sport does me good, reassures me. My friends laugh that if I had not broken my leg one would not know what would have happened in the marathon results. I ride regularly, run, swim, a large part of my day is a sporting activity."

Alongside the "regular" bikes, some of which are well-suited for riders, there were also two pairs of tandem bikes riding.

Salomon Bitton, an IDF invalid who lost his sight during his military service, says that riding does him only good. 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 terrain.

What is missing in my eyes, my friend gives. "

Salomon Bitton, Photo: Eyal Margolin Ginny

Leap in Aliyah, Photo: Eyal Margolin Ginny

Riders from Israel and Canada side by side,

Dozens of riders up the Golan, Photo: Eyal Margolin Ginny

Fighting for every mile

Along the ascent to Beit Gamla, many cyclists trailed 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 riders from Israel.

"This is the 12th time I've ridden with the Warrior House," 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 Landa it could have been me without a hand or Foot".

Carolyn Turner Cohen, also a Toronto resident, took advantage of the break at the lookout to upload a video to the social network.

“This ride is amazing, riding alongside our veterans and friends,” she tells us.

"This is the first time I'm here from the Warrior House. It's amazing. I just want to come back again."

Noga Corem, Israeli champion in enduro riding, Photo: Eyal Margolin Ginny

We have already passed ten kilometers, another 60 to pass, Photo: Eyal Margolin Ginny

Two of the riders in a tandem bike, Photo: Eyal Margolin Ginny

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 jump on rocks with an off-road bike, paddle on SAP. For me the injury made me a better person. If I was not injured I would not set up factories "Inventing patents. The hand made me think outside the box, being better than other people. Of course, I do not recommend anyone to take out the hand, but for me it helped in life," he smiles.

Eden closed his last factory some time ago, and now he dedicates himself to lectures on industry in Israel and his injury to the IDF and schools.

Along with the riders from the warrior houses in Israel and Canada, there were also professional riders on the trip, including Noga Korem, the Israeli enduro-style mountain bike champion, 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 campaign. It is an amazing venture and I have been participating in it since I was in the army. It is great fun to see our fighters give in and the guys who came all the way from Canada to donate. And fight to be like everyone else. "

Salomon Bitton, Photo: Eyal Margolin Ginny

Giving each other strength to continue its rise, Photo: Eyal Margolin Ginny

Lisa Levy, CEO of the Canadian Warrior House, who also participated in the trip said, “We were very disappointed that we had to stay home last year, and this year too the organization of the trip was definitely challenging.

However, it is so satisfying to watch Canadian cyclists ride alongside Israeli disabled IDFs. The patience of Canadians during the period when the entrance to Israel was repeatedly opened and closed was exceptional. Some said their efforts were small compared to the resilience of IDF disabled members. Who face painful challenges.

The solidarity we demonstrated is much more appreciated precisely in times of challenge.

The sense of belonging and mutual responsibility takes on greater significance. "