In the aftermath of a terrorist attack, the public's thoughts naturally turn to those tragically killed and their families. Unfortunately, those who are "merely" wounded often have their lives upturned although their plight attracts little attention.
Benaya Peretz was seriously injured in a terrorist drive-by shooting at the Tapuah Junction in Samaria almost two years ago, and even after going through an extensive rehabilitation period, he remains confined to a wheelchair. Recently, an opportunity has opened for him to undergo a unique kind of operation abroad that promises him a 95-percent chance of being once again able to stand on his own two feet and walk.
Benaya suffered a spinal chord injury in the attack; his friend Yehuda Guetta was critically injured and later succumbed to his wounds. Benaya was left paralyzed but despite his doctors' grim predictions, saying his situation was irreversible, he has continually made progress to the point where he can exercise his limbs for up to six hours per day.
Using tremendous reserves of willpower and with great siyatta diShmaya (Heavenly help), Benaya has recovered use of his upper body. The one-of-a-kind operation being proposed now offers him an amazing chance at recovering the use of his lower limbs as well, but the cost is prohibitive, and although he was injured in a terrorist attack, the state does not officially recognize this specific operation as a recognized procedure and therefore refuses to fund it, leaving his family to bear the expense.
The operation costs around 700 thousand shekels, followed by a rehabilitation treatment process that will cost around 1.8 million shekels. In addition, various pieces of medical equipment will be needed, costing a further 450 thousand shekels, and because the operation will take place abroad, Benaya will also need foreign medical insurance costing 400 thousand shekels. Together with other associated expenses including flights and lodging, the total amounts to around four million shekels.
Ophir Peretz, Benaya's father, has made a public appeal, saying: "With great emotion and with complete faith, we are launching a campaign to raise the huge funds needed. The more people who take upon themselves to partner with us and raise money for this great goal of overcoming terrorism and setting Benaya on his feet, the greater the chance that our campaign will succeed. We need each and every one of you, so please, join us in this goal."
To help Benaya to walk again, please click here