I remember that moment vividly. It was Sunday, כ' אייר תשפ"א. I was on my way back to the Yeshiva Gvohah [Torah study center] in Itamar, where I studied. I was standing with my friend Yehuda Guetta HY'D at Tapuah Junction when suddenly I saw a suspicious vehicle approaching us. Inside it was an assassin who yelled "Allahu Akhbar" and started shooting at us. Fortunately, I managed to spin around but then I fell.
Afterwards I saw my friend on the ground as well.
I was evacuated to Belinson Hospital in critical condition. When I regained consciousness, I realized that a bullet had hit my spine and that I was paralyzed in my entire body.
Some of the doctors said that I didn't stand a chance of ever walking again, but I'm not someone who gives up easily.
From that moment until today I have been going through a rehabilitation process and I have never stopped exercising, for between four and six hours a day.
Thank God, I'm making progress and have regained the use of my upper body, and my stability has improved. But my biggest dream is to walk again like I used to.
I want to live a full life, without needing a wheelchair. And maybe it will finally happen because of you.
In the hospital, they suggested that I undergo an innovative and revolutionary surgery in Thailand which has proven itself in a few experimental cases. Unfortunately, this particular surgery isn't offered in Israel.
The surgery will include a special treatment which is supposed to irritate my local nervous system and restore my ability to walk, with God's help. This surgery and the following rehabilitation program involve staying in Thailand for a year with everything that entails.
I want to go for it, but the cost is extremely high. But it's a tremendous opportunity to overcome my injuries and return to full function.
I believe in you, and ask you to help me make it a reality, so I'll be able to defeat terrorism and walk again.
It's one small step for you,
One giant leap for me.
Thank you,
Bnaya.