MANY PEOPLE FACED HUGE MEDICAL ISSUES THIS YEAR DUE TO COVID19. BāH A VACCINE WILL SOON BECOME AVAILABLE TO HELP US MOVE PAST THIS VIRUS THAT HAS TAKEN OVER OUR LIVES. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THERE IS AN AFFLICITION THAT CANāT BE SOLVED WITH A PILL?
One of the most devastating medical challenges a person can ever face is the loss of a limb. Amputation affects every aspect of life, including functionality, family, and social status. There is only one organization in all of Israel that supports adults and children suffering from limb lossāIsrael Medical FundāsāThe Next Step. It is funded by individuals like you as the Israeli Government falls short in providing the prosthetic limbs and mental health services necessary for amputees to thrive vs. simply survive.
The Next Ride is a 7-day, 200-kilometer adventure that raises money for The Next Step. Each year The Next Ride has always taken place in Israel, but because of COVID-19, Israel closed its borders. In fact, just weeks before the ride was supposed to happen, it had no home. Until Dubai not only opened its arms to this event, but because of the historic peace agreement, opened its borders to anyone from Israelāfor the very first time.
This trip would not have been possible if not for the teamwork of Sam Waldman and Shoshana Jacobs who give their hearts and souls to the organization. Congresswoman Yvette Clarke and her community liaison Eli Slavin who procured passports for cyclists (for some literally days before their flights). Team SYclist leaders Morris Beyda, Joseph Mansour, Steven Shamosh and Steven Matsas have been promoting, recruiting, and leading the fundraising efforts in our community for years. Their collective efforts helped raise $1.7 million for those in need.
So, I did something I never imagined doingāespecially in 2020. With my wife, my bike and Team SYclist we set off for Dubai.
In 90-degree desert heat and strong winds, 200 cyclists mounted up alongside 20 amputees and members of the Dubai Police Road Cycling Team. We talked about their love for America, Israel, and the Jewish people.
It was beautiful and grueling. Many cyclists said they likely would have given up if it were not for the inspiration and joyous attitudes of the amputees cycling with us. In fact, some cyclists could not finish the raceābut every single one of the amputees crossed the finish line.
In addition to two days of cycling, we were the first Jewish group to have a minyan on an Emirates flight, the largest known group to have a Shabbat gathering, had dinner with sheiks, and while enjoying the nightlife, we got to see one of the Israeli paraathletes in our group drop to one knee to propose to his girlfriend. I am still buzzing from the week-long adventure and will be for months to come.
In a year that has been so much about being home, this rare taste of travel was refreshing. I can tell you, I have achieved many PRās (personal records) and stood atop podiums at Ironman competitions and running events, but this event was more meaningful to me than any race I have done before. It reminded me, no matter the challenge, we can cross the finish line.
ARI BAUM
