On May 4, 2022, professional wheelchair basketball player Asael Shabo stood in front of the citizens of Israel, told his story of triumph, and lit one of the twelve torches at the Israel Independence Day State Ceremony on Mount Herzl in Jerusalem. An integral part of the Israel Sport Center for the Disabled, this was a momentous occasion both on a personal level for Asael, and on a community level, for everyone — including his coaches, his peers, and the young athletes whom he mentors at the ISCD.
“[The ceremony] was amazing,” said Asael. “It was one of the most beautiful days of my life, combined with the best year of my life with the birth of my son. Standing on the stage and knowing that the entire nation of Israel was watching me, and imparting my important message, was very meaningful for me.”
Asael continued, “my message was one of optimism and unity — of unconditional love and, of course, of the amazing power of Paralympic sport.”
This year marks 20 years since the terror attack in Asael Shabo’s home, where his mother and three of his brothers were murdered.
“Asael represents something much bigger than himself,” said Lior Dror, ISCD’s head wheelchair basketball coach. “Hope. Hope to people in our country, that despite the wars and the terror attacks, it’s possible to continue and grow, really, much like our country does.”
ISCD CEO Boaz Kramer, offered additional praise for Asael’s achievement.
“Second only to the Israel Prize, being selected to light a torch on Israel Independence Day is one of the highest honors offered to an Israeli citizen,” said Boaz. “I cannot think of anyone more worthy than Asael.”
Every day, ISCD athlete and coach Asael Shabo remembers the day of the terror attack in his home in Itamar, and the family members he lost that day — his mother Rachel (40), and three of his brothers, Nerya (15), Tzvika (12) and Avishai (5).
Nine-year-old Asael survived the terror attack by playing dead; during the attack, he was shot and hundreds of pieces of shrapnel entered his body. As a result of his injuries, he had to have his leg amputated. His sister, Avia, who was 13 at the time, was also injured and survived. Asael’s father and two older brothers were not home at the time.
Following the vicious attack, Asael fought to recover, adapt, and gain strength to build a new life for himself. Very soon after the attack, Asael was invited to come to the ISCD. Like almost everyone at the Center, Asael’s journey began in the pool. Jumping into the pool. Jumping in the pool, he felt a sense of peace and strength that he hadn’t felt since before the attack. It didn’t take long for Asael to become an intrinsic part of the ISCD community, first as a top swimmer, and today as both a professional wheelchair basketball player and a swim and wheelchair basketball coach to the next generation.
“Life is stronger than everything,” said Boaz. “It is a cliché until you meet Asael. The boy who rose from a tragedy that’s impossible to grasp, who has had all the reasons in the world to sink into depression, hatred and darkness, and instead became a kind, loving, funny, positive, optimistic, and inspirational person.
“Asael’s victory is not the fact that he has become an accomplished athlete,” Boaz continued. “His greatest victory is the fact that he inspires others to become their best selves — whether through his place in the ISCD community, his public speaking, or just whenever anyone is lucky enough to spend time with him.”
Tal Dagan, a 15-year-old athlete at the ISCD, sees Asael as an inspiration for everyone who goes through hardships.
“Asael lighting a torch was a holiday as much as Independence Day itself,” he said. “It excited me very much seeing him reach this point, showing us that hard work pays off and in the end, people will see your efforts. Asael is the proof that you can take yourself in your hands and with motivation, you can progress to the highest levels. Asael is my friend and mentor and my partner in all my sport successes, helping me progress and helping me build confidence in basketball and beyond.”
Tal is captain of the wheelchair basketball team Asael coaches at the ISCD.
When asked how people reacted to his message, Asael said, “I received a huge hug from everyone, so many warm responses… It was amazing to feel how much love people are capable of bestowing.”
And to the ISCD’s friends in the United States, Asael said, “Your friendship towards the ISCD for over half a century has supported tens of thousands of people with disabilities throughout the years, myself amongst them, and contributes to the improvement of the lives of thousands of people with disabilities. You are helping us build a better future here in Israel, a future of social integration with improved lives of thousands of people with disabilities. And Paralympic sports in Israel has taken a leap forwards thanks to your support which helps the ISCD finance high-level equipment, coaching hours, and training in excellent conditions.”
Many of us at the American Friends of ISCD have met Asael, been inspired by his story, followed him, and cheered him on for many years. Last week was another moment of pride — watching him get up on the stage in Jerusalem, tell his story of triumph, and light one of the twelve torches during the ceremony, it is clear to us that Asael, along with the other torch-lighters, inspired an entire nation.