Khaled’s story: Rehabilitation and recovery

In July 2023, Khaled*'s life changed forever.  

A bullet to his neck left him paralyzed, wiping away his memory of the event and anchoring him in a haze of loss. It came just a month after his brother's tragic death, deepening his family's grief. His last recollection before slipping into a two-month coma was ordinary: a trip to the market to buy food for his dog.  

When he awoke in a hospital bed, the world as he knew it had changed. His body was immobilized, and he could not move. Over six months, Khaled participated in 32 rehabilitation sessions -- half focused on physical therapy, the other half on occupational therapy, courageously taking on the challenges of recovering from his injuries.

With the support of the Government of Canada through the Humanitarian Coalition, Humanity & Inclusion Canada joined with the Al-Jaleel Society to provide care to those injured by escalating violence in the West Bank**, including Khaled.  

While he has made progress through rehabilitation, Khaled still experiences speech difficulties and weakness in his left upper extremity, impacting his overall functioning. His care has significantly improved his quality of life -- and despite the challenges of rehabilitation, he remains committed to his home exercise program, viewing therapy sessions as integral to his routine.

"Recovery isn't easy," admits Khaled. "But I'm committed to it, thanks to the support of those around me."  

The sessions were held in a place that carried a bittersweet familiarity: the same building where he had attended kindergarten two decades earlier. In the rooms that had once echoed with his childhood laughter, Khaled was now working to reclaim his body and voice.  

''Despite the adversities I've faced, I choose to stay hopeful," says Khaled. "Maintaining high spirits is essential to my rehabilitation journey." 

*A pseudonym was used for security and privacy reasons

**The Humanitarian Coalition's Gaza Humanitarian Emergency includes program response in both Gaza and the West Bank.