Inspirational Stories
Pascale Bercovitch the trailblazer : “ I ’ m doing what my soul asks me to ”
Pascale Bercovitch has made it her life ' s mission to blaze her own trail . We live in a world that often pressures us to conform , but in her unapologetically unique way , she has maintained the unwavering pursuit of her dreams , defying the odds . " I ' m a person who likes to do what I like to do ," Pascale articulates . These words echo her lifelong commitment of staying true to herself . She refuses to be confined by societal expectations or labelled by her disability .
At the age of 17 , a tragic train accident resulted in the loss of both her legs . While many expected her to succumb to a life of limitations — the role society had preassigned to disabled individuals at that time — she had other plans . In her words , " I ' m not trying to do what other people are doing . I ' m trying to find my own path ." She continued , “ Today , it ' s easier to be disabled because people know what accessibility is and people care . There is less stigma around it . But 40 years ago , when I was growing up in France and had my accident , the concept was , you ' re disabled , poor thing . And people are really sorry for you but they don ’ t give you any opportunities because what can you do ? You are disabled . They believe you cannot do anything . But I pushed against that and decided I ' m going to do what I want to do .”
Pascale was determined not to let these perceived societal limitations define her . She embraced her individuality and decided to chart her own course . That journey took her to Israel at the age of 17 , a place she believed would offer equality for all . She still faced numerous hurdles but broke through the barriers that sought to keep disabled individuals from settling in Israel and went on to enlist in the army . Back then , the idea of a soldier in a wheelchair was unheard of , but Pascale was undeterred . She became the first soldier in a wheelchair in the Israeli army . Her resilience and commitment to blazing her own path were already evident .
Her trailblazing continued , taking her into the world of swimming where she excelled and even joined the national
8 Accessibilty for All
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