"Each individual is born with a strength and a weakness," says Ali Abu Ganem, an Arab Israeli from Rahat who suddenly lost his sight in his youth. Ali never gave up; he quickly turned his disability into a true strength. Today, Ali is a model of success and a great pride for people with disabilities and for Israeli society as a whole. At 36 years old and the father of three children, Ali works in various fields serving others and is always willing to push boundaries. With boundless ambition, he continues to achieve his dreams and climb the ranks to reach the pinnacle of his artistic career. Portrait of a personality that does not leave one indifferent.
A strong determination
At the age of 14, Ali’s life changed dramatically. A severe eye infection left him blind. His daily routine was then filled with visits to ophthalmologists. Unable to move independently, he became dependent on his mother until the end of high school. Despite the challenges, Ali graduated with honors and chose to do his shirout leumi (national service) at Soroka Hospital, in the unit dedicated to children where he had been cared for. He then made his own way, proving he was capable of succeeding. A first victory for the young man, who worked for two years as a translator and continued as a volunteer until 2013, the year of his marriage. This first work experience as a visually impaired person gave Ali a lot of confidence and made him aware of the importance of dedicating oneself to helping others.
Ali pursued several theatrical training courses and joined local theater groups in Rahat. Noticed for his stage presence and ease by actor and director Kaid Abu Latif (artistic director of the Arab-Jewish theater Alyamama), Ali became a member of the troupe. He notably performed in the play "The Last Khan," which won the Best International Play award at the Sarajevo Festival in Bosnia in 2023. Eager for success, Ali participated in several theater festivals, including the famous annual Akko Festival.
Helping others to heal himself
Talented and determined, Ali has more than one string to his bow. He gives lectures on self-confidence, performs puppet shows for children in schools across the country, acts, and participates in various activities at the Rahat Community Center with Foad Zeadna, the center’s director who took him under his wing. This selflessness reflects his personality: Ali has a single goal—to share with others his joy of living and the lessons he has learned from his personal trials.
"God gives everyone weaknesses and strengths, and we must constantly use them wisely. We must focus on our strengths, as they allow us to become better. Personally, I don’t feel that I lack anything because I have found a way to overcome this disability. No one is perfect; it is up to us to use our intelligence to overcome obstacles and achieve our life goals," Ali tells Itonnews.
Without ever seeing those he meets, Ali can impressively read individuals within seconds. He demonstrates a rare emotional intelligence that allows him to analyze situations clearly and integrate easily into society. Very sociable and deeply empathetic towards the world around him, Ali seeks above all to convey the kindness that emanates from him.
"Thanks to God, I have achieved what I set out to do. I want to prove that no disability can prevent us from flourishing; it’s all a matter of will. The body is not a limit; only the mind can be. Every individual has the power to change their destiny through their inner strength. Life doesn’t wait for us; we must choose to move forward and not dwell on our misfortune," he concluded.
Caroline Haïat
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