Rolling Forward: Aryeh Katz’s Journey from Tragedy to Triumph

"I was an average guy living in the Shiloh community, running a construction and building materials business. Sports were a huge part of my life, I was happily married with four sons — everything was quite ordinary," Aryeh Katz shares, setting the stage for the life-changing turn his story would take.

"About eight years ago, I went on a group bike ride through forest trails. During one of the bends, something inexplicable happened. I think I hit a rock and crashed hard, shattering my ribs and helmet," he recalls. "In an instant, I couldn’t feel my legs."

He pauses, then emphasizes, "I lost consciousness the moment it happened and missed some details, but when I came to, I remembered everything vividly."

Before the injury

"Doctor Said: 'You’re Paralyzed'"

Recalling his immediate feelings, Katz says, "I knew I’d broken my back and told everyone not to move me and call for help. Though unclear on the injury's gravity, I sensed its severity. Rescue took a while due to the remote location, leaving me in agony. All I wanted was the hospital and relief from the torture."

After reaching Rambam Hospital in Haifa, Katz awoke post-back surgery. "A doctor bluntly explained I'd broken my back and suffered spinal cord damage, resulting in 'T5' paraplegia," he says.

Such shocking news delivered in one sentence...

"Exactly. It was a complete upheaval; a healthy, athletic person’s world flipped instantly. Initially, hope remained, considering recoverable paralysis varies. Soon I realized mine was permanent unless a miracle occurred."

Katz stresses, "Never did I question Hashem, because I believe events don’t stem from divine punishment. If Hashem placed me here, then my mission is to find purpose and maximize life from this point."

Powerful sentiments! Could you articulate them immediately?

"Maybe not right away, but once I grasped my paralysis, I thought of moving forward efficiently. Hospital stints offer plenitude for introspection, and as I prayed daily, I resonated with the plea, 'Don’t bring me to trial or disgrace,' seeking strength within the ordeal."

"From the start, I focused on progression, refusing to dwell on past mishaps' despair. Life could go on differently, I realized."

With his family at the hospital

Focusing on the Bright Side

How did those around you react to the injury?

"They adjusted naturally, partly due to my outlook. It signaled how others would perceive my situation—if I showed despair, it would burden them. Instead, I chose resilience, and people mirrored this positivity."

Despite challenges, family life remains normal; focus wasn't on limits but on seizing life fully. Post-injury, work became sporadic, given paralysis creates additional neural complications, undermining regular employment commitments."

"Routine tasks take longer; however, I continue engaging with family, travel, and drive independently, shifting focus from struggles to gratitude for what is good."

At foundation’s lectures

Living Life Anew

Reflecting on early post-injury days, Katz recalls, "During hospitalization, I sought emotional support, facing paralysis is shocking, leaving one directionless. Before my injury, I hadn’t met anyone disabled. A chance introduction led me to someone 18-years paralyzed, offering perspective."

This encounter inspired 'Rolling Forward,' a foundation aiding those injured, not as professionals but by sharing lived experiences and guidance. Knowing how essential this support is, Katz remains hands-on, visiting hospitals and private homes, connecting and providing assistance beyond emotional support—navigating bureaucracies, even financial aid where possible."

Aryeh Katz with his family

"Just Roll Forward"

Since the war's escalation, Katz notably supports injured soldiers grappling with paralysis. "While surrounded by care, some prefer external solidarity, an area I focus on, particularly spinal injuries," he notes.

What's the most impactful advice you share?

"Beyond words, it's realizing life goes on. While we can’t alter the past, the future holds untapped potential. I tell of my journey and many peers’ ongoing vitality despite adversity. If you look forward, possibilities are limitless. Everyone eventually chooses positivity—no one I’ve met has failed to reclaim their lives."

Katz acknowledges individual recovery time differs, yet resilience arises from confronting pain directly when ready. "Ups and downs exist universally, but our mission is persevering and continuing to roll forward."