A blind man who emigrated from Ethiopia on Tuesday gave a true example of excellence to Israel Police personnel in the Central Command. Baza Nevavah, the Ethiopian runner, Beijing Olympic athlete and mountain climber was a guest at Israel Police Central Command awards ceremony.

During the awards presentation, police surprised Baza with a visit from his father, a first in 25 years. Nevavah, who is blind from birth, moved to Israel at age 7, together with his mother, living in Rechovot. When his dad realized their son was blind he became despondent and abandoned the family. He has since moved to Israel and lives in Kiryat Malachi.

Israel Police awarded 20 top cops in the Central District, and the Ramle Lod station. In an effort to encourage police that one may reach the top, climb the mountain of success, they decided to bring Baza as a pristine example of overcoming life’s hardships.

“One needs a lot of strength and willpower to reach the top of the mountain” Baza stated, with organizers reminding participants he knows what that means literally, having scaled Mount Everest. Police however did not wish to permit the guest of honor to just make an appearance and leave, and commanders decided to help him with some closure, bringing his dad into his life after 25 years.

The two embraced, for a number of minutes, and did not let go, until the participants in the event gave them a standing ovation. More than a few policemen were brought to tears at this emotional sight.

One senior officer closed in saying, “This proves that everything is possible. You just have to want it bad enough”.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)