A Multifaceted Torchbearer

At 46, I, Pascale Bercovitch, was surprised and honored to be chosen as one of the 14 women to light the torches at the Independence Day ceremony. I believe I was chosen because I represent many different faces – that of a mother, an athlete, a journalist, a wife, a filmmaker, a writer, and a motivational speaker. And importantly, as someone with a disability, I am proud to represent the whole country.

Overcoming Challenges

My journey began in France where at the age of 17, I lost both my legs in a train accident. But just six months after having my legs amputated, my fighting spirit and passion for Israel led me to volunteer for the IDF.

“From the age of 15, I fell in love with the idea of a very small country with a very big vision… a country trying to be more clever, more equal and green than any other country.”

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