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Yousuf returns to beach with new lease of life

Returning once again to Jumeirah Beach, his favourite location in Dubai, Yousuf Halahla cuts quite a different figure to when he last visited in June.

  • By Zoi Constantine, Staff Reporter
  • Published: 00:00 August 22, 2006
  • Gulf News

  • Now... Yousuf Halahla at the Jumeirah Open Beach this week moving comfortably on his crutches.
  • Image Credit: Megan Hirons/Gulf News
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Dubai: Returning once again to Jumeirah Beach, his favourite location in Dubai, Yousuf Halahla cuts quite a different figure to when he last visited in June.

Yousuf's once bent legs are now straight and although the metal external fixatures appended to his lower legs remain, he is able to move around on his crutches with ease.

Earlier in the summer, the same location was the site of Yousuf's first trip to the beach in his thirteen years.

For his entire life, this young Palestinian has been prevented from reaching the sea due to the widespread closures imposed by the Israeli military, barring access to the beach for most Palestinians in the West Bank.

Access to healthcare is also restricted. As such, in early June Yousuf travelled to Dubai from the Palestinian town of Hebron through the Palestine Children's Relief Fund (PCRF), to undergo treatment at the International Modern Hospital under the guidance of Dr. Marc Sinclair of the Dubai Bone and Joint Centre.

"We are so happy that Yousuf has been given this opportunity and we are now working towards the next child coming," said PCRF spokesperson Nadia Wehbe.

"Having Yousuf in Dubai has shown people that they really can do something to help."

Over two months have now passed since his marathon nine-hour operation and Yousuf's improvement is clearly visible.

"Everyday I feel stronger and I am walking and moving around more and more," Yousuf told Gulf News, walking along the boardwalk at Jumeirah's crowded Open Beach.

"I love being at the beach and it is not even too hot. It is so beautiful here and full of people."

According to Dr. Sinclair, as Yousuf enters his final stage of recovery, the most important thing is for him to be on his feet as often as possible.

"He needs to keep walking around and next week I will be able to see whether the bone has become hard and solidified yet," he said. "At that stage we can make the decision as to whether to take off the frames on his legs."

Yousuf explained that because he has been immobile for much of his time in Dubai, he has focused his attention on what he does best; drawing.

According to PCRF, the organisation is hoping to stage a showing of the budding, young artist's work. However, he has also picked up new skills.

"I love the Indian language and have been trying to practice Hindi with people. That is the next language I want to learn," Yousuf said.

However, both Yousuf and his mother Kareema continue to miss their family in Hebron. For Kareema it has been particularly difficult to be away from her four other children.

"My life would be a lot better if I was at home in Palestine with my children and husband," she said. "My children miss me too much. But we have to do this for Yousuf," she added.

Contact

To get in touch with PCRF, call Nadia Wehbe on 050 6247263

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