Deya Ali: Dreams derailed
Aref Assaf
February, 19, 2010

I mourn the loss of my friend, Deya, who passed away in Germany on February 18, 2010, after a series of complications stemming from his long and brave fight to recover from an Israeli bullet's shrapnel lodged in his fragile body. In January 2003, I travelled to Jordan to bring back to the US the then 15 years old youth to be treated in NJ hospitals. Acting as his Legal Guardian, I witnessed and shared in Deya's fight for life. 

I am recalling my memory of Deya over the last seven years, details of which are known only to very few. It is an inspiring story even though fate has so untimely ended his life dreams- and boy did he have dreams!

I will miss Deya and what he so inspiringly meant to my family and myself.  His zest for life has impacted the lives of so many people and we owe him a thank-you for showing us the unyielding determination to conquer one's weaknesses.

Below are links to news articles at wish you may want to glance. I hope to soon recover from the shock of Deya's passing to pen down my memories of him.

"Ammo" Aref Assaf

Aref Assaf stands by Deya' Ali's bedside a day after his operation to reattach his pancreas to his digestive tract. Assaf, who is Ali's legal guardian while he is in the United States, is a volunteer with the Palestinian Children's Relief Fund and spends a great deal of time with the 15 year-old in his hospital room. Saturday, January 18, 2003. Herald News photo by, Kevin R. Wexler.

To see more of Deya's pictures, click here

http://njppa.bravepages.com/njppa/january/pages/Multiple%204th%20Place%20D.htm

 

 

Scars of war heal for teen

www.americanarabforum.org/scars_of_war_heal_for_teen.htm -

Give the Gift of Life

   

www.americanarabforum.org/give_the_gift_of_life.htm -

Palestinian teen looking for

www.americanarabforum.org/palestinian_teen_looking_for.htm -

Pictures and memories

www.americanarabforum.org/pictures_and_memories.htm -

One little heart at a time

www.americanarabforum.org/one_little_heart_at_a_time.htm