25 years after nearly dying in terror attack, soldier will run Jerusalem marathon

An Israel Defense Forces veteran, who was badly wounded in a terror attack 25 years ago, will run in this year's International Jerusalem "Winner" marathon on March 17.

Ariel Peretz was 19 years old when a terrorist rammed his car into the Tapuah junction, where he was on guard duty in the West Bank, nearly killing him. 

"I remember the town officer knocking on the door to deliver the news," Ariel's brother Ohad, 41, told ALL ISRAEL NEWS. "Then, I went downstairs to turn on the TV and heard a short and unclear report."

What was clear was that his brother was severely hurt. 

Despite all odds and after years of rehabilitation, Ariel recovered enough to get a job and eventually start a family. However, he still suffers from severe balance issues that prevent him from carrying large objects, standing on ladders and sometimes even performing basic daily tasks.

"I am always afraid of falling," Ariel told ALL ISRAEL NEWS. Not that long ago, he fell and broke his leg.

Miraculously, when he runs, "the whole balance issue goes away."

"It is like a person who mumbles, but everything comes out clearly when he sings," said brother Dror, 30, who will run in the race, too. "He runs without falling - and this is a man who, on a regular day, cannot stand up."

Ariel, 44, started running four years ago, following in the footsteps of Dror, Ohad and his other brother, Lior, 39. He would watch them run together and wanted to try to. Ariel said he was nervous but hoped that he would manage. At first, he ran only a kilometer, but with his brothers' support, he was able to complete the Tel Aviv half-marathon in 2020 and the Jerusalem half-marathon in 2022.

This year, the Peretz brothers will run the half-marathon together once again.

The Jerusalem Marathon began for 13 years ago, bringing together hundreds of thousands of participants from Israel and worldwide. Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion called the marathon "one of the most remarkable sports events in Israel, while enjoying an unforgettable running experience that includes getting to know significant landmarks in the history of Jerusalem."

The Jerusalem race is considered one of the most beautiful and challenging in the world.

Runners will follow a path through ancient and modern history, including the Old City, the Knesset, the President's House, the Supreme Court, the Israel Museum, Khan Theater, Sultan's Pool and Hebron and Bethlehem roads.

Ariel said that running has made him stronger both physically and mentally. Off the running path, he still struggles daily with his balance. However, he said the better shape he is in, the better his balance becomes.

"Running motivates me to do many more things," Ariel said. "Daily life improves all around. I can better see the cup half full instead of half empty."

The marathon also serves as motivation for his brothers, who might be able to run faster without him but stick by him the whole way throughout the race.

"The fact that he was injured 25 years ago and today he can run is exceptional," Dror said. "It seems crazy, but it shows people can do things they never thought possible. 

"We thought Ariel would never stand," he continued. "Watching him cross the finish line at Sacher Park is so emotional and exciting. It is a moment you cannot forget."