All she needs is love
A suicide bomber exploded next to her in a pizzeria when she was 16. Her best friend was killed and she was severely injured. Today she is 22, independent, creative and lively. She refers to herself as 'Happy Hila' and is out to find love
Hila Damari of Kiryat Gat was only 16 when a suicide bomber exploded next to her while she was sitting with her best friend in a pizzeria in the settlement of Karnei Shomron.
Her best friend, Rachel Tal, was killed. Hila was injured and laid unconscious for 11 days. She was hospitalized for three months and then went through nine months of rehab at Beit Levinstein.
Yet, the nickname she chose for her card on the dating site 'Love Davka' that caters for disabled individuals is 'Happy Hila'.
In the photos she is smiling. "I am totally independent," says Hila, who is 22 today. "I completed 12 years of school, have a driver's license and my own car. I've lived alone and work as an artist."
Obviously Hila is facing difficulties but she won't let them bring her down.
"I still have shrapnel in my body and my back is scarred," she says, "but I'm not really a beach or pool person. A nail hit me in the head and I lost feeling in my right side but I do everything alone. My right hand feels numb."
Hila designs pictures using glass and wood. In her free time she listens to music. She still sees a therapist to deal with the psychological trauma she's been through. "I'm happy, it helps me, I've recovered," she says.
Today Hila is looking for a serious relationship, hoping to get married and raise a family.
"I need someone who will respect and cherish me. That's all I need. I believe in honest communication and having fun together," she concludes.
