Palestinian with Down syndrome assaulted by Israeli troops starts school in Turkey

Muhammed al-Taweel, a 29-year-old Palestinian with Down syndrome, who became a symbol of resistance against Israeli occupation, has started school in Turkey’s Istanbul after meeting Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who issued orders to provide him with accommodation in Turkey.

A photo of Muhammed being assaulted by Israeli soldiers during West Bank protests against Trump’s declaration of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital went viral as it sparked outrage against Israel’s “barbaric” treatments of unarmed Palestinian protesters.

Appearing as a guest on the Turkish channel TVNET, Muhammed said he felt “very happy and safe at school” and “I want to thank everyone.”

Al-Taweel will receive Turkish language education for a year at a private school in Istanbul’s Ataşehir district before enrolling in a vocational school, Muhammed said in his interview with TVNET.

As Muhammed receives lifelong education in Turkey, psychologists assigned by the Family and Social Politics Ministry will provide him with psychological support.

While receiving his education in Turkey, Muhammed will be able to engage in a wide range of activities, such as sports, of which he said he’s an avid fan.

Muhammed’s family, who is in a poor health and financial condition with a family member diagnosed with cancer, will also receive proper healthcare and job opportunities.

Al-Tawil was detained by the Israeli forces during protests against U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and then released due to the huge reaction his arrest sparked. He was later brought to Ankara to receive medical treatment in Turkey.

The al-Tawil family was previously received by the Minister of Culture Numan Kurtulmuş, Minister of Transport Ahmet Arslan, Minister of Health Ahmet Demircan and Minister of Family and Social Policy Fatma Sayan Kaya. They were later received by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan at the Presidential Complex.