Kasem’s mobility hit by theft of his ebike
AN electric bike which carries an important purpose for a young disabled former Syrian refugee has been stolen.
Kasem Zarzar (14) said while he was at school in Dunedin on Tuesday, his bike was taken from behind a tree at his home in Pine Hill.
Kasem lost one of his legs in a bomb attack in Syria, and said the bike changed his life by allowing him to ride with his friends and get up and down Pine Hill.
He and his family applied for funding for the $3500 electric bike, after Kasem began to get very tired using his crutches throughout the day.
Four months later, and with the help of the Halberg Foundation, he received the bike — a day which he described as one of the best of his life.
‘‘I was so happy, words could not describe.’’
Halberg Foundation lead adviser for Otago Bridget Meyer said the bike allowed Kasem to be independent, to go to school and to hang out with his friends.
‘‘I’m gutted. They’ve been through enough without this,’’ Ms Meyer said.
Mother Nisrine Zarzar said the bike was very special for her son.
‘‘It’s very emotional for all of us to not have the bike any more.
‘‘We always thought it was so safe here,’’ Mrs Zarzar said.
Through an interpreter she said that in the same attack that took Kasem’s leg, her husband and three of her children were killed six years ago.
Mrs Zarzar said her sons Kasem and 5yearold Mohammed and their happiness were the most important thing.
Sergeant Ian Paulin said the theft had been referred to the Investigation Support Unit.
Police said anyone who saw anything suspicious should contact Sergeant John Hedges on 4714800.