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Single Handed : A Book by Hanoch Budin

Author: Hanoch Budin
Published: 2016/10/27 - Updated: 2026/02/01
Publication Type: Literature / Review
Category Topic: Publications - Related Publications

Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main - Insights, Updates

Synopsis: This memoir documents one soldier's transition from a traumatic amputation during the 1982 Lebanon War through rehabilitation to Paralympic success. Written by Hanoch Budin, who lost his right hand at age twenty during military service, the book draws from his experiences as a motivational speaker worldwide. The narrative provides authentic perspective on adaptation, identity reconstruction, and athletic achievement - including eight Olympic medals and participation in the television series Survivors. For individuals facing limb loss, rehabilitation professionals, and adaptive sports participants, the account offers practical insight into physical recovery and psychological resilience. The writing style balances personal vulnerability with actionable perspective, making it relevant for both disabled readers seeking relatable experiences and professionals working in rehabilitation settings - Disabled World (DW).

Introduction

Single Handed: Hanoch Budin's Journey After Combat Injury

Hanoch Budin's book Single Handed was born out from his numerous appearances as a motivational speaker around the world.

It is more than strange to be born again at twenty.

Within a second my life changed completely.

Words like power, strength, completeness, security, beauty and success were replaced with: injury, pain, handicapped, rehabilitation and prosthetics.

Main Content

On June 24th, 1982, another day in the Lebanon War turned into a special day for me. The explosion that took my hand also took my life plans.

I was a young soldier in the IDF's Golani unit, headed for officer training; strong, attractive, full of self confidence - and I found myself on the broiling ground laying in my own blood, without my right hand, and my face on fire. My screams cut the air and I knew I would no longer be who I was before.

That same day, laying in a hospital bed, I didn't know how to decipher my father's look; if it was one of sorrow, or of relief, that he hadn't lost me - or one that said "I accept our family's fate - that of loss and mourning." The strength he held in his broad shoulders and large hands, I have never seen in anyone else to this day. This same man was also blessed with endless warmth and emotion.

It is not easy to accept those who are different.

I don't mind drawing attention - I just want my personality to be more significant than how I look. At the beginning, I would hope that people didn't note my handicap. I would attempt to divert their attention towards the attributes of my personality - making efforts that wouldn't be needed if I had my right hand.

My story is about falling into a pit; which could have been impossible to escape and then creating a positive reality, one of strength and significance despite the circumstances - one that was potentially better than what it was before the injury.

"I have known Hanoch for many years and didn't have to read this book to know, understand and admire his struggle. But, the book is perfectly written and it gives the reader an insight of a man who decided that disability is not an issue when one decides to fight for his second chance in life. Worthwhile reading!" - Gadiel Blusztein.

Front cover of the book Single Handed written by Hanoch Budin
Front cover of the book Single Handed written by Hanoch Budin

Single Handed is Available on Amazon in Kindle and Paperback format
Language: English
ASIN: B01LYL8EOR

Insights, Analysis, and Developments

Editorial Note: What sets Budin's account apart from typical rehabilitation narratives is his unflinching examination of social perception and identity reformation. Rather than focusing solely on physical recovery, he tackles the psychological complexity of sudden disability - particularly how others' reactions shape self-perception and how personal agency can redirect that narrative. His progression from trauma victim to Paralympic medalist to television personality illustrates that adaptation isn't linear or purely triumphant, but rather an ongoing negotiation between limitation and possibility. For readers navigating their own disabilities or supporting others through similar transitions, this honest portrayal offers more than motivation - it provides a realistic roadmap that acknowledges both struggle and achievement without diminishing either - Disabled World (DW).

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APA: Hanoch Budin. (2016, October 27 - Last revised: 2026, February 1). Single Handed : A Book by Hanoch Budin. Disabled World (DW). Retrieved February 19, 2026 from www.disabled-world.com/disability/publications/single-handed.php
MLA: Hanoch Budin. "Single Handed : A Book by Hanoch Budin." Disabled World (DW), 27 Oct. 2016, revised 1 Feb. 2026. Web. 19 Feb. 2026. <www.disabled-world.com/disability/publications/single-handed.php>.
Chicago: Hanoch Budin. "Single Handed : A Book by Hanoch Budin." Disabled World (DW). Last modified February 1, 2026. www.disabled-world.com/disability/publications/single-handed.php.

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