In a shocking incident in Burlington, Vermont, three Palestinian students were shot as they walked to a Thanksgiving dinner, leaving one of them paralyzed from the chest down. Hisham Awartani, a 20-year-old Brown University student, was among the victims and now faces a lifetime of rehabilitation.

The attack took place on November 25, when Awartani and his friends, Kinnan Abdalhamid and Tahseen Ali Ahmad, were conversing in English and Arabic. Without warning, a gunman approached them and opened fire, leaving them in shock and pain. Awartani's mother, Elizabeth Price, described the past six days as "gut-wrenching and difficult" for their family.

Jason J. Eaton, a 48-year-old resident of Burlington, appeared in court on Wednesday, facing three counts of attempted murder. Prosecutors are now examining Eaton's electronic devices in search of a motive for the attack.

Awartani's injuries are particularly severe, with a bullet lodged in his spine. As a result, he is paralyzed from the chest down and is unlikely to regain movement in his legs. His release from the hospital is expected next week, marking the beginning of his lifelong rehabilitation journey.

Despite these challenges, Awartani's family is confident in his ability to overcome them. According to his mother, Awartani has shown remarkable determination and resilience throughout this ordeal. She expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support from people worldwide.

The motive behind the attack remains unknown. However, Awartani's friends and family believe that they were targeted simply for being Palestinian. They issued a joint statement urging for a thorough investigation and highlighting the need for everyone, including Palestinian children, to feel safe.

Abdalhamid, who was shot in the back, managed to escape and hide in a backyard. Ahmad, who suffered a chest wound, is still undergoing treatment for his injuries. Both are expected to recover.

To support Awartani's medical expenses, a GoFundMe campaign was set up, with an initial goal of raising $1 million for the next year. The campaign received an overwhelming response, raising $240,000 within 24 hours. Awartani's family has pledged to utilize any excess funds to assist other Palestinians in need.

As the investigation continues, authorities are working with the FBI to determine if the attack should be prosecuted as a hate crime. Meanwhile, the victims' families are left grappling with the emotional aftermath of this horrific incident.

The shooting in Vermont has sparked outrage and calls for solidarity with those affected by dehumanization and violence. Awartani's mother believes that her son, despite his paralysis, possesses the spirit, mind, and compassion to make a positive impact and bring about change in the world.

This tragic event serves as a reminder of the importance of fostering a safe and inclusive society, where people of all backgrounds can live without fearing acts of violence based on their ethnicity or nationality.