Ariel Berkowitz’s life took a dramatic turn in his late teens. Raised in a religious home in Dallas, he drifted away from faith during adolescence, embracing partying, abandoning his earlier values, and getting caught in a downward spiral. One night after drinking and attending a concert, Ariel, in a disoriented state, wandered onto a light rail track. A speeding train struck him, dragging his body and amputating both legs. By all medical accounts he was clinically dead with no heartbeat, no breathing, and no brain activity.

Yet Ariel’s story did not end there. What followed was nothing short of miraculous. Although gravely injured, he fought through surgeries, prosthetics, and intense rehabilitation. During his recovery he reconnected with his Jewish identity, returned to school, and rebuilt his life step by step. His journey eventually led him to renewed faith, personal growth, and the beginning of a new chapter, including his marriage in 2025.

Today, Ariel uses his story to inspire others. He works as a motivational speaker and shares a message of resilience, faith, and purpose. Ariel’s experiences show that tragedy can become a turning point and that strength and meaning can rise from even the most devastating moments.