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Photo: Amit Shabi
Yoav Danguri
Photo: Amit Shabi

Soldier who beat Leukemia to serve in combat role

Yoav Danguri recovered from cancer at age of three, but refused to let it stand in his way of becoming combat soldier. After fighting IDF's regulations in court, his dream comes true

When he was just three years old, Yoav Danguri was diagnosed with Leukemia – bone marrow cancer. He battled for two years and managed to fully recover from the disease.

 

Over the past two and a half years, he was busy fighting again - this time against IDF regulations, preventing him from serving as combat solider due to his past Leukemia.

 

Since he recovered, Danguri has been healthy and excels in sports, but when he was first drafted by the IDF he was told that due to his medical history he could not serve in a combat role. Trying to turn this decision around, Yoav began knocking on all doors - but to no avail.

 

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A year ago he joined an elite unit, serving as combat support, but did not abandon his battle – five months ago he appealed the High Court of justice in order to change IDF procedures preventing him form realizing his dream.

 

Danguri told the judges, "Since I was a little boy I had a dream to become a combat pilot or an elite unit fighter." He also said he wished to contribute a lot more than he did under the current role and that he felt worn out fighting the IDF system.

 

Judges Edna Arbel, Noam Sohlberg and Hanan Melcer granted Danguri's wish and ordered the state to reexamin the complete procedure, and Danguri's personal case to be assessed by the IDF's chief medical officer, who would provide the court with an updated decision within 30 days.

 

On Tuesday, Danguri received the verdict he had hoped for. After reviewing his medical documentations, the State informed the High Court of Justice that he would be allowed to join a medium-risk combat units such as artillery, armor and antiaircraft.

  

Danguri further requested that those who have recovered from Leukemia would be allowed to join infantry elite units. 

 

Now, in light of the IDF chief medical officer's decision, he will be able to do so, providing he keeps under medical follow-up.

 

 


פרסום ראשון: 11.06.12, 10:15
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