M., a combat soldier from an elite IDF unit's year-long recovery journey has successfully concluded this week at New York's NYU Hospital. Being severely injured during an ambush in Kibbutz Kfar Aza, M. sustained critical wounds and was left with over a hundred pieces of shrapnel embedded in his body, complicating his medical condition dramatically.
Due to the complexity of his injuries and the risks involved with traditional medical imaging techniques, M.'s treatment required specialized care beyond what was available in Israel. Belev Echad, an organization co-founded by Rabbi Uriel and Shevy Vigler, stepped in to facilitate M.'s treatment at the NYU Amputee Center in New York, led by Dr. Omri Ayalon and his team.
The significant milestone in M.'s recovery was the successful removal of a 2-inch piece of shrapnel that had been pressing against a nerve, a procedure that alleviated the soldier's excruciating pain and was pivotal to his recovery.
Reflecting on his recovery, M. shared, "Just like the song goes, 'It will be even better and better,' that's how I feel after the excellent treatment here in New York following a complex struggle over the last year."
Rabbi Uriel Vigler reflected on the broader impact of M.'s recovery, saying, "M.'s return to health is not just a personal victory but a profound reminder of our duty to provide the best possible support to our soldiers, wherever it may be. It's a testament to what can be achieved when communities worldwide unite for a common cause."
Supported by a network of volunteers who aided with logistics and provided emotional support during his treatment in the U.S., M.'s story highlights the importance of international cooperation and community solidarity in addressing the severe impacts of military conflicts.
As M. reintegrates into his life in Israel, his recovery serves as an inspiring example of courage and the critical role of specialized medical care in overcoming the scars of war.
The broader impact of war injuries
The challenges faced by M. are not isolated. As of October 2024, the IDF reported a total of 5,184 soldiers wounded since the beginning of the war in Gaza. Additionally, from the onset of ground operations in Lebanon on October 1,910 soldiers were evacuated to northern hospitals, with 140 of them already integrated into rehabilitation programs — a 50% increase compared to last month's figures. Remarkably, about 1,500 soldiers have been injured twice during the year of war.
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Most of the injuries were classified as mild, with those soldiers returning to combat after receiving medical treatment. However, these figures don't account for other security personnel such as Shin Bet agents, police officers, emergency response teams and those injured during routine security incidents.
The average annual cost for the medical treatment and financial support of a war-wounded soldier is estimated at about 150,000 NIS ($41,618) per person. The data underscores the ongoing need for substantial support systems for these individuals, highlighting the critical role of organizations like Belev Echad in extending care beyond borders to ensure that every soldier receives the necessary treatment to recover and thrive after such severe injuries.